UFC 323 was amazing, but probably only if you bet on a bunch of underdogs. Merab and Pantoja looked like locks, but one broke his arm and the other suffered a thorough beating for five rounds.

It was still a pretty magical card, but we get a surprisingly mild downgrade as we prepare for UFC on ESPN 73. The main event features a showdown between Brandon Royval and Manel Kape, while other huge names such as Giga Chikadze and Kevin Vallejos grace the card.

There are some underrated spots as well, with Amanda Lemos and Gillian Robertson facing off, while MMA fans get to witness the UFC debut of Yaroslav Amosov. He’ll face perennial gatekeeper, Neil Magny.

With a pretty fun card on deck to close out the 2025 UFC season, I imagine you have interest in placing some bets. Join me as I break down the latest UFC Vegas 112 odds, highlight my favorite UFC picks, and offer predictions for every match.

Where To Watch UFC on ESPN 73?

You can watch UFC on ESPN 73 on ESPN2 and ESPN+.

When Is UFC Vegas 112?

UFC Vegas 112 will fire off this Saturday, December 13th, 2025. The Prelims get rolling at 7:00 pm EST, while the main card starts at 10:00 pm EST.

Where Is UFC Vegas 112?

Want to watch UFC Fight Night: Royval vs. Kape live and in person? Start planning your trip to Las Vegas. This week’s batch of fights takes place at the UFC APEX in Nevada.

UFC Fight Night Main Card Odds

Check out the latest UFC Fight Night odds for the Main Card, courtesy of the top sports betting sites: 

The UFC on ESPN 73 odds are pretty inviting at first glance, in particular for the main card. The main event has a clear favorite with Manel Kape figuring to be the aggressor, but we also get access to insane value with a gifted fighter like Brandon Royval.

Both Royval and Giga Chikadze stand out as clear values and possible upset picks, although I do agree they should be the underdogs in their respective bouts.

Nobody is priced north of -300 on the main card, though, so the value is solid no matter which side you roll with in these fights. That also means a lot of the UFC Vegas 112 prop bets are going to be pretty inviting.

Roll with my UFC on ESPN 73 predictions above, or read on for fight breakdowns. Want even more advice? Tap into what the best handicappers have to offer before betting on this weekend’s fights.

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UFC Fight Night Predictions For The Main Card

The main card for UFC Vegas 112 begins at 10:00 pm EST on ESPN2 and ESPN+.

Manel Kape (-255) vs. Brandon Royval (+215)

This is a classic grappler vs. striker battle, as we have the abusive Manel Kape (21-7) as a pretty hefty betting favorite to take down Brandon Royval (17-8). Kape is definitely a dangerous striker (13 KOs), but he does give up four inches in height to the rangy Royval and he loses ground in the grappling department.

Royval can hold his own standing up, but he has the clear edge on the mat, where he’s scored nine career submissions. Kape also hasn’t run into the same level of fighters Royval has on a consistent basis, while he’s been submitted twice in his career.

On the flip side Royval is as tested as they come. His only four losses since 2019 have come against Joshua Van, Alexandre Pantoja (twice), and Brandon Moreno. Give me the submission guru with way more experience (and wins) against top shelf competition at +215 odds.

Bet: Brandon Royval (+215)

Kevin Vallejos (-285) vs. Giga Chikadze (+245)

We’re getting an explosion one way or another at UFC Vegas 112, as this bout between Kevin Vallejos (16-1) and Giga Chikadze (15-5) features 20 total career knockouts between the two.

I give the early nod to Vallejos, who has been quite electrifying and continues to pass every test the UFC throws at him. He made quick work of Cam Teague in Dana White’s Contender Series in 2024, and has gone 2-0 in the UFC since.

At some point Vallejos will be tested, and to be fair, even at 37 Giga is not an easy draw. Vallejos is a big favorite due to his power and striking, but Chikadze also isn’t what he once was. Giga is just 1-3 over his last four fights, while he hasn’t finished anyone in four years.

Chikadze is still a threat and live for the finish, but I think a Vellajos finish looks a lot more likely.

Bet: Kevin Vallejos (-285)

Cezary Oleksiejczuk (-205) vs. Cesar Almeida (+175)

Next up we get a fun fight between Cezary Oleksiejczuk (16-3) and Cesar Almeida (7-1). Cezary Oleksiejczuk is just 25 and is preparing for his first UFC match ever, where he will put his power in play (9 KOs).

He made a good first impression at Dana White’s Contender Series to earn this opportunity, as he TKO’d Theo Haig. He thwarted a takedown attempt and then proceeded to batter Haig en route to a very quick win.

It’s unclear if his skill-set will translate, but he is a violent dude with quick-finishing ability and he’s 12 years younger than Almeida, who is skilled with a solid resume, but simply isn’t very active.

Almeida is also 37 years old now and was fairly underwhelming in two of his last three fights. He’s a compelling underdog, but I am betting on the younger, more violent fighter.

Bet: Cezary Oleksiejczuk (-205)

Morgan Charriere (-115) vs. Melquizael Costa (-105)

This is an evenly matched fight, just like the odds indicate. On one side is Morgan Charriere (21-11-1), who can rock anyone (13 KO wins), and reminded us of that last July when he dropped Nate Landwehr.

As powerful as Charriere can be, he is still pretty inconsistent and is just 2-2 over his last four fights. He also has to take on a strong grappler in Costa (24-7), who is in better form after winning each of his last four bouts.

Costa is a bit more versatile, while he offers comparable takedown offense and can inflict a lot of damage. He also has a two-inch height and reach edge, while his ability to navigate a deadly finisher in Julian Erosa in his last fight gives me major hope he can do something similar in this spot.

Bet: Melquizael Costa (-105)

Kennedy Nzechukwu (-125) vs. Marcus Buchecha (+105)

The last fight of the UFC Vegas 112 main card has Kennedy Nzechukwu (14-6) taking on Marcus Buchecha (5-2). I can see why the pricing is so tight, as Buchecha is going to have a clear wrestling edge, and so far that has been a good way to get to Nzechukwu.

Nzechukwu got submitted in his last bout, which put those grappling issues at the forefront. However, Walker has been on an insane tear, and Kennedy boasts a sick six-inch reach advantage in this fight.

I am willing to look past his defensive flaws, especially since he is the superior striker in this spot, and offers plenty of pop (10 KOs). Buchecha is a live dog, but with this one priced as a virtual pick’em, I am taking the guy with more experience and more proven finishing ability.

Bet: Kennedy Nzechukwu (-125)

UFC Fight Night Preliminary Card Odds

Check out the latest UFC on ESPN 73 odds for the Preliminary Card.

The UFC Vegas 112 odds are even better for the Prelims. There is one bout that has pricing a little out of control, but it’s hard to dispute Yaroslav Amosov as a huge favorite in his UFC debut. He’s going up against the 38-year old Magny, so a win feels really likely.

The key to that fight may be identifying a prop that you like. The other fights look great on paper, so it just comes down to which side you think will win. I listed my UFC Fight Night: Royval vs. Kape picks above for the Prelims, but I’ll go into greater detail below and then wrap things up with my three best bets for Saturday night.

UFC Fight Night Predictions For The Preliminary Card

The UFC Vegas 112 off with the Prelims at 7:00 PM EST on ESPN+.

Gillian Robertson (-185) vs. Amanda Lemos (+160)

The UFC on ESPN 73 Prelims could be a lot of fun judging by this relatively tight showdown between Gillian Robertson (16-8) and Amanda Lemos (15-5-1). I respect the grit of both of these fighters, but Lemos is circling the drain at age 38.

Lemos does have a mild two-inch reach edge in this spot, while she inflicts only slightly less damage with her fists. She is arguably the better striker overall, but Robertson is the far better grappler and I’m not so sure she loses that much in the striking department in this matchup.

Both fighters have taken their lumps, with most of the recent losses for Lemos coming against really good fighters – and all ending in Decisions. She has not exhibited much of a killer instinct lately (no finishes since 2022), but we know that upside exists.

Robertson has eaten more losses in her career, but she has a distinct advantage on the mat (9 submissions) and she’s only been KO’d once in her career and that came way back in 2019 against Maycee Barber. She’s been in superior form with wins in each of her last four, too.

With the pricing so closer, I very much lean toward the younger fighter that has a clear wrestling edge and is in better form.

Bet: Gillian Robertson (-185)

Joanderson Brito (-260) vs. Melsik Baghdasaryan (+220)

The odds get a bit more out of control for this matchup between Joanderson Brito (17-5-1) and Melsik Baghdasaryan (8-3). 

Brito is a pretty big favorite thanks to being three years younger and having far more experience to lean on. He also has a two-inch reach advantage and offers elite versatility as a finisher. He’s gotten outclassed by the likes of Pat Sabatini and William Gomis in back-to-back Decision defeats, but I think he’s a solid bet to bounce back here.

Melsik is simply going to be tougher to trust. His +220 moneyline is fun, but he got rocked by Jean Silva in February and Joshua Culibao submitted him two years ago. He’s just 1-2 over his last three fights, while he lacks the activity, consistency, or seasoning you’d ideally be able to lean on at this price.

I do like Melsik as a YOLO bet, but he’s been much more vulnerable to finishes. Brito’s defense should be trusted here, and he also has the leg up in the grappling department.

Bet: Joanderson Brito (-260)

Yaroslov Amosov (-400) vs. Neil Magny (+300)

We get the UFC debut of Bellator phenom Yaroslav Amosov at UFC on ESPN 73, which is reason enough to tune in. He has lost one fight in 29 matches, with a KO defeat by the hands of a very good Jason Jackson being his lone gaffe.

Amosov is an exciting finisher who should have the edge in wrestling. His power, toughness, and athleticism give him the clear edge, and the odds agree. Neil Magny is past his prime at age 38, but don’t think for a second that I don’t respect the man.

Magny refuses to die, as he’s actually looked good at times over the past couple of years, snagging finishes against Jake Matthews, Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos, and Mike Malott. Those are not easy wins, and the aging veteran continues to prove that he is not an easy out.

While true, he’s still getting pretty long in the tooth and he’s been finished 10 times in his career. The wrestling edge is not in his favor, and while Amosov has never fought inside the UFC, he has 29 fights under his belt, so he won’t be surprised by anything Magny sends his way.

Amosov’s ML is the safest bet here, but I’ll be very interested in inside the distance bets, both for Yaroslav and for this bout in general.

Bet: Yaroslav Amosov (-400)

Steven Asplund (-205) vs. Sean Sharaf (+175)

Next up is a battle between two hard-hitting heavyweights, as Steven Asplund (6-1) hopes to take out Sean Sharaf (4-1). These guys lack experience, but they do not lack power.

Asplund has five knockouts in six wins, while he impressed in the DWCS by TKO-ing Anthony Guarascio extremely quickly. He has three finishes in the first round in just six fights, while his lone loss came by submission.

Sharaf has less experience and is the underdog in this spot, but he’s been just as dangerous with his fists, as he got off to a 4-0 start (all KOs). He didn’t look ready for the big time in his UFC debut against Junior Tafa, of course, as he got TKO’d at UFC Fight Night 244 in October of 2024.

I think this one can still go either way, as both of these guys have plenty of power and will go for the KO. I can see why that might have some leaning toward the guy with the +175 odds, but I think Asplund is the safer bet.

Bet: Steven Asplund (-205)

Luana Santos (-125) vs. Melissa Croden (+105)

We get a match with really tight odds when Luana Santos (9-2) and Melissa Croden (7-2) go head-to-head. This one leans Croden’s way on paper, as she dishes out a ton of damage with her fists, is the more accurate striker, and also has slightly better takedown offense.

Croden’s recent form is strong, too. Her only loss in her last six matches came against the skilled Jacqueline Cavalcanti, while she’s been dominant lately. She’s won each of her last three fights (all by stoppage), with the most recent one being a last second finish of Tainara Lisboa at UFC Fight Night 262.

All of that does put Croden in play as a compelling underdog, but I ultimately still lean toward Santos, just because she’s been proving it at the UFC level for longer. Casey O’Neill did trip her up two fights ago, but she bounced back by submitting Lisboa (poor girl) in her last fight, while she is off to a solid 4-1 start under the UFC banner.

Santos has the grappling and experience edge, while she’s also nine years younger. This is a tough one to call, but Santos feels like a good value in a virtual pick’em.

Bet: Luana Santos (-125)

Guilherme Pat (-185) vs. Allen Frye Jr. (+160)

Next up is a showdown between Gulherme Pat (5-0) and Allen Frye Jr. (6-0); two undefeated fighters who will look to stay perfect when they face off.

Pat is four years older and the betting favorite. He has a compact striking style and is a physical specimen. He does leave openings to take unnecessary shots, but he is a violent striker with four knockouts in five wins.

Frye Jr. is just as dangerous. He’s tall and long like Pat, and he is not afraid to stand and trade. So far, so good, as he has six KOs in six fights – four of which have come in the first round.

This one honestly feels like it’s a toss up and can go either way. Given that, I’ll go with the guy who has done nothing but knocked dudes out and offers more value.

Bet: Allen Frye Jr. (+160)

Tereza Bleda (-145) vs. Jamey-Lyn Horth (+125)

Lastly, we have a bout between Terez Bleda (7-1) and Jamey-Lyn Horth (8-2). Horth has slightly more experience, and she is extremely tough. She’s a fairly versatile finisher and has yet to be stopped early.

Horth does not consistently dominate, of course, and so far she is just 3-2 inside the UFC. Her two losses came against solid talents in Veronica Hardy and Miranda Maverick, while she has nice wins over Vanessa Demopoulos and Ivana Petrovic. Needless to say, she’s a tough one to figure out, but in the UFC she simply has not been able to end fights early.

You can obviously say the same for Bleda, who will be favored despite being just 1-1 in the UFC with no finishes to her name under the promotion. She is still a versatile fighter with four career finishes, while she did bounce back from a TKO loss to Natalia Silva in her debut.

Ultimately, I think this is more evenly matched than most will care to admit. Horth is underrated and tough, but can’t be trusted to end fights early. Bleda’s only loss was to a really good fighter and she responded like a pro. I think she has more natural talent and superior upside, making her an appealing value at -145.

Bet: Tereza Bleda (-145)

The Best UFC Fight Night Picks

he following is our best UFC Vegas 112 picks for this weekend’s event:

• Brandon Royval (+215)
• Kevin Vallejos (-285)
• Yaroslav Amosov (-400)

I assume the risk with betting against an explosive striker like Manel Kape, but he has a weakness, and it’s his floor game. He has been submitted twice before and Royval is too experienced and too crafty for me to bypass at this +215 price tag.

Admittedly, a KO or inside the distance prop bet is the preferred wager for the Kevin Vallejos fight, but if you’re just looking for the fight prediction, he’s going to be the winner. He is a nasty finisher who is very much on the rise, while Giga is trending in the exact opposite direction.

Lastly, I really like Amosov in his UFC debut. Much like Vallejos, we can certainly target various props here, with an inside the distance bet being the one that makes the most sense. He gets professional gatekeeper Neil Magny, while Amosov is an elite finisher with 20 wins via stoppage in 28 wins.

I like all of my top UFC on ESPN 73 picks, but I’d start with the above three or roll with iterations of them.em individually, or go after variations (method of victory, etc) that align with these picks.

If desired, you can put together a three-leg parlay card with these best UFC picks. A $100 wager on this parlay ticket will earn you $430. For those of you who love parlay betting, check out our best NFL parlay picks and our top College Football parlay of the week.

UFC on ESPN 73 Card

Check out the updated UFC on ESPN: Royval vs. Kape fight card: