UFC Vegas 63 Predictions, Odds and Results: Kattar vs Allen
UFC Vegas 63 Pintsized Background
If you squint your eyes really hard, UFC Vegas 63 doesn’t seem like such a bad card! The main event, a top Featherweight bout between Calvin Kattar and Arnold Allen, promises a back-and-forth slug affair on the feet. Even in the co-main, two long-time UFC veterans juke it out to scrape back towards a top-15 ranking.
The UFC Vegas 63 prelims are where the event starts to show its blemishes, however. The featured preliminary involves serial shagger, Roman Dolidze, facing off with the nuclear power of Phil Hawes. A quick shout-out to Chase Hooper and Steve Garcia for a sure-fire entertaining grappling battle.
Where/When is UFC Vegas 63 taking place:
October 29, 2022. UFC Apex. Nevada, United States.
What time does UFC Vegas 63 start:
🇬🇧 UK: 9pm / 🇺🇸 US ET: 4pm
What channel is UFC Vegas 63 on:
🇬🇧 UK: BT Sports / 🇺🇸 US: ESPN+
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🚀 Preview: UFC 280 Predictions, Odds and Results: Oliveira vs Makhachev
💰 PI’s Recommended Fight: Beneil Dariush vs Mateusz Gamrot
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🥊 UFC Vegas 63 Main Card | 🌟 UFC Vegas 63 Prelims | 📺 YouTube
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UFC Vegas 63 Picks & Odds
| UFC Vegas 63 Odds | UFC Vegas 63 Predictions |
|---|---|
| Calvin Kattar vs Arnold Allen Odds: (-105) / (-115) | Calvin Kattar vs Arnold Allen Prediction: Kattar Decision |
| Tim Means vs Max Griffin Odds: (+160) / (-190) | Tim Means vs Max Griffin Prediction: Griffin Decision |
| Waldo Cortes-Acosta vs Jared Vanderaa Odds: (-195) / (+165) | Waldo Cortes-Acosta vs Jared Vanderaa Prediction: Cortes-Acosta TKO Round 1 |
| Tresean Gore vs Josh Fremd Odds: (+135) / (-155) | Tresean Gore vs Josh Fremd Prediction: Fremd Decision |
| Dustin Jacoby vs Khalil Rountree Odds: (-170) / (+145) | Dustin Jacoby vs Khalil Rountree Prediction: Jacoby Decision |
| Roman Dolidze vs Phil Hawes Odds: (+145) / (-170) | Roman Dolidze vs Phil Hawes Prediction: Hawes Decision |
| Andrei Arlovski vs Marcos Rogerio de Lima Odds: (+200) / (-240) | Andrei Arlovski vs Marcos Rogerio de Lima Prediction: Arlovski Decision |
| Joseph Holmes vs Jun Yong Park Odds: (+200) / (-240) | Joseph Holmes vs Jun Yong Park Prediction: Park TKO Round 2 |
| Chase Hooper vs Steve Garcia Odds: (-275) / (+230) | Chase Hooper vs Steve Garcia Prediction: Hooper Submission Round 1 |
| Cody Durden vs Carlos Mota Odds: (+145) / (-175) | Cody Durden vs Carlos Mota Prediction: Durden Decision |
| Joshua Weems vs Christian Rodriguez Odds: (+300) / (-365) | Joshua Weems vs Christian Rodriguez Prediction: Rodriguez TKO Round 3 |
UFC Vegas 63: Main Event
Calvin Kattar vs Arnold Allen
Featherweight (145)
Calvin Kattar (23-6)
Calvin Kattar only deals in Main Events, and can anyone blame the UFC? The all-action striker eats a ton of punishment en route to delivering some of the most aesthetic boxing combinations in the organisation’s highlight reel history. Never can Kattar’s heart or durability be questioned – to have continued fighting after the Max Holloway mauling is a testament to his innate invincibility.
Of course, all fighter’s chins have an expiry date, with Kattar’s penchant for absorbing strikes likely drawing that date closer. Allen isn’t an explosive one-shot striker, however. As a result, Kattar can likely rely upon his trademark chin once again to drag this fight deep and settle into his rhythmic combinations. Essentially, if you can’t finish Kattar, you are going to have to maintain an exceptional volume. If Allen has not laid an uncomfortable early pace, Kattar will pry his way back into the championship rounds with his sniping straight shots and bodywork.
Arnold Allen (18-1)
Arnold Allen has been in the UFC since 2015 and has won all nine of his fights, yet it still felt as though the Brit only made his first major step-up last time out against Dan Hooker. For the fans, the brutal flurries for the first-round knockout gained Allen the fame he richly deserved. For analysts, the swarming overload on the feet told us very little of the new weapons Almighty has added to his kit over the years.
Still, Allen’s love for a brawl may well see him run into a wall against Kattar. The 28-year-old edges Kattar in hand speed and early initiative, yet the liberal use of his chin opens up regular windows for Kattar to punish. Whether Allen can cut off the cage consistently is the key question. It seems some corners have disregarded Allen’s ability on the mat, but the Suffolkian could certainly surprise many with an early takedown threat against a cold Kattar.
Kattar vs Allen Prediction: Kattar Decision
Although all fighter’s chins have an expiry date, it feels as though Calvin Kattar’s chin has many more miles left on the clock. As such, the question remains whether Allen can lay an early pace that prevents Kattar from warming into his reads. The Brit blitzed Dan Hooker in under a round last time out, but weight may have played a significant hand in the affair.
Of particular worry is Allen’s liberal use of his chin when closing the distance. While I think the 28-year-old edges Kattar in hand speed and early initiative, we are yet to see him cut the cage at a level that is required to keep Kattar restrained. Eventually, Kattar will pry his way back into the championship rounds with his sniping straight shots and bodywork. A quick nod towards Allen potentially dipping into his underrated ground game – don’t be surprised by the threat of an early takedown.
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UFC Vegas 63: Co-Main Event
Tim Means vs Max Griffin
Welterweight (170)
Tim Means (32-13-1)
Has Kevin Holland ended Dirty Bird’s mini-renaissance over 2020-2021? The veteran beat Laureano Staropoli, Mike Perry and Nicolas Dalby off the back of voluminous range striking alongside an array of clubbing elbows in the clinch. The physical gap against Kevin Holland was stark, however. Griffin won’t pose a similar athletic threat, but he will create a punishing, open fight that could question how much is left in Means’ tank.
Max Griffin (18-9)
Max Griffin may not have climbed anywhere near the top of the food chain, but Pain has enjoyed an exciting career transformation. Recently, Griffin had leaned into operating as a gritty brawler, relying upon his freakish durability. The last time out was an exception, however, as Griffin drew Neil Magny onto long counters. Against the high volume of Means, Griffin can lay enough traps for Means to eventually walk onto one.
Means vs Griffin Prediction: Griffin Decision
Recently, Griffin had leaned into operating as a gritty brawler, relying upon his freakish durability. The last time out was an exception, however, as Griffin drew Neil Magny onto long counters. Against the high volume of Means, Griffin can lay enough traps for Means to eventually walk onto one. Not to write off Means’ three-fight streak over 2020-2021, proving his technical excellence – especially his elbows in the clinch. Both fighters love to give up hard-fought decisions, however, so it could well be a coin-flip.
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UFC Vegas 63: Main Card
Waldo Cortes-Acosta vs Jared Vanderaa
Heavyweight (265)
Waldo Cortes-Acosta (7-0)
DWCS victor, Waldo Cortes-Acosta, is a Heavyweight boxer/mixed martial artist hybrid. Waldo’s boxing career isn’t much to write home about, with the peak coming off a first-round TKO loss on the undercard of Joe Smith Jr vs Maxim Vlasov. Salsa Boy is your classic slugger Heavyweight, with enough early aggression to break the mentally broken Jared Vanderaa.
Jared Vanderaa (12-9)
At a certain point, I’m not sure there will any point in trying to analyse Jared Vanderaa. The Mountain is being fleeced by the UFC as a walking highlight reel, walking into what is expected to be his fourth straight loss in 2022. Vanderaa has a slight chance of exposing Cortes-Acosta’s lack of ground game, but his only takedown in the UFC came against Harry Hunsucker in the DWCS back in 2020.
Cortes-Acosta vs Vanderaa Prediction: Cortes-Acosta TKO Round 1
Salsa Boy is your classic slugger Heavyweight, with enough early aggression to break the mentally broken Jared Vanderaa. To be frank, Vanderaa is being used by the UFC as a walking highlight reel. Vanderaa has a slight chance of exposing Cortes-Acosta’s lack of ground game, but his only takedown in the UFC came against Harry Hunsucker in the DWCS back in 2020.
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Tresean Gore vs Josh Fremd
Middleweight (185)
Tresean Gore (3-2)
Mr Vicious is a physical beast who is fresh enough in his career to mould a solid skillset on the regionals. Unfortunately, TUF has dropped the Middleweight into an awkward level too early into his career. Gore carries heavy hands but largely fails to hit the mark as a result of his single-shot preference.
Josh Fremd (9-3)
Gore’s greatest success comes from earning an opponent’s respect early with his power. As seen against Anthony Hernandez, Josh Fremd refuses to wilt under early firepower. The Big Yinz has had his chin checked before, involving a two-minute starching to Gregory Rodrigues, but it’s fair to say that Robocop is several levels above Gore at the moment.
Gore vs Fremd Prediction: Fremd Decision
Gore’s greatest success comes from earning an opponent’s respect early with his power. As seen against Anthony Hernandez, Josh Fremd refuses to wilt under early firepower. The Big Yinz has had his chin checked before, involving a two-minute starching to Gregory Rodrigues, but it’s fair to say that Robocop’s striking is several levels above Gore’s single-shot attack.
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Dustin Jacoby vs Khalil Rountree
Light Heavyweight (205)
Dustin Jacoby (18-5-1)
A consistent, experienced and fabulously compact kickboxer, Dustin Jacoby also tapped into a bit of rare power against Da Un Jung. Khalil Rountree’s furious aggression will open windows for Jacoby to land his powerful counters. The 34-year-old isn’t the slickest lateral mover, however, and can be coaxed into dropping his strengths for a war in the pocket.
Khalil Rountree (10-5)
Rountree may be sitting on a 2-fight streak, but you can never be too sure what version of The War Horse will enter the octagon. Of note, is Rountree’s renewed emphasis on kicks that once debilitated Eryk Anders. Rountree’s terrifying power carries into every fight, but his inconsistent approach leaves it difficult to back him against Mr Consistent.
Jacoby vs Rountree Prediction: Jacoby Decision
Khalil Rountree’s furious aggression will open windows for Jacoby to land his powerful counters. It’s anyone’s guess as to what version of Rountree will enter the octagon, but his terrifying power carries into each fight. Backing the consistency of Jacoby’s stand-up, but it’s important to note that the 34-year-old isn’t the slickest lateral mover and can be backed onto the cage.
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UFC Vegas 63: Preliminary Card
Roman Dolidze vs Phil Hawes
Middleweight (185)
Roman Dolidze (10-1)
Nobody expected the sexy Georgian marriage breaker to nuke Kyle Daukus in under a round. The same bullying front-foot approach could well see Dolidze walk onto a Phil Hawes bomb, however. Hawes tends to bundle into his wrestling at some point, but Dolidze is a staunch neutraliser on the mat.
Phil Hawes (12-3)
Hawes’ hands are perhaps a little underrated – the first four minutes against Chris Curtis saw No Hype lay down a string of gorgeous combinations. Dolidze is nowhere comparable as a composed counter-striker and Hawes could break the Georgian’s chin early. The size difference could prove a major hurdle to such a plan, but he managed to overcome Nassourdine Imavov in a tooth’n’nail affair.
Dolidze vs Hawes Prediction: Hawes Decision
Not many expected the Georgian marriage breaker to nuke Kyle Daukus in under a round. The same bullying front-foot approach could well see Dolidze walk onto a Phil Hawes bomb, however. The size difference could prove a major hurdle to such a plan, but No Hype managed to overcome the high-flying Nassourdine Imavov in a tooth’n’nail affair. If Hawes falls onto his wrestling, though, Dolidze is a staunch neutraliser on the mat who can stall out the clock.
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Andrei Arlovski vs Marcos Rogerio de Lima
Heavyweight (265)
Andrei Arlovski (34-20)
After falling on the wrong side of decisions earlier in his career, Arlovski finally stole a victory from Jake Collier. The Pitbull has crafted a dull yet efficient style in his twilight which aims to keep pace with opponents. Conservative on the back foot, Arlovski lets his opponents unravel on the feet as they become increasingly desperate to break the Belarussian’s guard. Collier’s hand speed exposed Arlovski’s 43 years of age, with Rogerio de Lima falling also into the power category.
Marcos Rogerio de Lima (19-8-1)
For all the power that the Brazilian carries, it was never going to be enough to crack Blagoy Ivanov. Rogerio de Lima has a shock wrestling base that he dips into when his hands are missing the mark. Arlovski owns a very underrated TDD, but his physical gifts are waning as Father Time marches on.
Arlovski vs Rogerio de Lima Prediction: Arlovski Decision
Conservative on the back foot, Arlovski lets his opponents unravel on the feet as they become increasingly desperate to break the Belarussian’s guard. Collier’s hand speed exposed Arlovski’s 43 years of age, with Rogerio de Lima falling also into the power category. The Brazilian does own a shock wrestling base to dip into when his hands are missing the mark. Despite Arlovski’s physical gifts waning, he is still a nightmare to takedown.
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Joseph Holmes vs Jun Yong Park
Middleweight (185)
Joseph Holmes (8-2)
After dispatching Alen Amedovski, we’re running out of Middleweights that Joseph Holmes can comfortably beat. Ugly Man is a physical specimen who finds his most success on the mat. Yong Park is a technical level above Holmes, however, and only his shoddy decision-making could lead to the fight descending to the mat.
Jun Yong Park (14-5)
The Iron Turtle is a durable, adaptable scrapper but there is never any confidence in Park’s gameplan. Representing one of the smallest Middleweights on the roster, Park is happy to take the fight to opponents with extended combinations in the pocket. Considering Holmes struggles to make the most of his reach and Park’s strong TDD, this should be a bloody affair.
Holmes vs Park Prediction: Park TKO Round 2
Considering Holmes struggles to make the most of his reach and Park’s strong TDD, this should be a bloody affair. Holmes carries pop in his punches but the Iron Turtle is very durable and adaptable in the pocket. Only poor decision-making could lead to Holmes finding his preferred fight on the mat.
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Chase Hooper vs Steve Garcia
Featherweight (145)
Chase Hooper (11-2-1)
Credit where credit is due. Chase Hooper dropped a career performance against Felipe Colares. The Dream refused to let Colares off the hook, engaging in an enthralling grappling affair with a similarly slick mat specialist. Garcia shouldn’t prove as much of an issue on his back and Hooper will eventually find the submission.
Steve Garcia (12-5)
Garcia is a hyper-aggressive striker without the chin to back it up. The Mean Machine’s greatest weapon is his brutal ground and pound but he rarely chases the takedown until he has been buzzed on the feet. Hooper’s woeful striking does not pose such a threat – but Garcia’s risk-taking on the feet will allow Hooper to wrap him up.
Hooper vs Garcia Prediction: Hooper Submission Round 1
Garcia is a hyper-aggressive striker without the chin to back it up – not that Hooper’s woeful striking is primed to punish it. Rather, Garcia’s risk-taking on the feet will allow Hooper to wrap him up. The Mean Machine owns devastating ground’n’pound but off his back, nothing other than a Hooper submission should be expected.
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Cody Durden vs Carlos Mota
Flyweight (125)
Cody Durden (13-4-1)
A solid wrestler, Cody Durden has slowly been favouring his heavy hands in a technical division. Last time out, Durden brutalised JP Buys on the feet, but he also showed an educated jab against Aoriqileng. It may seem foolish to engage in 50/50 exchanges with the power of Carlos Mota – but Durden’s power could carry late as the Brazilian enters on late notice.
Carlos Mota (8-1)
LFA Flyweight champion, Carlos Mota, takes his UFC debut on late notice. Mota is a ferocious striker who carries the innate power to punish Durden’s aggression on the feet. While Durden is a strong starter, he has always operated as an ‘eat-one to give-one’ who sits down onto his shots that leave him stranded at times.
Durden vs Mota Prediction: Durden Decision
LFA Flyweight champion, Carlos Mota, takes his UFC debut on late notice. Mota is a ferocious striker who carries the innate power to punish Durden’s aggression on the feet. Durden’s wrestling base and strong early starts seem safer to back as a less than 100% Mota fades down the stretch.
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Joshua Weems vs Christian Rodriguez
Bantamweight (135)
Joshua Weems (10-2)
UFC debutant, Joshua Weems, enters as the Fury FC champion after losing his DWCS bout back in 2021. Weems may have won the Fury belt off the back of his scary submission arsenal, but the debutant is not afraid to light a fire on the feet. As another late-notice fighter, Weems’ early aggression could cause Rodriguez serious problems.
Christian Rodriguez (7-1)
Christian Rodriguez may have been smothered by Jonathan Pearce during his debut, yet giving up so much size at Featherweight was a major reason behind his failings. Rodriguez possesses clean hands and a powerful, sniping right straight which could regularly meet an aggressive Weems who pushes on the centre line.
Weems vs Rodriguez Prediction: Rodriguez TKO Round 3
Weems may have won the Fury belt off the back of his scary submission arsenal, but the debutant is not afraid to light a fire on the feet. The late-notice nature of the fight should urge Weems’ to fly out the blocks. Rodriguez’s powerful, sniping right straight will pay dividends as it meets Weems on the centre line time and time again.
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