This article contains affiliate links to advertisers. The analysis is our own. Gamble Aware 18+
Fans of Mixed Martial Arts enjoy a treat this weekend as the Ultimate Fighting Championship returns to Florida.
The Kaseya Center in Miami provides the setting for UFC 327: an action-packed evening of championship MMA. No fewer than 11 bouts make up the main card, topped by a UFC light heavyweight championship bout broadcast live on TNT Sports.
Prochazka v Ulberg tips
Fight not to go the distance @ 3/10 (bet365)
Prochazka to win @ 10/13 (bet365)
Prochazka by KO/TKO @ 11/8 (bet365)
Odds courtesy of bet365. Correct at the time of publication and subject to change.
The title is currently vacant, meaning we'll see a new champion crowned on fight night. Will that be Czech fighter Jiri Prochazka or his opponent, New Zealand's Carlos Ulberg? The online bookmakers featured on this page offer a range of exciting markets and specials, including fight winner, total rounds, and method of victory. You can bet now.
As the odds above show, traders working at the largest betting apps expect a hard-fought contest. They're struggling to pick a strong favourite, meaning there's plenty of value around. Who wins? Experienced combat sports betting writer Frank Monkhouse offers his preview and predictions. Keep reading as he explains his thinking behind each of the three picks.
Fight to go the distance - No
My first suggested bet is that the fight fails to last the distance. Visit the bet365 app, tap on UFC, Prochazka v Ulberg, fight to go the distance, and tap 'No' to add to your bet slip. Input your desired stake, check, and confirm. Now, you're looking for the main event to end inside five rounds. A first-round TKO pays the same as a third-round submission for either warrior.
Why am I confident the judges will enjoy an easy night? The stats. Prochazka is the pre-bout favourite with major sportsbooks, and BJP's record shows 32 wins against five defeats. On closer inspection, we see that 31 of those wins came inside the distance, 28 by knockout, and three by submission. He's lost four of five by KO and once by submission.
Turning to the underdog, Carlos Ulberg's CV makes for interesting reading. Black Jag is ranked at number three in the UFC's official light heavyweight rankings. The 35-year-old isn't as experienced as his opponent, with 13 wins against one defeat. He has eight wins by KO/TKO, and one by submission, with his loss also coming by knockout.
Tip: Fight not to go the distance @ 3/10 (bet365)
Bet explanation: Your bet wins if this bout ends inside the distance. The winning fighter isn't important, nor the method of victory.
Fight winner - Prochazka
Moving to the second of my data-led UFC betting predictions, it's time to pick sides in the fight winner market. With this approach, the method of victory or the timing of the win doesn't matter. Bet on Prochazka, and you'll secure a profit if he scores a knockout, submission or fights his way to a points verdict. One bet covers all outcomes.
The Czech knockout artist is more experienced than his opponent, but he's also younger. Jiri has campaigned at a high level for much of his career, rubbing shoulders with some of the UFC's best names. A former UFC light heavyweight champion, BJP is aiming to regain the belt. That background ensures nothing will faze him on the night. He'll take it in his stride.
Prochazka to win will be popular with sports bettors this weekend. Unfortunately, we find ourselves in agreement with the bookmakers. Traders price Prochazka as their favourite, meaning the odds are tight. There's enough value in the price to follow as a single, but I believe Prochazka to win is best suited to your multiples, including UFC 327 accumulators.
Tip: Prochazka win @ 10/13 (bet365)
Bet explanation: This one is easy to follow. If Prochazka beats Ulberg, you'll beat the bookies and bank a profit.
Method of victory - Prochazka by KO/TKO
My third and final Prochazka v Ulberg UFC 327 betting prediction comes from the method of victory market. It has the best odds attached, but we're made to work for the prize. When playing the method of victory, you need to predict both the winning fighter and how they'll achieve the result. In MMA betting, the options are KO/TKO, submission or a points verdict.
I've already advised Prochazka to win; now let's see how he'll achieve it. In my years competing in and covering combat sports, I've found that studying the stats boosts your chances of making a profit. With that in mind, we return to the favourite's record. Jiri won each of his last two by knockout. He KO'd Khalil Roundtree and Jamahal Hill in round three.
Digging deeper, we see that each of Prochazka's last three wins was by knockout. He hasn't gone the distance since 2016 in Japan, a run of 16 bouts. What makes those numbers even more interesting is that the one loss on Ulberg's record came by second-round knockout in Las Vegas on UFC 259. I expect Prochazka to score another stoppage with punches.
Tip: Prochazka by KO/TKO @ 11/8 (bet365)
Bet explanation: You'll secure the profits if Prochazka beats Ulberg by KO/TKO in the main event from UFC 327.
Prochazka v Ulberg odds
Prochazka win @ 10/13 (bet365)
Discover the Best Betting Bonuses
If you're looking to take advantage of this weekend's MMA for your bets, Flashscore is here to help. On our betting bonuses page, you'll find some of the best promotions and bonus codes on the market.
The odds, correct at the time of publication, are subject to change.