While only three fighters sprang upsets at UFC Fight Night 149 on Saturday in St. Petersburg, Russia, the event was not short on surprises. Many of the fights ended in ways no one expected, and anytime that happens, a number of crazy prop bets often come through for bettors. Five of the biggest prop bets to cash at UFC Fight Night “Overeem vs. Oleynik” supply the material for this installment of Insane Prop Bets.
Shamil Abdurakhimov Wins in Round 2 (+1500)
Heavyweights put on a show for the fans, as Abdurakhimov teed off on Marcin Tybura’s head with heavy punches until the referee was forced to step in and stop the fight in the second round. The Russian has now won three straight bouts, but considering the caliber of opposition, this was perhaps the most significant victory of his career to date. The prop on Abdurakhimov winning in the second round cashed at a massive +1500 number, and the props on his winning by TKO (+880) and inside the distance (+610) also scored.
Sergei Pavlovich Wins in Round 1 (+250)
Another heavyweight feature saw Pavlovich deliver a quick first-round knockout against Marcelo Golm. This was the Pavlovich observers expected to see in his Ultimate Fighting Championship debut, not the guy who was taken down and beaten to a pulp by Alistair Overeem. Although Pavlovich was favored to defeat Golm, the prop on his winning in Round 1 still cashed at a hearty +250 number.
Alexander Yakovlev Wins in Round 2 (+675)
In his return to the Octagon after better than a two-year absence, Yakovlev looked better than ever and tapped promotional newcomer Alex da Silva Coelho with a modified guillotine choke in the second round. The situation appeared dicey for Yakovlev in the early stages of the fight, but as Coelho began to fade, the K Dojo Warrior Tribe rep took over and authored the finish. The prop on Yakovlev winning by submission scored at +560, and the prop on his winning inside the distance hit at +246.
Roxanne Modafferi Wins by Decision (+547)
The most significant upset of the night saw Modafferi claim a split decision over Antonina Shevchenko. The veteran managed to nullify Shevchenko’s standup advantages by making it a grappling-based confrontation, as she exploited her edge in experience and skill on the mat. The prop on Modafferi winning the fight by decision scored at +547.
Magomed Mustafaev Wins in Round 1 (+475)
The UFC Fight Night 149 opener saw Mustafaev knock out Rafael Fiziev with a spinning back kick and punches in the first round. It was arguably the best performance of Mustafaev’s career, and it could not have come at a better time: He desperately needed to get back in the win column, considering he had not posted a victory since 2016. The prop on Mustafaev winning inside one round cashed at a robust +475. Also cashing were the props on Mustafaev winning by TKO (+384) and inside the distance (+284).
Adam Martin is a mixed martial arts journalist who has been covering the sport since 2011. He is currently the lead odds analyst for Sherdog.com, as well as the lead staff writer for MMAOddsbreaker.com. Adam is also the co-host of “The Parting Shot Podcast” on iTunes. His favorite fight of all-time is Dan Henderson-Mauricio Rua, and he wishes Pride Fighting Championships never died. Adam is based out of Toronto, and he is a graduate of the University of Toronto and Centennial College. Get in touch with him on Twitter at @MMAdamMartin.