UFC Atlanta: Full Card Breakdown and Predictions

Overview

We’re back with another stacked card, and this one’s got it all, surging prospects, dangerous veterans, and some tough-to-call matchups that will test your betting discipline. Here’s the full fight-by-fight breakdown and who we’re picking for each matchup at UFC Atlanta.

Vanessa Demopoulos vs. Jamey-Lyn Horth

Vanessa is stepping in on short notice and up a weight class, not a good combo. Horth should have a significant physical edge and can control this fight with clinch work and wrestling. If she avoids letting Vanessa touch her up with empty volume, this is hers to lose. Might be a dicey betting spot, but the pick is clear.

Pick: Jamey-Lyn Horth

Phil Rowe vs. Ange Loosa

This might be the most difficult fight to call. Phil Rowe has the length, striking power, and footwork advantage. Loosa is a tank and will push forward with volume, but his cardio has been questionable. I don’t trust him to wrestle for three rounds. Even though Rowe has never won by decision, I see him winning minutes and taking this on the cards.

Pick: Phil Rowe

Ricky Simon vs. Cameron Smotherman

Simon is a tank. His power wrestling, cardio, and evolving striking make him the clear pick here. Smotherman is game, but Simon’s pressure and ability to land big shots and takedowns make this one a mismatch.

Pick: Ricky Simon

Cody Durden vs. Jose Ochoa

Durden’s a slight dog despite having more UFC experience, and that’s telling. Ochoa is green but aggressive and has finishing instincts. Durden will look to wrestle, but he faded hard in the Van fight. If Ochoa can be dangerous off his back and keep it scrappy, I think he finds a sub. Live dog.

Pick: Jose Ochoa

Malcolm Wellmaker vs. Khris Moutinho

This is a squash match. Wellmaker is a top prospect and coming in at -1300 for a reason. He should find a knockout early. Not much more to say.

Pick: Malcolm Wellmaker

Michael Chiesa vs. Court McGee

Chiesa is younger, more skilled, and quicker. The line is a bit steep, but McGee’s win streak in 2025 feels hard to believe. If Chiesa stays focused, he’ll control this one with grappling and pace. Only way McGee survives is if Chiesa makes mistakes or completely checks out.

Pick: Michael Chiesa

Paul Craig vs. Rodolfo Bellato

Paul Craig struggles against opponents who can stay upright. Bellato has grappling of his own and should be able to fend off takedowns. On the feet, he’ll walk Craig down and land something heavy. Bad stylistic matchup for Craig.

Pick: Rodolfo Bellato

Alonzo Menifield vs. Oumar Sy

Oumar Sy is the pick. Menifield looked awful against Julius Walker, and his gas tank remains a liability. Sy has shown he can go three rounds and dominate. Expect him to get Menifield down and finish with ground and pound.

Pick: Oumar Sy

Cody Brundage vs. Mansur Abdul-Malik

Getting a little bold here, I’m taking Brundage. Abdul-Malik looks hittable and slow on the feet, and while his ground game is solid, he hasn’t shown elite takedowns. Brundage has decent power and solid defensive wrestling. If he connects, it could be lights out. Fading the -800 here...

Pick: Cody Brundage

Cody Garbrandt vs. Raoni Barcelos

Two Cody underdogs on this card. I’m fading Durden but siding with Garbrandt here. His speed and striking should be too much for Barcelos. The risk is the takedown defense, but I think Garbrandt avoids it and gets a win. Not a confident play, but I lean his way.

Pick: Cody Garbrandt

Edmen Shahbazyan vs. Andre Petroski

This is a bad matchup for Edmen. If he doesn’t get an early knockout, Petroski will take over with pressure and grappling. Petroski has more paths to win and is a far better decision fighter. Shahbazyan’s -200 line makes no sense. Petroski all day.

Pick: Andre Petroski

Rose Namajunas vs. Miranda Maverick

Maverick needs to bully her way to a win, but Rose has the experience, footwork, and even some wrestling of her own. If Rose can stay off the fence and deny takedowns, she should be able to outclass Maverick at range. I see her doing just that.

Pick: Rose Namajunas

Kamaru Usman vs. Joaquin Buckley 

Usman hasn’t fought in two years, and while the Khamzat fight looked close late, Buckley is younger, fresher, and hitting his stride. If Usman can’t wrestle effectively, Buckley will light him up. I think Buckley bullies him here and forces a retirement.

Pick: Joaquin Buckley

Final Thoughts:

This card is full of wide lines and live dogs. Be selective and look for value in plus money spots. For official bets, unit sizes, and premium plays, check out betkopicks.com. Let’s cash.