UFC in Vegas 25: Reyes vs. Prochazka First Look: Odds, Betting Picks, and Predictions

The UFC is back in Vegas, and with Jon Jones vacating the light heavyweight division, the division is left wide open. Two of the UFC’s most promising light heavyweights will throw down in the octagon. Read on for our complete betting guide taking a first look at former Dominick Reyes and the challenger Jiri Prochazka in the UFC in Vegas 25 main event, including updated UFC odds and our free expert betting predictions.

Dominick Reyes vs. Jiri Prochazka

UFC Light Heavyweight Main Event Bout

Saturday, May 1, 2021 – 11:35 PM ET at UFC Apex Center

Dominick Reyes (12-2-0)

The 2013 NFL Draft came up short when they removed Dominick Reyes because he could have been one of the toughest safety position players in the entire league. As a former college footballer, the now UFC light heavyweight martial artist is no stranger to hard work and dedication. Just seven years as a professional MMA competitor, he has already competed against former champion Jon Jones and current champion Jan Blachowicz.

Reyes’s background in football assist’s his in-octagon takedown defense, leaving grapplers and wrestlers alike dumbfounded with their takedown attempts. As a fierce southpaw striker, Reyes climbed the UFC rankings at an excelled rate, but was recently handed some humble pie in his most recent two outings and first two losses of his career.

FLASH KO RIGHT. ON. THE. BELL!

Dominick Reyes lands a huge left hand as time expires! It's officially a decision win...

Insane! #UFC229 pic.twitter.com/Q5DG3QfXDm

— UFC on BT Sport (@btsportufc) October 7, 2018

Dominick Reyes MMA Accomplishments

• UFC Fight of the Night (Two times)

Best Available Odds: +125 with BetOnline (visit our BetOnline Review)

Jiri Prochazka (27-3-0)

Jiri Prochazka entered the UFC with little thought from Dana White & co, signing the decorated martial artist was a no brainer with such talent displayed in other promotions. The former RIZIN light heavyweight champion was obliterating the competition for a decade prior to his UFC debut. Upon arrival at Fight Island last summer, he left the talented Volkan Oezdemir left in a slump upside the cage.

Prochazka’s martial arts journey began with muay thai training as teenager, he eventually became a national world champion in the discipline so a transition to MMA in 2012 was no surprise.

And just like that, Prochazka claims KO win #24 #UFC251 pic.twitter.com/GISQABV1rR

— Cerebral Vigilante (@Delisketo) July 12, 2020

Jiri Prochazka MMA Accomplishments

• UFC

• UFC Performance of the Night (One time)

• Rizin FF Light Heavyweight Champion (One defense)

• RIZIN 2015 Heavyweight Grand Prix Runner Up

• Gladiator Fighting Light Heavyweight Champion (One defense)

Best Available Odds: -135 with BookMaker (visit our BookMaker Review)

How Can Reyes Win?

I believe that Dominick Reyes, although having less martial arts experience, holds more elite experience than his opponent this weekend. As s tricky power striker with a mixture of available strikes, I would not be surprised If Reyes landed a high kick or counter hook moving backwards to finish the fight early.

With that said, due to Jiri holding such vast striking experience, Reyes best game plan could be to make this contest a grappling war. Drain the energy of Jiri and seek out a potential ground and pound situation.

How Can Prochazka Win?

A background in muay thai becomes evident once you witness Jiri inside the octagon, but an alarming lack of defense will need to be altered versus Reyes. However, this would require his style of fighting to take a U-turn, which I doubt we’ll see happen this weekend.

Jiri’s uses a lot of feints, quick footwork, and one of the most unorthodox styles I’ve ever witnessed from a light heavyweight. Reminiscent of Anderson Silva, Stephen Thompson, and even Sean O’Malley, Jiri holds his hands low and fires lightning quick jabs, hooks, and uppercuts from the most awkward angles.

He will look to keep this fight standing, work his combinations from the outside and give Reyes a muay thai striking battle he may not be able to handle.

Reyes vs. Prochazka Betting Odds Advice

The top sportsbooks' current odds are proving how difficult it is to select the more talented fighter, but based on experience alone, I’m siding with the underdog price laid out on Reyes.

Jiri’s style is entertaining, but I can’t envision his recklessness causing damage to the top five of this division. Yes, of course, he has some significant wins on his record. However, watching him suffer to stumbling moments against Volkan Oezdemir gives me confidence in Reyes' ability to get the job done.

The notable problem for Jiri has been his takedown defense. Should Reyes avoid clinching and utilize a wrestling strategy, I think he can remove all of Jiri’s dangerous tools.

UFC Pick: Dominick Reyes to win at +125 with BetOnline

Reyes(+125)

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UFC IN VEAGS 25 MAIN CARD

• Dominick Reyes vs. Jiri Prochazka (UFC light heavyweight main event bout)

• Cub Swanson vs. Giga Chikadze (UFC featherweight co-main event bout)

• Merab Dvalishvili vs. Cody Stamann (UFC bantamweight bout)

• Ion Cutelaba vs. Dustin Jacoby (UFC light heavyweight bout)

*The pick reflects the line now the writer made the play, the odds at the beginning of this article show the live line movement. Since the lines might vary, do not forget to refer to our live odds.

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