The UFC seeks to end 2024 with a resounding bang by putting on one last stellar fight card at UFC on ESPN 63. We will give you all our UFC on ESPN 63 betting predictions and staff picks below.
A 170-lb scrap between former UFC Interim Welterweight Champion Colby Covington and Missouri-born powerhouse Joaquin Buckley will head the combative festivities. Going 2-3 in his last five fights (including three failed title bouts), Covington (17-4 MMA, 12-4 UFC) currently stands at a precarious career crossroads going into his first fight in almost a year. With a young and talented wave of new contenders swiftly catching up to him, “Chaos” will have to record a fantastic performance against the surging Buckley to kickstart what likely will be one final run toward the belt.
Since coming down to welterweight just last year, Buckley (20-6 MMA, 10-4 UFC) has undertaken a colossal rise up the rankings, winning five contests in a row. Most recently seen at UFC 307, “New Mansa” scored the biggest career victory after starching two-time title challenger Stephen Thompson, becoming only the second man to knockout “Wonderboy.”
In the co-main event, the veteran Cub Swanson does battle with Billy Quarantillo as both men aim to reenter the win column in the waning weeks of 2024. Following an unsuccessful return to bantamweight opposite Jonathan Martinez in 2022, Swanson (29-14 MMA, 14-10 UFC) has since returned to his long-time home at featherweight, where he has traded one win and a loss against Hakeem Dawodu and Andre Fili respectively.
Quarantillo (18-6 MMA, 6-4 UFC) steps into the cage for the second time this year after dropping a second round submission defeat to a returning Youssef Zalal. He has not earned a win inside the Octagon since taking a unanimous decision over Damon Jackson in May 2023.
More Bouts On the Main Card
Other bouts on the main card include previous Rizin Bantamweight Champion Manel Kape locking horns with Bruno Silva, and light heavy contender Justin Jacoby defending his place in the rankings against Vitor Petrino. Also, 135-lb striking specialist Adrian Yanez looks to become the first to blemish the perfect record of Daniel Marcos, and the undefeated Navajo Stirling puts his 0 on the line when he tangles with Tuco Tokkos.
UFC on ESPN 63 Betting Predictions and Staff Picks
MMASucka staff picks are composed of four of the world’s leading mixed martial arts organizations: the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), the Professional Fighters League (PFL) with Bellator MMA, ONE Championship (ONE FC), and Dana White’s Contender Series (DWCS).
UFC picks will include main card fights ranging from four to six matchups per event.
PFL and Bellator MMA see picks from main cards for pay-per-views and from tournament fights in the Regular Season, Playoffs, and Finals.
ONE FC and DWCS picks will feature all MMA fights from the event with a minimum of three matchups.
The individual who picks the most victorious fighters by the end of 2024 will have a choice between receiving a custom-made championship belt from ProAmBelts or a detailed chain from Championship Chains. Staff picks in 2023 were won by Ben Jamieson with a record of 300-148.
Find our UFC on ESPN 63 picks and fight odds below.
UFC on ESPN 63 betting predictions and staff picks
Navajo Stirling -750vs.Tuco Tokkos +525
LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT
Jeremy Brand: Stirling by Round 1 KnockoutHank Strandberg: Stirling by Round 1 KnockoutDrew Zuhosky: Stirling by Unanimous Decision
Staff picking Stirling: 3Staff picking Tokkos: 0
Daniel Marcos -225vs.Adrian Yanez +185
BANTAMWEIGHT
Jeremy Brand: Yanez via Unanimous DecisionHank Strandberg: Yanez by Split DecisionDrew Zuhosky: Marcos by Unanimous Decision
Staff picking Yanez: 2Staff picking Marcos: 1
Vitor Petrino -340vs.Dustin Jacoby +270
LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT
Jeremy Brand: Jacoby by Round 2 TKOHank Strandberg: Petrino by Round 1 KnockoutDrew Zuhosky: Petrino by Round 1 Knockout
Staff picking Petrino: 2Staff picking Jacoby: 1
Manel Kape -395vs.Bruno Silva +310
FLYWEIGHT
Jeremy Brand: Kape by Round 2 KnockoutHank Strandberg: Kape by Unanimous DecisionDrew Zuhosky: Kape by Round 1 Knockout
Staff picking Kape: 3Staff picking Silva: 0
Billy Quarantillo -148vs.Cub Swanson +124
FEATHERWEIGHT
Jeremy Brand: Quarantillo by Unanimous DecisionHank Strandberg: Quarantillo by Unanimous DecisionDrew Zuhosky: Swanson by Unanimous Decision
Staff picking Quarantillo: 2Staff picking Swanson: 1
Joaquin Buckley -250vs.Colby Covington +205
WELTERWEIGHT
Jeremy Brand: Covington by Unanimous DecisionHank Strandberg: Buckley by Unanimous DecisionDrew Zuhosky: Buckley by Unanimous Decision
Staff picking Buckley: 2Staff picking Covington: 1
