Brad Riddell vs. Alex da Silva Betting Prediction & UFC 253 Odds

Odds & Picks: Brad Riddell (-330) vs. Alex da Silva (+260)

Just prior to the main-card festivities on Fight Island, Brad Riddell faces Alex da Silva in a lightweight duel that’s tilted heavily in favor of the New Zealander on paper.

Riddell (8-1) has won his last five fights in a row and secured decision victories in both of his UFC matchups to date, while Da Silva has a finely balanced 1-1 record since joining the promotion last year.

“Quake” is down as a big -330 leader with William Hill New Jersey, a price that doesn’t offer much appeal as a straight bet. However, the -163 listing for Riddell to win by decision looks far more appealing, particularly considering his recent trend of winning over the distance.

Da Silva (21-2) is a threat in all areas and has seven submission wins to go along with his 13 KO/TKO victories to date, but the truth is Riddell has faced more fearsome grapplers  and lived to tell the tale.

“Leko” has a serious amount of potential considering he’s still just 24—four years’ Riddell’s junior—and we expect to see experience play a big factor in seeing the Kiwi contender to victory here.

Prediction: Riddell via decision