How to bet on UFC Shanghai prelims: Odds and best bets for Namsrai Batbayar vs. Andre Lima and more

Set your alarms, because the UFC will have an early-morning fight night this Saturday. The UFC heads to Shanghai, China, for what could be an event filled with solid action.  

The main event will see Umar Nurmagomedov vs. Song Yadong in an important bantamweight bout. The rest of the main card will attempt to entertain. Before then, the prelims kick things off.

Several fighters from the Road to UFC series will compete on the card, along with rising stars and hard-hitting fighters. Who will stand out the most? What’s the best fight to keep an eye on?

The Sporting News breaks down everything you need to know to bet on the UFC Shanghai prelim card, including odds for each fight, the most popular betting markets and best bets. Plus, new users can bet $5 on UFC Shanghai and get $200 in Bonus Bets instantly at DraftKings Sportsbook.

MORE: Breaking down the best UFC betting sites

How to bet on UFC Shanghai

Betting on the UFC Shanghai fight card is quite simple. First you need to choose a sportsbook to bet with. DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars, bet365, theScore Bet and Fanatics all offer odds on the entire UFC Shanghai fight card. 

1. Choose your sportsbook and claim your welcome bonus

Once you choose your sportsbook, you can claim a welcome bonus. First, you must sign up and enter all of your verification information such as your name, address, social security number and other details. Once your account is confirmed you can claim a welcome bonus from one of these sportsbooks below.

2. Learn the main MMA bet types

There are a variety of ways to bet on MMA, including several popular bet types. Moneylines allow users to pick an outright winner and profit if their fighter comes out victorious. Total round betting provides betters with the opportunity to call their own shot on how many round a fight will last. Prop betting has all the niche markets that an MMA bettor could ask for. To learn more about the variety of bet types, check out our full guide below. 

3. Research

Successful MMA betting requires analyzing fighter statistics like strikes and takedowns, recent form, style matchups and training camps to identify value in odds. Key factors include researching a fighter’s opponent quality, whether or not ring rust (long layoffs) plays a factor and overinflated lines.

4. Place your bet

Pick the fighter that you like to win or the method of victory you like that fighter to win by, and enjoy the fights. 

MORE: Beginner’s guide to parlay betting

Best sportsbooks for UFC prelims

If you’re looking to get in on the betting action for UFC Shanghai but are new to some of the best sportsbooks in your area, take advantage of their new user promos and welcome bonuses.

MORE: Best sportsbook promos and betting app bonuses

UFC Shanghai prelims odds and best bets

The following odds are all courtesy of the DraftKings Sportsbook.

Namsrai Batbayar vs. Andre Lima; Flyweights

Batbayer vs. Lima prediction

Batbayar won three straight fights via a finish during his Road to UFC journey. He lands 4.44 significant strikes per minute. “Steppe Warrior” also averages 2.85 takedowns landed per 15 minutes. Lima lands 3.94 significant strikes, landing 108 against Daniel Barez. He also averages 1.11 takedowns landed. Batbayar is the better grappler, and Lima is the better striker. Which style will result in their hand raised?

Best bet

Batbayar comes into the fight with plenty of hype. Lima is ready to put on a show. The latter’s fight schedule isn’t as frequent as Batbayar’s, but power is power. Batbayar could negate any attack, but Lima seems the more accomplished of the two. Lima should be able to pull off a decision win.

Rei Tsuruya vs. Kevin Borjas; Flyweights

Tsuruya vs. Borjas prediction

After taking out the competition while on the Road to UFC series, Tsuruya has passed every test in the octagon. He lands 2.40 significant strikes per minute and averages 5.03 takedowns landed per 15 minutes. Borjas is 2-2 in his last four fights. He lands 3.87 significant strikes but absorbs 5.27 strikes. Is this another showcase fight for Tsuruya?

Best bet

Either Borjas has the skills to pull off a win, or he can be sloppy, resulting in a tough loss. Can he stay on his feet long enough to avoid a submission and defy the odds? While an upset is likely, Tsuruya hasn’t made a mistake since he entered the octagon, and that should continue here.  

Jack Jenkins vs. Sean Woodson; Featherweights

Jenkins vs. Woodson prediction

This can be an exciting scrap. Jenkins lands 4.48 significant strikes per minute and averages 1.98 takedowns landed per 15 minutes. Woodson lands 5.57 significant strikes per minute. Both have had long layoffs. Woodson has a ridiculous 10-inch reach advantage and towers over Jenkins.

Best bet

They do say the bigger they are, the harder they fall. However, in this case, Woodson’s striking should outweigh Jenkins’ skills. The fight going the distance makes the most sense, with Woodson having a clear edge.

Ding Meng vs. Cameron Nelson; Welterweights

Meng vs. Nelson prediction

Meng is on a two-fight losing streak, though he did impress on Dana White’s Contender Series. He lands 380 significant strikes per minute. Nelson has never fought within any UFC-related property. He has two knockout wins and three submission wins. The unknown factor could help Nelson’s cause.

Best bet

Meng means to be someone who could have a bright future in the UFC. However, Nelson can run down opponents and bully them. He should have enough momentum and striking skills to tire Meng out.

Full UFC Shanghai card

Main Card

• Umar Nurmagomedov vs. Song Yadong; Bantamweights
• Yan Xiaonan vs. Denise Gomes; Strawweights
• Aoriqileng vs. Kai Asakura; Bantamweights
• Alex Perez vs. Su Mudaerji; Flyweights
• Liu Ce vs. Levi Rodrigues Jr.; Light Heavyweights
• Bilal Hasan vs. Nilson Rojas; Flyweights

Prelims

• Namsrai Batbayar vs. Andre Lima; Flyweights
• Rei Tsuruya vs. Kevin Borjas; Flyweights
• Xiao Long vs. Francesco Nuzzi; Bantamweights
• Jack Jenkins vs. Sean Woodson; Featherweights
• Lawrence Lui vs. Hector Santiago; Bantamweights
• Xiong Jingnan vs. Julia Polastri; Strawweights
• Ding Meng vs. Cameron Nelson; Welterweights