Ricky Simon vs Song Yadong Pick – UFC Fight Night 223 Predictions & Odds 4/29/23

Song Yadong and Ricky Simon fight Saturday in UFC Fight Night 223 at the UFC Apex. Yadong enters this fight with a 19-7 record and has won 42 percent of his fights by knockout. Simon enters this fight with a 20-3 record and has won 50 percent of his fights by decision.

Yadong has won 7 of his last 10 fights and is coming off a September loss to Cory Sandhagen. Yadong is averaging 4.55 significant strikes per minute, with an accuracy percentage of 41 percent. Yadong is averaging 0.63 takedowns with an accuracy percentage of 55 percent. Yadong is coming off a knockout loss at UFC Fight Night 210 where landed 130 total strikes and ate 130 total strikes. The loss snapped a 3-fight winning streak, and it was the second time Yadong has been knocked out in his career. The Kung Fu Monkey is only 25 years old, but he has a decade of pro experience already and is 8-2-1 under the UFC banner. Yadong comes from a Chinese kung fu background, but he’s a balanced fighter who is most comfortable standing up and relying on his boxing. Yadong has to become more comfortable with his wrestling if he’s going to take that next step in his career. This will be Yadong’s sixth career fight in Nevada.

Simon has won 5 straight fights and is coming off a July win over Jack Shore. Simon is averaging 3.04 significant strikes per minute, with an accuracy percentage of 44 percent. Simon is averaging 6.55 takedowns with an accuracy percentage of 52 percent. Simon is coming off a submission victory at UFC on ABC 3 that earned performance of the night honors. Simon is now 9-2 under the UFC banner, and he has 4 career submission victories. Simon is a 30-year-old American who has a black belt in BJJ and a balanced attack. Simon has knockout pop in his hands, knows his way around the canvas, and has a gas tank that’s helped him win 10 of his 11 career decisions. Simon hasn’t lost a bout since his competitive fight against Rob Font at UFC on ESPN 7. This will be Simon’s fourth career fight in Nevada.

You can make a case for either fighter in this spot, but I’m not stepping in front of Simon and this run he’s on currently. Simon also has a clear edge with his grappling and takedown success, and he could cruise to a win if able to get Yadong on the canvas. 

I’m riding the hot hand and siding with Simon.