If you're looking to dive into the betting waters this weekend, you're in luck. From the octagon in Montreal to the greens of Pennsylvania, the puck battles of the NHL, and the gridiron of the UFL, this weekend's betting slate is a buffet of opportunity—and risk. Whether you're a seasoned sharp or a strategic newcomer, here’s your comprehensive and entertaining rundown of what to watch, what to wager, and how to play it smart.

UFC 315 – Saturday Night Combat in Montreal

This is the kind of card that gets fight fans and bettors equally amped.

Main Event: Belal Muhammad vs. Jack Della Maddalena

Muhammad, riding a 10-fight win streak, brings relentless pressure and world-class grappling to the cage. He’s the betting favorite at around -205, and for good reason—he knows how to wear down strikers. But don’t sleep on Della Maddalena (+180), a precision striker on a 12-fight win streak with finishing power that can flip the script in an instant.

Co-Main: Valentina Shevchenko vs. Manon Fiorot

The torch may be passing. Fiorot, younger and more active, is a slight favorite at -150 and has all the tools to overwhelm Shevchenko. But the former champ still has her sniper-like striking and championship mettle, making her a tempting dog bet at +130. Expect a technical chess match more than a slugfest.

Undercard Bangers:

Jose Aldo vs. Aiemann Zahabi
Natalia Silva vs. Alexa Grasso
Kyle Prepolec vs. Benoit Saint Denis

Smart Play: A parlay with Muhammad/Della Maddalena to end by KO/TKO paired with Shevchenko/Fiorot going the distance could offer solid value.

PGA Tour – Truist Championship (May 9–12)

At the Philadelphia Cricket Club’s Wissahickon Course—making its PGA Tour debut—expect the putter to be mightier than the driver. Small, undulating greens mean this course favors short-game assassins.

Top of the Board:

Rory McIlroy (+400): Always a threat, especially when he’s hot with the driver.
Collin Morikawa (14/1): Arguably the best iron player on the planet.
Justin Thomas, Ludvig Åberg, Xander Schauffele (16/1): Each with the tools to win if the putter cooperates.

Value Picks to Watch:

Aaron Rai (60/1): Fairway finder with the accuracy to thrive here.
Denny McCarthy (66/1): A putting savant tailor-made for this track.
Thomas Detry (125/1): A boom-or-bust pick with upside after his Waste Management win.

Tip: In matchups or top-10 markets, look for players with elite scrambling and putting metrics.

NHL Playoffs – Game 2: Hurricanes vs. Capitals

Game 1 saw a 2-1 grinder go Carolina’s way, and odds suggest more of the same in Game 2.

Lines:

Hurricanes: -425
Capitals: +320

Carolina’s system thrives in the playoffs—tight forechecks, stingy defense, and clutch goaltending. But the price on the Caps is long enough to warrant a sprinkle if you're chasing plus-money value. Alternatively, consider the under, especially if totals sit at 5.5 goals.

MLB Highlights – Early May Lines to Exploit

Royals vs. White Sox

Royals: -244
White Sox: +201
Total: 8 runs

Kansas City has won 75% of their games as a favorite this season. Meanwhile, the White Sox continue to be a rebuilding mess. Expect another low-scoring affair, especially if the Royals’ pitching holds up.

Rangers at Red Sox

Red Sox: -137
Rangers: +116
Total: 9 runs

A matchup of youth and unpredictability, with Jack Leiter toeing the rubber for Texas and Brayan Bello countering for Boston. Total bettors should take note—these young arms could keep things quiet or unravel early. Live-bet this one if an early read becomes clear.

UFL Week 7 – Pro Football with Edgy Odds

If you’ve been sleeping on the UFL, now’s the time to wake up. Bettors are finding value in this unpredictable league week after week.

D.C. Defenders vs. San Antonio Brahmas

Spread: Defenders -8.5
Moneyline: Defenders -425, Brahmas +330
Total: 37.5

Michigan Panthers vs. Arlington Renegades

Spread: Panthers -3
Moneyline: Panthers -166, Renegades +140
Total: 42.5

Play: Underdog spreads have been profitable in the UFL. Consider Brahmas +8.5 or Renegades +3 depending on injury updates and line movement late in the week.

Winning Strategies for the Weekend

Live Betting: In-game markets offer value if you’re quick to react. Think: a slow first round in UFC or an early bogey by a frontrunner in golf—react faster than the algorithm.

Bonus Hunting: Many books are offering UFC parlay boosts or golf odds boosts. Always opt in. Use promos to minimize risk on your longer plays.

Stay Responsible: This weekend’s action is packed, but never bet more than you can afford to lose. Know your limits and keep it fun.

Whether you're rolling with Rory, riding with Belal, or backing a baseball under, this weekend has something for every bettor. Now all that’s left to do is lock in your picks, crack a beverage, and enjoy the action—one calculated wager at a time.

Bettor’s Playbook for This Weekend