Expert tips and best bets for UFC Fight Night and Bellator Champions Series

Rising welterweight contender Sean Brady faces former title challenger Gilbert Burns in the main event of UFC Fight Night at UFC Apex in Las Vegas on Saturday night (7 p.m. ET on ESPN+, prelims at 4 p.m. on ESPN+).

Brady, No. 9 in ESPN's welterweight rankings, comes into the fight having defeated Kelvin Gastelum by third-round submission in his last fight. Burns, ESPN's No. 6 welterweight ranking, has lost back-to-back fights to Belal Muhammad and Jack Della Maddalena, respectively.

In addition, Bellator returns on Saturday after a nearly three-month hiatus. The promoter will host the next edition of the Bellator Champions Series in San Diego, with lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov putting his title on the line against Alexander Shabliy.

Brett Okamoto spoke with ESPN analyst and veteran MMA coach Din Thomas to get his take on the UFC's main event. ESPN betting expert Ian Parker provides insight and analysis on this weekend's two main events and other interesting bets he likes.

Editor's note: Responses have been edited for brevity and clarity.

Welterweight: Gilbert Burns vs. Sean Brady