Veretennikov vs Price: UFC Odds, Breakdown & AI Pick

Nikolay Veretennikov vs Niko Price fight analysis

Event Details

On Saturday, February 7, 2026, the UFC hits the Meta APEX arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, with an action-packed Preliminary Card that begins at 10:00 PM UTC. Among the undercard matchups, the welterweight division takes center stage when Nikolay Veretennikov meets Niko Price in what promises to be a firefight between two seasoned veterans. This clash kicks off the Preliminary Card of UFC Fight Night: Bautista vs. Oliveira, streaming live on UFC Fight Pass and ESPN+.

Fighter Overview: Favorite vs. Underdog

• Favorite: Kazakhstan’s Nikolay Veretennikov
  • Odds: –240 (Caesars) / –235 (BetOnline.ag)
  • UFC Record: 13-7-0
  • Striking Accuracy: 56% sig. strike land rate
  • Takedown Defense: 63%
  • Fighting Style: Sambo, with nine knockouts and one submission victory on his résumé

• Underdog: American brawler Niko Price
  • Odds: +200 (Caesars & BetOnline.ag)
  • UFC Record: 16-9-0
  • Sig. Strike Defense: 49%
  • First-Round Finishes: 10 of his 16 wins
  • Fighting Style: Freestyle, carrying explosive power and penchant for unpredictable finishes

Veretennikov makes his third appearance of 2025, looking to rebound after a unanimous-decision defeat to Punahele Soriano last October. At 35 years old, the Sambo specialist combines a patient, methodical striking game with dogged takedown defense—he allows opponents to land just 44% of their significant strikes and thwarts 63% of takedown attempts. His average fight time of nearly 14 minutes suggests he can maintain pressure over three tough rounds.

Price, also 35, arrives on uneven footing after dropping two straight decisions and suffering knockout losses to Robbie Lawler and Philip Rowe. Still, his record boasts 10 first-round finishes and a signature willingness to engage in chaotic exchanges. His striking accuracy sits at 43%, but his 8:49 average fight time underlines that when Price lands, it’s often decisive—and fast. With only 28% takedown accuracy, Price prefers to stand and trade, banking on his unorthodox strikes and sudden power shots.

What to Expect

This matchup pits Veretennikov’s technical prowess and defensive discipline against Price’s wild, high-variance attack. The favorite will look to control distance, pick his shots, and avoid Price’s looping overhands. Conversely, the underdog must force a brawl early, overwhelm Veretennikov’s rhythm, and secure a finish before the Kazakh can settle into a strategic groove.

Whether you back the –240 favorite to impose a controlled, three-round blueprint or the +200 underdog to light up the night with an explosive upset, this bout embodies the unpredictability and excitement of the welterweight division. Don’t miss this pivotal showdown on the Preliminary Card of UFC Fight Night: Bautista vs. Oliveira!

Live odds

Live and historic odds as well as more fighter statistics and insights for Nikolay Veretennikov vs Niko Price can be found on the fighter matchup page. All the fighter matchups and live odds for Bautista vs Oliveira can be found on the Bautista vs Oliveira event page.

Fight Matchup and Fighter Profiles

Matchup Overview

This welterweight showdown features two 35-year-olds with contrasting styles and career trajectories. Nikolay Veretennikov (13-7-0) brings a precision-oriented Sambo base, elite striking accuracy, and sturdy takedown defense. His opponent, Niko Price (16-9-0), is a freestyle brawler known for first-round knockout power and unorthodox striking. With Veretennikov installed as the favorite (–240) and Price the underdog (+200), this bout will test technical discipline versus knockout explosiveness.

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Nikolay Veretennikov Profile

Age & Origin

• Age: 35
• Country: Kazakhstan
• Fighting Style: Sambo

Recent Form (Last 4 Fights)

1. Oct. 4, 2025 – Loss to Punahele Soriano (Decision – Unanimous)
2. July 19, 2025 – Win over Francisco Prado (Decision – Split)
3. Feb. 22, 2025 – Loss to Austin Vanderford (KO/TKO, R2 4:13)
4. Aug. 10, 2024 – Loss to Danny Barlow (Decision – Unanimous)

Record in last 12 months: 1-3, bouncing back from a decision loss with a narrow split victory but still seeking consistency.

Key Strengths

• Striking Accuracy (56%): Lands more than half of his significant strikes, indicating disciplined shot selection and efficiency.
• Takedown Defense (63%): Relatively difficult to take down, forcing opponents to rely on striking exchanges.
• Average Fight Time (13:51): Comfortable in extended, three-round battles—suggests good cardio and fight IQ.

Notable Weaknesses

• Takedown Offense (17%): Rarely mixes in takedown attempts, limiting his ability to change levels and diversify attacks.
• Significant Strike Defense (44%): Allows over half of opponent’s strikes to land—vulnerable to high-output strikers.
• Finishing Rate: Only 5 first-round finishes in 13 wins; often forced into decisions, which can be swingy on judges’ cards.

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Niko Price Profile

Age & Origin

• Age: 35
• Country: United States
• Fighting Style: Freestyle

Recent Form (Last 5 Fights)

1. June 28, 2025 – Loss to Jacobe Smith (Decision)
2. Oct. 12, 2024 – Loss to Themba Gorimbo (Decision – Unanimous)
3. June 1, 2024 – Win over Alex Morono (Decision – Unanimous)
4. July 8, 2023 – Loss to Robbie Lawler (KO/TKO, R1 0:38)
5. Dec. 3, 2022 – Loss to Philip Rowe (KO/TKO, R3 3:26)

Current skid: 1-4 over last five; last win came nearly a year ago—urgency to reverse momentum.

Key Strengths

• First-Round Finishes (10 of 16 wins): Devastating power early; opponents must respect his knockout threats from the opening bell.
• Unpredictable Striking: Wild looping hooks and up-kicks can catch defenders flat-footed.
• Sig. Strike Defense (49%): Nearly half of opponent’s strikes are defended—shows head movement and countering skills in bursts.

Notable Weaknesses

• Striking Accuracy (43%): Less precise—missed shots can lead to counter-opportunities for the favorite.
• Takedown Defense (50%) / Takedown Offense (28%): Middle of the pack—susceptible if Veretennikov decides to grind on the clinch or shoot for takedowns.
• Cardio & Extended Fights: Average fight time of 8:49, suggests diminishing returns if the finish doesn’t come early.

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Strengths vs. Weaknesses Breakdown

• Technical Edge: Veretennikov’s superior accuracy and takedown defense allow him to dictate range and pace. Price must force wild exchanges to disrupt that rhythm.
• Power vs. Precision: Price’s knockout upside is the X-factor—one punch can change everything. Veretennikov must maintain distance, use jabs, and avoid brawling.
• Fight IQ & Conditioning: Veretennikov thrives in three-round chess matches; Price is at his best in frenetic, early-round flurries. If the fight enters Round 2, edge goes to the Kazakh.

This stylistic dichotomy makes Veretennikov vs. Price a compelling clash: the patient tactician against the unpredictable powerhouse. Fans can expect a high-stakes strategic showdown where one well-timed shot or scramble could determine the outcome.

Odds Breakdown and Line Movement

Current Betting Odds

• Nikolay Veretennikov (Favorite)
  • Caesars: –240
  • BetOnline.ag: –235
• Niko Price (Underdog)
  • Caesars: +200
  • BetOnline.ag: +200

Veretennikov enters the betting as a clear favorite across the board, priced at roughly –240 to –235, meaning you’d need to risk $240 (or $235) to win $100. Price is sitting at +200, so a $100 wager would win $200. The underdog tag firmly belongs to Price, whose explosive style commands the higher return but reflects the market’s belief that Veretennikov’s technical discipline will prevail.

Best Sportsbook to Shop Lines

• For the Favorite: BetOnline.ag’s –235 line on Veretennikov is superior to Caesars’ –240. You’ll risk a bit less per $100 of profit.
• For the Underdog: Both Caesars and BetOnline.ag post +200 on Price, so either book works.

If your lean is on Veretennikov, the extra five cents per dollar at BetOnline.ag add up over time. Price backers can choose either site, but remember to check vig and any ongoing promos.

Line Movement & Big Swings

• Veretennikov:
  • Caesars moved from –250 → –240.
  • BetOnline.ag swung more dramatically, from –325 → –235.
  • This 90-cent shift suggests sharp money came in on Veretennikov to tighten the juice and balance the book.
• Price:
  • Caesars ticked from +205 → +200.
  • BetOnline.ag slid from +275 → +200.
  • A 75-cent drop indicates bettors chasing an enhanced underdog price earlier in the week.

Those sizable adjustments—especially BetOnline.ag’s 275→200 on Price and 325→235 on Veretennikov—show early optimism on Price too, before the favorite reclaimed ground.

Hypothetical $1,000 Wagers & Implied Chances

• $1,000 on Niko Price at +200

  • Profit: $2,000
  • Total Return: $3,000
  • Implied Win Probability: ~33%

• $1,000 on Nikolay Veretennikov at –240 (Caesars)

  • Profit: $416
  • Total Return: $1,416
  • Implied Win Probability: ~71%

• $1,000 on Nikolay Veretennikov at –235 (BetOnline.ag)

  • Profit: $425
  • Total Return: $1,425
  • Implied Win Probability: ~70%

These payouts highlight the trade-off: a bigger upside for Price vs. a steadier, safer return backing Veretennikov. If you believe in Veretennikov’s precision striking and stifling takedown defense, BetOnline.ag’s –235 gives you the highest return on the favorite.

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By monitoring these line shifts and shopping for the best odds, you can maximize value whether you side with the favorite or reach for the underdog upset. Keep an eye on any late-money moves as fight night approaches—sharp bettors love to attack soft lines at the eleventh hour.