UFC Vancouver: Cody Gibson vs. Aori Qileng Predictions & Odds

Exciting bantamweight contenders collide on Oct. 18, as American MMA contender Cody Gibson takes on the Chinese MMA star Aori Qileng in the main card of the UFC Vancouver card inside Rogers Arena.

Both are coming off losses in their previous fights, but Gibson heads into the match as the slight betting favorite with -170 UFC odds. His well-rounded fighting style is the primary reason for his favorable odds, as he can strike and grapple. 

On the other hand, Aori is the slight betting underdog with +140 odds.

UFC Vancouver: Gibson vs. Aori Qileng Odds

• Cody Gibson: -170
• Aori Qileng: +140

UFC Vancouver: Gibson vs. Aori Qileng: Prediction

I predict a submission victory for Gibson over Aori due to his superior grappling skills, which is a perfect counter to the Chinese contender’s Sanda background. Once Gibson gets a hold of his opponents, he’s a relentless fighter on the ground.

Gibson’s wrestling and submission skills were on full display last November during his fight against Chad Anheliger, who was also a striker. He was able to rag-doll him through three rounds, and I think that he can do the same with Aori.

Since Aori is more of a striker, he’ll be interested in a stand-up fight and will gladly exchange on the feet due to his Sanda-based fighting style. But he has shown vulnerabilities in his takedown defense, as Raul Rosas Jr. exposed in their bout in September 2024.

In the early phase of the fight, Gibson can lure Aori into thinking this will be a striking match before he times a level change and shoots for a takedown. From there, Gibson can maneuver his way into a finish using a variety of submission techniques.

Cody Gibson’s Recent Fight Results

Gibson is an MMA veteran who made his pro debut in 2008. He first fought in the UFC in 2014 against Aljamain Sterling but was unanimously defeated. After that, he only won one of his next three bouts, and the promotion removed him from the roster.

He competed in other fight organizations before he joined the Ultimate Fighter in 2023. Gibson fought Brad Katona in the finale of the tournament and sustained a decision defeat. However, he was still able to earn himself a contract with the Las Vegas-based promotion.

Since then, the MMA veteran has won two of his last three fights with victories against Brian Kelleher and Anheliger. His most recent match was a second-round submission loss to Da’Mon Blackshear last March.

Aori Qileng’s Recent Fight Results

Aori is an experienced fighter who competed in the Asian MMA circuit before he finally made it to the big league in 2021. He fought Jeff Molina in his UFC debut but lost via unanimous decision. 

Since that loss, Aori has three wins, three losses, and one no-contest. He won against Cameron Else, Jay Perrin, and Johnny Munoz. He last recorded a victory in the UFC in October 2023, while his two previous bouts were a no-contest and a loss. 

Meanwhile, his losses were courtesy of Cody Duren, Aiemann Zahabi, and Rosas Jr.

UFC Vancouver: Gibson vs. Aori Qileng: Tale of the Tape