Category: picks and betting tips

UFC 289: Dan Ige vs. Nate Landwehr odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s UFC 289 odds and lines between Dan Ige vs. Nate Landwehr with MMA picks, tips and predictions.

In a featherweight bout on the main card, Dan Ige and Nate Landwehr meet Saturday at UFC 289 at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, British Columbia. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the UFC 289: Ige vs. Landwehr odds, and make our expert picks and predictions.

The early prelims are on ESPN/ESPN+ at 7 p.m., prelims are on ESPN/ESPN+ at 8 p.m. ET, with the main card on Pay-Per-View at 10 p.m. ET.

Watch this card with ESPN+ by signing up here.

Ige halted a 3-bout losing streak, all via unanimous decision, with a 2nd-round KO/TKO against Damon Jackson last time out in mid-January. He hasn’t picked up consecutive victories since winning 6 in a row from June 2018 to May 2020. Ige has gone the distance in 7 of his past 9 fights.

Landwehr takes the walk on a 3-bout win streak, including a pair of submission victories over Austin Lingo and Ludovit Klein. Sandwiched between those victories was a majority decision win over David Onama in mid-Aug. 2022.

Landwehr has a 2-inch height and 1-inch reach advantage, and he also has an impressive 6.47-to-3.80 significant strikes landed per minute advantage. Landwehr is more accurate too, landing 52.51% of those strikes compared to just 50.26% for Ige.

As far as the ground game is concerned, it’s advantage Landwehr too. “The Train” has a slight takedown average lead (1.36-to-1.25), but a huge 62.5% takedown accuracy percentage compared to just 26.79% for Ige. Landwehr holds the 1.36 submission average lead, too, with Ige posting just 0.33.

UFC 289: Ige vs. Landwehr odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:44 a.m. ET.

  • Fight result (2-way line): Ige -250 (bet $250 to win $100) | Landwehr +200 (bet $100 to win $200)
  • Will the fight go the distance? (Yes +110 | No -145)

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UFC 289: Ige vs. Landwehr picks and predictions

Records: Ige (16-6-0) | Landwehr (17-4-0)

Fight result (2-way line or moneyline)

LANDWEHR (+200) is a tremendous value as a live ‘dog, giving bettors a chance to double up.

Statistically, the underdog holds all of the major advantages, and the only area Ige has an advantage is being 4 years younger.

Landwehr has been the hotter fighter, too, posting 3 straight wins, and a pair of submissions during the run. However, like the Onama fight, I think LANDWEHR ON POINTS (+475) is the result, and worth playing lightly.

Over/Under (O/U)

YES (+110): WILL THE FIGHT GO THE DISTANCE? is a tremendous value at plus money.

I think Landwehr gets it done, but if you don’t want to take a chance on the underdog, and simply want some action on the fight, this is a great play. Landwehr has ended up going the distance in 2 of his past 5 UFC fights, while Ige has needed the help of the judges to determine a winner in 7 of his past 9 outings.

Visit MMA Junkie for more fight news and analysis.

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and us on Facebook.

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UFC 289: Mike Malott vs. Adam Fugitt odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s UFC 289 odds and lines between Mike Malott vs. Adam Fugitt with MMA picks, tips and predictions.

In a welterweight bout on the main card, Mike Malott and Adam Fugitt meet Saturday at UFC 289 at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, British Columbia. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the UFC 289: Malott vs. Fugitt odds, and make our expert picks and predictions.

The early prelims are on ESPN/ESPN+ at 7 p.m., prelims are on ESPN/ESPN+ at 8 p.m. ET, with the main card on Pay-Per-View at 10 p.m. ET.

Watch this card with ESPN+ by signing up here.

The Canadian Malott has won each of his 2 fights since making his UFC debut. The 31-year-old picked up a 1st round submission victory of Yohan Lainesse in February on the heels of a 1st-round KO/TKO at UFC 273 against Mickey Gall in April 2022. He has 5 consecutive finishes dating back to Feb. 2017 when he topped Craig Shintani at XFFC 13, with each fight ending in the 1st round.

Fugitt, the American southpaw, represents Art of War MMA. The 34-year-old has 2 fights under his belt, winning against Yusaku Kinoshita last time out in early February. That made up for a 3rd-round KO/TKO loss to Michael Morales in his company debut in July 2022.

UFC 289: Malott vs. Fugitt odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:15 a.m. ET.

  • Fight result (2-way line): Malott -210 (bet $210 to win $100) | Fugitt +170 (bet $100 to win $170)
  • Will the fight go the distance? (Yes +275 | No -400)

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UFC 289: Malott vs. Fugitt picks and predictions

Records: Malott (9-1-1) | Fugitt (9-3-0)

Fight result (2-way line or moneyline)

Malott (-210) will cost you over 2 times your potential return, and that’s a little too expensive for a singular bet. As part of a multi-fighter parlay, it isn’t nearly as bad.

The Canadian has been on a roll, winning each of his 2 UFC fights, and not wasting any time in each of his past 5 professional bouts, ending each fight with a 1st-round win.

Still, we have to get a little creative, as Malott on the 2-way line is too expensive. Instead, MALOTT BY KO/TKO OR DQ (+200) for a chance to double up is more attractive.

Over/Under (O/U)

No (-400): Will the fight go the distance? is way too expensive.

Instead, I’d take a chance on Round Betting, and look to MALOTT IN ROUND 2 (+400) for a chance to multiply your initial wager by 4 times. Toss in MALOTT IN ROUND 3 (+800), too. Yes, you’ll lose one of the ends, but if the Canadian wins in either Round 2 or 3 you will be well ahead.

Visit MMA Junkie for more fight news and analysis.

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and us on Facebook.

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UFC 289: Marc-Andre Barriault vs. Eryk Anders odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s UFC 289 odds and lines between Marc-Andre Barriault vs. Eryk Anders with MMA picks, tips and predictions.

In a middleweight bout on the main card, Marc-Andre Barriault and Eryk Anders meet Saturday at UFC 289 at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, BC. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the UFC 289: Barriault vs. Anders odds, and make our expert picks and predictions.

The early prelims are on ESPN/ESPN+ at 7 p.m., prelims are on ESPN/ESPN+ at 8 p.m. ET, with the main card on Pay-Per-View at 10 p.m. ET.

Watch this card with ESPN+ by signing up here.

Barriault, the Canadian native, dropped Julian Marquez in a 2nd-round KO/TKO win at UFC 285 in his most-recent showing in early March. He has alternated wins and losses across his past 5 fights, with 4 consecutive finishes. In the 4-bout finish streak, he has a win and a loss via KO/TKO, and a win and a loss via submission.

For Anders, a.k.a. ‘Ya Boi’, the southpaw snapped a 2-bout skid with a 2nd-round KO/TKO against Kyle Daukaus last time out in early Dec. 2022. Anders hasn’t won consecutive fights since topping Vinicius Moreira and Gerald Meerschaert in June and Oct. 2019 bouts.

Anders has a 1-inch reach differential, while Barriault has an impressive 5.90-to-3.39 significant strikes landed per minute advantage. Neither fighter has an advantage in the ground game, although Anders is more apt to go there, posting a 1.59 takedown average.

UFC 289: Barriault vs. Anders odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:55 a.m. ET.

  • Fight result (2-way line): Barriault -140 (bet $140 to win $100) | Anders +115 (bet $100 to win $115)
  • Will the fight go the distance? (Yes -135 | No +100)

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UFC 289: Barriault vs. Anders picks and predictions

Records: Barriault (15-6-0) | Anders (15-7-0)

Fight result (2-way line or moneyline)

BARRIAULT (-140) should feed off a pro-Canadian crowd in this first fight on the main card.

Neither of these fighters comes in particularly hot. But Barriault nearly doubles up Anders (+115) in significant strikes landed per minute, and that will be his M.O. in this fight. Barriault will look to keep the fight upright, try to drag Anders into a brawl, and avoid going to the mat where the underdog has his best chance.

Over/Under (O/U)

NO (+100): WILL THE FIGHT GO THE DISTANCE? is a tremendous play.

Neither of these fighters seem terribly keen to get the judges involved. Barriault’s past 4 fights have ended early, including a pair of 1st-round endings.

For Anders, he has ended up going the distance in 4 of his past 6 fights, while there was also a no contest in March 2021 against Darren Stewart. It isn’t a certainty that this one ends early, but generally Barriault doesn’t waste much time getting the job done.

Visit MMA Junkie for more fight news and analysis.

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and us on Facebook.

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UFC 289: Charles Oliveira vs. Beneil Dariush odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s UFC 289 odds and lines between Charles Oliveira vs. Beneil Dariush with MMA picks, tips and predictions.

In a lightweight bout on the main card, Charles Oliveira and Beneil Dariush meet Saturday at UFC 289 at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, British Columbia. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the UFC 289: Oliveira vs. Dariush odds, and make our expert picks and predictions.

The early prelims are on ESPN/ESPN+ at 7 p.m., prelims are on ESPN/ESPN+ at 8 p.m. ET, with the main card on Pay-Per-View at 10 p.m. ET.

Watch this card with ESPN+ by signing up here.

Oliveira lost his lightweight strap at UFC 280 as he was submitted in the 2nd round by Islam Makhachev. “Do Bronx” had won his 2 previous fights via submission against Justin Gaethje (May 2022) and Dustin Poirier (Dec. 2021), and his win over Gaethje was in the opening round. The Chute Boxe fighter is a tough customer, and he has faced the best of the best in the class.

The southpaw Dariush has rattled off 8 straight victories since a 1st-round KO/TKO loss against Alexander Hernandez at UFC 222 in 2018, so yeah, it’s been a while. His past 2 fights might be the most impressive, topping Tony Ferguson and Mateusz Gamrot via unanimous decision at UFC 262 and UFC 280, respectively.

Oliveira holds a 2-inch reach advantage and has a slight 3.81-to-3.48 significant strikes landed per minute advantage. Oliveira is a little more accurate at 61.52%, while Dariush lands his strikes at 53.73% accuracy. Both like to attempt the takedown too, but Oliveira well ahead with a 2.78-to-0.90 submission average.

UFC 289: Oliveira vs. Dariush odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:57 a.m. ET.

  • Fight result (2-way line): Oliveira +125 (bet $100 to win $125) | Dariush -150 (bet $150 to win $100)
  • Will the fight go the distance? (Yes +180 | No -250)

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UFC 289: Oliveira vs. Dariush picks and predictions

Records: Oliveira (33-9-0) | Dariush (22-4-1)

Fight result (2-way line or moneyline)

OLIVEIRA (+125) is a solid value as the underdog in this fight. Dariush has been red-hot, winning 8 straight fights, but Oliveira has squared off with a who’s who in this division lately and has been a belt holder with 2 successful titles defenses.

I believe Oliveira taps into his championship experience to get the job done and hand Dariush his first loss since spring of 2018, while positioning himself for another shot at the strap. Oliveira hasn’t lost consecutive fights since 2016.

Over/Under (O/U)

YES (+180): FIGHT TO GO THE DISTANCE is worth taking a flier on, for a chance to nearly double up.

While Oliveira doesn’t play around, finishing inside the distance in 4 straight fights, he did have a unanimous-decision win at UFC 256.

On the flip side, Dariush’s past 3 fights have ended via decision, although his 4 fights prior to that run ended in the 2nd round or sooner. Still, as the competition has improved, his fights have ended up going longer.

I think Dariush can really give Oliveira some trouble, and take this one the distance.

Visit MMA Junkie for more fight news and analysis.

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and us on Facebook.

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UFC 289: Amanda Nunes vs. Irene Aldana odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s UFC 289 odds and lines between Amanda Nunes vs. Irene Aldana with MMA picks, tips and predictions.

In a women’s bantamweight championship bout in the main event, Amanda Nunes and Irene Aldana meet Saturday at UFC 289 at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, British Columbia. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the UFC 289: Nunes vs. Aldana odds, and make our expert picks and predictions.

The early prelims are on ESPN/ESPN+ at 7 p.m., prelims are on ESPN/ESPN+ at 8 p.m. ET, with the main card on Pay-Per-View at 10 p.m. ET.

Watch this card with ESPN+ by signing up here.

Nunes, a.k.a. “The Lioness”, takes the walk with the bantamweight strap in tow. The 35-year-old was stunned in a 2nd-round submission setback at UFC 269 against Julianna Pena in December, 2021, but she returned the favor with a unanimous-decision win at UFC 277 in July to get her title back.

Since taking the belt off of Miesha Tate at UFC 200 in July 2016, Nunes is 8-1 in title defense fights. She has gone the distance in 3 of her past 5 fights — all victories — against Germaine de Randamie, Felicia Spencer and Pena.

Aldana enters the octagon as a huge underdog. She has recorded consecutive KO/TKO wins over Macy Chiasson and Yana Santos, but a fight against the legend Nunes is a giant step up in competition. Aldana appeared in one other main event in a Fight Night card on Oct. 3, 2020, losing to Holly Holm via unanimous decision.

Aldana actually holds a 5.39-to-4.40 significant strikes landed per minute advantage, although the champ is much more accurate at 57.43% compared to just 43.58% for Aldana. Nunes also loves the takedown, registering a 2.61 TD average, as opposed to just 0.20 for her challenger.

UFC 289: Nunes vs. Aldana odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:32 a.m. ET.

  • Fight result (2-way line): Nunes -350 (bet $350 to win $100) | Aldana +260 (bet $260 to win $100)
  • Will the fight go the distance? (Yes +180 | No -250)

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UFC 289: Nunes vs. Aldana picks and predictions

Records: Nunes (22-5-0) | Aldana (14-6-0)

Fight result (2-way line or moneyline)

It’s a treat to be able to watch Nunes (-350), as she is one of the most dominant fighters in UFC history. But it’s also a little boring, too. She has won 13 of her past 14 fights, which makes the Pena loss at UFC 269 that much more shocking.

She reportedly contemplated retiring after that setback, but bounced back with a revenge win instead and now finds herself at the pinnacle again — and a heavy favorite to stay there.

However, you cannot risk 3 1/2 times your potential return on the 2-way line. Instead, NUNES BY KO/TKO OR DQ (+100) at even money is a much better play in the 7-way Method of Victory category.

Over/Under (O/U)

No (-250): Will the fight go the distance? is not worth playing. It will cost you 2 1/2 times your potential return, and that’s just too expensive for not enough reward.

Instead, play a 3-round block instead. Playing NUNES IN ROUND 2 (+400), NUNES IN ROUND 3 (+800) and NUNES IN ROUND 4 (+1400). Yes, you’re going to lose 2 of those ends, but if Nunes gets the finish in Round 2 through 4, you’ll be well ahead, especially if she wins in Round 3 or 4.

Visit MMA Junkie for more fight news and analysis.

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and us on Facebook.

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UFC on ESPN 45: Tim Elliott vs. Victor Altamirano odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s UFC on ESPN 45 odds and lines between Tim Elliott vs. Victor Altamirano with MMA picks, tips and predictions.

In a flyweight bout on the main card, Tim Elliott and Victor Altamirano meet Saturday at UFC on ESPN 45 — also known as UFC Vegas 74 — at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the UFC on ESPN 45: Elliott vs. Altamirano odds, and make our expert picks and predictions.

The prelims are on ESPN+ at 6 p.m. ET, with the main card on ESPN/ESPN+ at 9 p.m. ET.

Watch this card with ESPN+ by signing up here.

Elliott takes the walk to the octagon looking to build off of his unanimous decision win at UFC 272 against Tagir Ulanbekov in March 2022. It was a solid win after his unanimous decision setback against Matheus Nicolau in Oct. 2021 in his previous bout. He has gone the distance in each of his last 4 outings.

Altamirano has registered consecutive wins against Daniel Lacerda in March and Vinicius Salvador in August 2022. It has been a nice bounce back after El Magnifico’s split-decision setback against Carlos Hernandez in his UFC debut in late Feb. 2022. He’s gone the distance in 4 of his last 5 pro bouts.

UFC on ESPN 45: Elliott vs. Altamirano odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:02 a.m. ET.

  • Fight result (2-way line): Elliott -185 (bet $185 to win $100) | Altamirano +150 (bet $100 to win $150)
  • Will the fight go the distance? (Yes -225 | No +165)

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UFC on ESPN 45: Elliott vs. Altamirano picks and predictions

Records: Elliott (19-12-1) | Altamirano (12-2-0)

Fight result (2-way line or moneyline)

The southpaw Elliott (-185) is a rather heavy favorite despite the fact he’s an inch shorter than his counterpart and has a 4-inch reach disadvantage. Elliott is also 4 years older than his opponent.

The Mexican ALTAMIRANO (+150) has a 6.15 significant strikes landed per minute to just 3.58 for the southpaw Elliott. Altamirano is much more accurate, too, landing his significant strikes at 65.97%, although Elliott is still rather accurate at 59.52%.

This won’t be easy, but the value play is on the underdog.

Over/Under (O/U)

Will the fight go the distance? Yes (-225) is too expensive, as it will cost you more than 2 times your potential return.

Look instead to the round betting or method of victory, and take ALTAMIRANO ON POINTS (+300) for a chance to triple up if he pulls off the victory after going the distance.

I believe this will be a very close fight, and a split decision or majority decision could be in play. As a result, YES (+375): FIGHT TO BE WON BY SPLIT OR MAJORITY DECISION is worth a small-unit wager.

Visit MMA Junkie for more fight news and analysis.

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and us on Facebook.

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UFC on ESPN 45: Alex Caceres vs. Daniel Pineda odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s UFC on ESPN 45 odds and lines between Alex Caceres vs. Daniel Pineda with MMA picks, tips and predictions.

In a featherweight bout on the main card, Alex Caceres and Daniel Pineda meet Saturday at UFC on ESPN 45 — also known as UFC Vegas 74 — at UFC Apex in Las Vegas. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the UFC on ESPN 45: Caceres vs. Pineda odds, and make our expert picks and predictions.

The prelims are on ESPN+ at 6 p.m. ET, with the main card on ESPN/ESPN+ at 9 p.m. ET.

Watch this card with ESPN+ by signing up here.

Caceres got back on track with a 1st-round KO/TKO of Julian Erosa in December after suffering a unanimous decision setback against Sodiq Yusuff in mid-March 2022. “Bruce Leeroy” is now 6-1 across his last 7 bouts, including 3 unanimous-decision wins, the KO/TKO victory and a pair of submission wins.

Pineda has had an interesting recent history. Since arriving at the UFC level, he has a pair of stoppage wins, a KO/TKO loss to Cub Swanson and a No Contest against Andre Fili. The title winner from Fury FC back in 2018, Pineda hasn’t gone the distance in any of his 4 UFC bouts.

UFC on ESPN 45: Caceres vs. Pineda odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:34 a.m. ET.

  • Fight result (2-way line): Pineda +145 (bet $100 to win $145) | Caceres -175 (bet $175 to win $100)
  • Over/Under: 1.5 rounds (Over -190 | Under +145)
  • Will the fight go the distance? (Yes +130 | No -175)

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UFC on ESPN 45: Caceres vs. Pineda picks and predictions

Records: Caceres (20-13-0) | Pineda (28-14-0)

Fight result (2-way line or moneyline)

CACERES (-175) on the 2-way line is the safe play, as the veteran takes on a relative UFC newcomer that’s had a roller coaster start to his career with the company.

The favorite has managed finishes in 3 of his past 5 fights, with a KO/TKO win and a pair of submission victories.

CACERES BY KO/TKO OR DQ (+250) on the 7-way Method of Victory line is worth a roll of the dice for a chance to multiply your initial wager by 2 1/2 times.

If you don’t want to declare a winner, but still want action on the fight, taking KO/TKO/DQ (+175) for the method of victory, regardless of who gets their hand raised, is also a solid wager.

Over/Under (O/U)

NO (-175): FIGHT TO GO THE DISTANCE? is a little on the steep side, but it’s worth a play. I believe Bruce Leeroy gets the knockout victory. In addition, Caceres knocked out Erosa in Round 1 last time out, and 2 of his 3 KO/TKO results at the UFC level came in the first 3-plus minutes.

As a result, I like UNDER 1.5 ROUND (+145) at plus money for a solid value.

Visit MMA Junkie for more fight news and analysis.

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and us on Facebook.

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UFC on ESPN 45: Kai Kara-France vs. Amir Albazi odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s UFC on ESPN 45 odds and lines between Kai Kara-France vs. Amir Albazi with MMA picks, tips and predictions.

In a flyweight bout in the main event, Kai Kara-France and Amir Albazi meet Saturday at UFC on ESPN 45 — also known as UFC Vegas 74 — at UFC Apex in Las Vegas. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the UFC on ESPN 45: Kara-France vs. Albazi odds, and make our expert picks and predictions.

The prelims are on ESPN+ at 6 p.m. ET, with the main card on ESPN/ESPN+ at 9 p.m. ET.

Watch this card with ESPN+ by signing up here.

Kara-France is coming off a 3rd-round KO/TKO title fight loss against Brandon Moreno at UFC 277 in July 2022. That halted a 3-bout win streak which included a knockout of Cody Garbrandt at UFC 269 in Dec. 2021.

Kara-France has secured victories in 7 of his 10 fights since arriving at the UFC level, with 6 of those 10 bouts needing the help of the judges to decide a winner. He has 2 wins via KO/TKO, with one loss via the KO/TKO, and he was also submitted by Brandon Royval at UFC 253 in Sept. 2020.

Albazi is on a 5-fight win streak, including all 4 of his fights since arriving at the UFC level. He picked up a 3rd-round KO/TKO against Alessandro Costa last time out in mid-December and just one of his fights has ended up going the distance.

The 30-year-old Kara-France holds a 4.70-to-3.54 significant strikes landed per minute at the UFC level, although Albazi easily has the advantage in the ground game with a 2.47 takedown average and 0.82 submission average, compared to a 0.51 takedown average and 0.00 submission average for Kara-France.

UFC on ESPN 45: Kara-France vs. Albazi odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:02 a.m. ET.

  • Fight result (2-way line): Kara-France -105 (bet $105 to win $100) | Albazi -115 (bet $115 to win $100)
  • Over/Under: 3.5 rounds (Over -165 | Under +125)
  • Will the fight go the distance? (Yes +110 | No -140)

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UFC on ESPN 45: Kara-France vs. Albazi picks and predictions

Records: Kara-France (24-10-0) | Albazi (16-1-0)

Fight result (2-way line or moneyline)

KARA-FRANCE (-105) is a slight underdog, but this opponent is a huge step up for Albazi.

It’s been more than 8 calendar years since Kara-France has lost consecutive fights, falling in the 3 straight outings at the Australian Fighting Championship, Malaysia Invasion 2 Grand Finals and Kunlun Fight 18, back in 2014 and 2015.

Kara-France throws a lot of punches, although he isn’t nearly as accurate as Albazi. “The Prince” Albazi lands his significant strikes at 53.77% rate compared to just 44.58% for the underdog.

As long as Kara-France can avoid going to the mat, where Albazi is a stud, he should be able to outlast the Iraqi flyweight who fights out of Xtreme Couture.

Over/Under (O/U)

YES (+110): FIGHT TO GO THE DISTANCE? is a solid value play at plus money. Kara-France will look to frustrate Albazi and keep the fight upright.

While Albazi has gone the distance in just 1 of his 4 fights at the UFC level, Kara-France has needed the assistance of the judges to figure out a winner in 6 of his 10 fights in the UFC.

OVER 3.5 ROUNDS (-165) is not priced out of line if you’d like a little wiggle room for a potential finish in the 2nd half of Round 4 or all of Round 5.

Visit MMA Junkie for more fight news and analysis.

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and us on Facebook.

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UFC Fight Night 224: Andre Fialho vs. Joaquin Buckley odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s UFC Fight Night 224 odds and lines between Andre Fialho vs. Joaquin Buckley with MMA picks, tips and predictions.

In a welterweight bout on the main card, Andre Fialho and Joaquin Buckley meet Saturday at UFC Fight Night 224 at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the UFC Fight Night 224: Fialho vs. Buckley odds, and make our expert picks and predictions.

The prelims are on ESPN+ at 4 p.m. ET, with the main card on ESPN+ at 7 p.m. ET.

Watch this card with ESPN+ by signing up here.

Fialho has dropped 2 straight fights, both via KO/TKO, suffering a 3rd-round setback against Muslim Salikhov in November and a 2nd round defeat to Jake Matthews in June. Each of his past 4 fights has ended via knockout, with 2 wins and 2 losses.

Buckley is also on a 2-bout losing streak. He was knocked out by Chris Curtis in the 2nd round at UFC 282 last time out in December and suffered a unanimous-decision loss to Nassourdine Imavov in early September.

Buckley has a 2-inch reach advantage and a slight 3.87-to-3.17 significant strikes landed per minute. Neither of the fighters is particularly accurate with the strikes, with Fialho posting a 41.43% significant strike accuracy to 35.01% for Buckley. Buckley is better in the takedown game, posting an average of 1.23 to 0.00 for Fialho, with a 30.43% takedown accuracy percentage.

UFC Fight Night 224: Fialho vs. Buckley odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:22 a.m. ET.

  • Fight result (2-way line): Fialho +185 (bet $100 to win $185) | Buckley -225 (bet $225 to win $100)
  • Over/Under: 1.5 rounds (Over -135 | Under +105)
  • Will the fight go the distance? (Yes +180 | No -250)

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UFC Fight Night 224: Fialho vs. Buckley picks and predictions

Records: Fialho (16-6-0) | Buckley (15-6-0)

Fight result (2-way line or moneyline)

Buckley (-225) will cost you more than 2 times your potential return, and that’s risky business on a guy entering the octagon on a 2-bout losing skid.

PASS, and look to the method of victory instead. Fialho hasn’t been great on defense, and playing BUCKLEY BY KO/TKO, DQ OR SUBMISSION (-105) at near even money on the 5-way line is a much better value.

Over/Under (O/U)

No (-250): Fight to go the distance? is a little too costly, and there is no value in playing it.

However, I do think OVER 1.5 ROUNDS (-135) is a strong play as I don’t think we’ll see a Round 1 result. Even the 2 fights that Fialho was knocked out went to at least 2:24 of the 2nd Round.

The past 5 fights for Buckley have lasted until 2:49 of the 2nd Round or later, too.

Visit MMA Junkie for more fight news and analysis.

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and us on Facebook.

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UFC Fight Night 224: Emily Ducote vs. Loopy Godinez odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s UFC Fight Night 224 odds and lines between Emily Ducote vs. Loopy Godinez with MMA picks, tips and predictions.

In a women’s catch weight bout on the main card, Emily Ducote and Loopy Godinez meet Saturday at UFC Fight Night 224 at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the UFC Fight Night 224: Ducote vs. Godinez odds, and make our expert picks and predictions.

The prelims are on ESPN+ at 4 p.m. ET, with the main card on ESPN+ at 7 p.m. ET.

Watch this card with ESPN+ by signing up here.

Ducote won her UFC debut against Jessica Penne in mid-July by unanimous-decision. She returned to the octagon in December and was beaten by Angela Hill, also by unanimous decision. The judges have determined the winner in 4 of her last 6 pro bouts.

Godinez picked up a split-decision win over Cynthia Calvillo in her most recent bout at UFC 287 in early April. Godinez also made her UFC debut against Penne, suffering a split-decision loss in April 2021, and has gone the distance in 6 of 7 fights since — including her last 5.

Ducote has a 2-inch reach advantage and holds a big 6.23-to-3.42 significant strikes landed per minute advantage. Godinez is slightly more accurate on strikes at 56.64%, while Ducote lands just 50.26%.

UFC Fight Night 224: Ducote vs. Godinez odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:03 a.m. ET.

  • Fight result (2-way line): Ducote +130 (bet $100 to win $130) | Godinez -160 (bet $160 to win $100)
  • Will the fight go the distance? (Yes -300 | No +210)

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UFC Fight Night 224: Ducote vs. Godinez picks and predictions

Records: Ducote (12-7-0) | Godinez (9-3-0)

Fight result (2-way line or moneyline)

GODINEZ (-160) has more experience at the UFC level, and she’ll use that to her advantage against the relative newcomer.

Godinez has won 3 of her last 4 fights, is much better in the ground game and is slightly more accurate with her significant strikes. As long as the Mexican fighter can avoid the big blow from Ducote, who holds a 2-inch reach advantage, she’ll get it done.

Over/Under (O/U)

Yes (-300): Fight to go the distance? is too expensive, costing you nearly 3 times your potential return. AVOID.

Instead, look to the Method of Victory, playing GODINEZ ON POINTS (-110) at nearly even money. Each of her past 5 fights has gone the distance, including 4 unanimous decisions, and both of Ducote’s bouts at the UFC level have gone the distance as well. The judges are likely to be involved.

Visit MMA Junkie for more fight news and analysis.

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and us on Facebook.

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