Category: picks and betting tips

UFC on ESPN+ 50: Alex Caceres vs. Kevin Croom odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Saturday’s UFC on ESPN+ 50 fight between Alex Caceres and Kevin Croom, with MMA odds, picks, tips and predictions.

In a featherweight bout on Saturday’s main card, Alex Caceres and Kevin Croom meet at UFC on ESPN+ 50 – also known as UFC Vegas 20 and UFC Fight Night 186 – at the UFC’s APEX Facility in Las Vegas. The prelims kick off at 5 p.m. ET on ESPN+, followed by the main card on ESPN+ at 8 p.m. Below, we analyze the UFC on ESPN+ 50 odds and lines, with picks and predictions.

Caceres vs. Croom: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 3:46 a.m. ET.

  • Fight result (2-way line): Caceres -185 (bet $185 to win $100) | Croom +155 (bet $100 to win $155)
  • Over/Under: 2.5 rounds (Over -185 | Under +150)
  • Will the fight go the distance? (Yes -165 | No +140)

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Caceres vs. Croom: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Records: Caceres 17-12 | Croom 21-12

Fight result (2-way line or money line)

Caceres (-185) comes in on a three-bout win streak, including a submission victory over Austin Springer last time out. However, he is a risky play laying two times your potential return. CACERES ON POINTS (+100) is a better play, as he has needed the judges to get involved in four of his past six outings. In his UFC debut Sept. 12, 2020, Croom submitted Roosevelt Roberts in 31 seconds, but the win was overturned to a no-contest after testing positive for marijuana.

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Over/Under (O/U)

Look for this fight to need the judges to decide a winner. As such, YES (-165): “WILL THE FIGHT GO THE DISTANCE?” is a very nice play. If you want slightly more wiggle room, playing OVER 2.5 ROUNDS (-185) is not a terrible play, although I think this one goes all the way.

To watch the early prelims and prelims, sign up for ESPN+ now.

Want some action on UFC on ESPN+ 50? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

MMA Junkie:

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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage. This information is for entertainment purposes only. We make no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any content.

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UFC on ESPN+ 49: Curtis Blaydes vs. Derrick Lewis odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Saturday’s UFC on ESPN+ 49 fight between Curtis Blaydes and Derrick Lewis, with MMA odds, picks, tips and predictions.

In a heavyweight bout on in Saturday’s main event, Curtis Blaydes and Derrick Lewis meet at UFC on ESPN+ 49 – also known as UFC Vegas 19 and UFC Fight Night 185 – at the UFC’s APEX Facility in Las Vegas. The prelims kick off at 5 p.m. ET on ESPN+, followed by the main card on ESPN+ at 8 p.m. Below, we analyze the UFC on ESPN+ 49 odds and lines, with picks and predictions.

Blaydes vs. Lewis: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 5:27 a.m. ET.

  • Fight result (2-way line): Blaydes -450 (bet $450 to win $100) | Lewis +340 (bet $100 to win $340)
  • Over/Under: 2.5 rounds (Over +105 | Under -125)
  • Will the fight go the distance? (Yes +250 | No -300)

Place your legal, online UFC on ESPN+ 49 sports bets in CO, IA, IN, MI, NJ, PA, TN, VA and WV at BetMGM, the King of Sportsbooks. New customer offer. Terms and conditions apply. Bet now!

Blaydes vs. Lewis: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Records: Blaydes 14-2 | Lewis 24-7

Fight result (2-way line or money line)

Blaydes (-450) steps into the octagon as an overwhelming favorite in the main event over Lewis. He has just a one-inch height and reach advantage, but the real advantage is in the stats.

Blaydes is ahead 3.55 to 2.64 in significant strikes landed per minute, and 53.44 to 50.84 in significant strikes-accuracy percentage. The real difference is in his ability to get Lewis to the canvas as Blaydes has an overwhelming 6.98 to 0.54 takedown-average lead, and 55.66 to 26.92 takedown-accuracy percentage advantage.

While Blaydes will cost you four and a half times your potential return on the 2-way line, he is a much better play on the 5-way line. Back BLAYDES BY KO/TKO, DQ OR SUBMISSION (-160) for a better value.

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Over/Under (O/U)

Four of the past six bouts for Lewis have finished inside the distance, while Blaydes has had stoppages in four of his past six, too. However, this one should go past the midway point. Lewis might be an overwhelming underdog, but he is no slouch. He’ll make Blaydes work for this victory. OVER 2.5 ROUNDS (+105) is worth a look, but it won’t be much further than that. It’s a cheaper play than OVER 1.5 ROUNDS (-225), although the latter is worth a small-unit play, too, especially if you can tie it into a parlay.

In the main event, I also like a three-round betting block of BLAYDES IN ROUND 2 (+400), BLAYDES IN ROUND 3 (+800) and BLAYDES IN ROUND 4 (+1300). Yes, you’ll lose two of those ends, but if he wins between Round 2-4, you’ll be well ahead.

To watch the early prelims and prelims, sign up for ESPN+ now.

Want some action on UFC on ESPN+ 49? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

MMA Junkie:

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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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UFC on ESPN+ 49: Ketlen Vieira vs. Yana Kunitskaya odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Saturday’s UFC on ESPN+ 49 fight between Ketlen Vieira and Yana Kunitskaya, with MMA odds, picks, tips and predictions.

In a women’s bantamweight bout on Saturday’s main card, Ketlen Vieira and Yana Kunitskaya meet at UFC on ESPN+ 49 – also known as UFC Vegas 19 and UFC Fight Night 185 – at the UFC’s APEX Facility in Las Vegas. The prelims kick off at 5 p.m. ET on ESPN+, followed by the main card on ESPN+ at 8 p.m. Below, we analyze the UFC on ESPN+ 49 odds and lines, with picks and predictions.

Vieira vs. Kunitskaya: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 5:06 a.m. ET.

  • Fight result (2-way line): Vieira -275 (bet $275 to win $100) | Kunitskaya +225 (bet $100 to win $225)
  • Over/Under: 2.5 rounds (Over -350 | Under +260)
  • Will the fight go the distance? (Yes -250 | No +200)

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Vieira vs. Kunitskaya: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Records: Vieira 11-1 | Kunitskaya 13-5

Fight result (2-way line or money line)

Vieira steps into the octagon two inches taller than her counterpart, while holding a 0.61 to 0.25 submission average advantage over Kunitskaya.

Kunitskaya has won three of her past four fights since a Round 1 KO/TKO title shot loss against Cris Cyborg March 2, 2018 at UFC 222. All three wins have been by unanimous decision, including last time out against Julija Stoliarenko Aug. 8, 2020.

Vieira picked up a solid unanimous-decision victory over Sijara Eubanks at UFC 253 last time out, and has won five of her six fights at the UFC level. Her only loss was a knockout against Irene Aldana in Round 1 at UFC 245. The play here is VIEIRA ON POINTS (-120).

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Over/Under (O/U)

Over 2.5 Rounds (-350) is a little on the expensive side. YES (-250): “WILL THE FIGHT GO THE DISTANCE?” is a little on the steep side, too, but that’s the better way to go. Vieira has finished inside the distance just twice in the past seven pro bouts, while Kunitskaya has gone the distance in three of the past four. That’s the slam-dunk play in this bout.

To watch the early prelims and prelims, sign up for ESPN+ now.

Want some action on UFC on ESPN+ 49? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

MMA Junkie:

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and us on Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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UFC on ESPN+ 49: Charles Rosa vs. Darrick Minner odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Saturday’s UFC on ESPN+ 49 fight between Charles Rosa vs. Darrick Minner, with MMA odds, picks, tips and predictions.

In a featherweight bout on Saturday’s main card, Charles Rosa and Darrick Minner meet at UFC on ESPN+ 49 – also known as UFC Vegas 19 and UFC Fight Night 185 – at the UFC’s APEX Facility in Las Vegas. The prelims kick off at 5 p.m. ET on ESPN+, followed by the main card on ESPN+ at 8 p.m. Below, we analyze the UFC on ESPN+ 49 odds and lines, with picks and predictions.

Rosa vs. Minner: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 4:51 a.m. ET.

  • Fight result (2-way line): Rosa -190 (bet $190 to win $100) | Minner +160 (bet $100 to win $160)
  • Over/Under: 1.5 rounds (Over -135 | Under +110)
  • Will the fight go the distance? (Yes +185 | No -225)

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Rosa vs. Minner: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Records: Rosa 13-4 | Minner 25-11

Fight result (2-way line or money line)

Rosa heads into this one as a moderate favorite despite the fact he has alternated wins and losses in his eight bouts since moving to the UFC level. He won last time out by split-decision over Kevin Aguilar June 13, 2020, so if you believe in those kinds of trends, a loss is coming here.

MINNER (+160), representing Team Disorderly Conduct, has split his two fights since arriving at the UFC level, losing to Grant Dawson by submission in his debut Feb. 29, 2020, and winning against TJ Laramie in Round 1 Sept. 19, 2020. Playing MINNER (+160) on the 2-way line is a good value.

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Over/Under (O/U)

OVER 1.5 ROUNDS (-135) is a good play in this one. Each of Rosa’s past two fights have ended up going the distance, and he has needed the judges to get involved in four of his past six with just one KO/TKO loss and a submission win during the span. In Minner’s two fights at the UFC level, he has gone 1-1 on the Over 1.5 Rounds prop.

In addition, I kind of like YES (+185): “WILL THE FIGHT GO THE DISTANCE?” for a small-unit wager. Minner is a hard charger looking for finishes, but Rosa is patient and tends to go long. There is some good value there.

To watch the early prelims and prelims, sign up for ESPN+ now.

Want some action on UFC on ESPN+ 49? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

MMA Junkie:

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and us on Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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UFC on ESPN+ 49: Aleksei Oleinik vs. Chris Daukaus odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Saturday’s UFC on ESPN+ 49 fight between Aleksei Oleinik and Chris Daukaus, with MMA odds, picks, tips and predictions.

In a heavyweight bout on Saturday’s main card, Aleksei Oleinik and Chris Daukaus meet at UFC on ESPN+ 49 – also known as UFC Vegas 19 and UFC Fight Night 185 – at the UFC’s APEX Facility in Las Vegas. The prelims kick off at 5 p.m. ET on ESPN+, followed by the main card on ESPN+ at 8 p.m. Below, we analyze the UFC on ESPN+ 49 odds and lines, with picks and predictions.

Oleinik vs. Daukaus: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 4:36 a.m. ET.

  • Fight result (2-way line): Oleinik +170 (bet $100 to win $170) | Daukaus -200 (bet $200 to win $100)
  • Over/Under: 1.5 rounds (Over +155 | Under -185)
  • Will the fight go the distance? (Yes +400 | No -550)

Place your legal, online UFC on ESPN+ 49 sports bets in CO, IA, IN, MI, NJ, PA, TN, VA and WV at BetMGM, the King of Sportsbooks. New customer offer. Terms and conditions apply. Bet now!

Oleinik vs. Daukaus: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Records: Oleinik 59-14-1 | Daukaus 10-3

Fight result (2-way line or money line)

Daukaus (-200) is a little too expensive for my liking against a veteran like Oleinik, although ultimately, I do expect he’ll earn the victory. Still, I don’t like to put up two times my potential return, so let’s get more specific and avoid the 2-way line.

Youth is on the side of Daukaus, who is just 31, or 12 years younger than Oleinik. Daukaus has registered two KO/TKO wins, both in Round 1, since making his debut with the company at UFC 252 in August 2020. Oleinik is coming off a second-round KO/TKO loss to Derrick Lewis, and he is 2-3 across his past five, all knockout setbacks.

As such, playing DAUKAUS BY KO/TKO, DQ OR SUBMISSION (-125) on the 5-way line makes a lot of sense. In addition, I like DAUKAUS IN ROUND 2 (+525), as I think Oleinik can at least hang around until the early part of Round 2.

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Over/Under (O/U)

UNDER 1.5 ROUNDS (-185) is worth a small-unit bet, too. Oleinik has been knocked out in the first round by Alistair Overeem and Walt Harris, while getting finished by Lewis just 21 seconds into Round 2 across his past five fights. I don’t think Daukaus gets the finish in Round 1, as mentioned above, but it’s not going any longer than the early part of 2.

To watch the early prelims and prelims, sign up for ESPN+ now.

Want some action on UFC on ESPN+ 49? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

MMA Junkie:

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and us on Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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UFC on ESPN+ 49: Nassourdine Imavov vs. Phillip Hawes odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Saturday’s UFC on ESPN+ 49 fight between Nassourdine Imavov and Phillip Hawes, with MMA odds, picks, tips and predictions.

In a middleweight bout on Saturday’s main card, Nassourdine Imavov and Phillip Hawes meet at UFC on ESPN+ 49 – also known as UFC Vegas 19 and UFC Fight Night 185 – at the UFC’s APEX Facility in Las Vegas. The prelims kick off at 5 p.m. ET on ESPN+, followed by the main card on ESPN+ at 8 p.m. Below, we analyze the UFC on ESPN+ 49 odds and lines, with picks and predictions.

Imavov vs. Hawes: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 3:02 a.m. ET.

  • Fight result (2-way line): Imavov +105 (bet $100 to win $105) | Hawes -125 (bet $125 to win $100)
  • Over/Under: 1.5 rounds (Over -110 | Under -110)
  • Will the fight go the distance? (Yes +200 | No -250)

Place your legal, online UFC on ESPN+ 49 sports bets in CO, IA, IN, MI, NJ, PA, TN, VA and WV at BetMGM, the King of Sportsbooks. New customer offer. Terms and conditions apply. Bet now!

Imavov vs. Hawes: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Records: Imavov 9-2 | Hawes 9-2

Fight result (2-way line or money line)

HAWES (-125) is a good play against Imavov in what the books feel is a coin-flip fight. Both fighters enter the octagon with just one UFC level fight each under their belts. Imavov scratched out a unanimous-decision win over Jordan Williams Oct. 3, 2020, while Hawes posted a KO/TKO of Jacob Malkoun at UFC 254 in just 18 seconds Oct. 24, 2020.

Hawes has registered three straight KO/TKO wins, and all 11 of his career professional bouts have finished inside the distance. He is 7-1 by way of KO/TKO, and 2-1 via submission. He hasn’t been past Round 1 since a KO/TKO loss in Round against Julian Marquez at DWTNCS Season 1, Week 4 on Aug. 1, 2017.

In addition, I like a two-round block playing HAWES TO WIN IN ROUND 2 (+550) and HAWES TO WIN IN ROUND 3 (+1000). Yes, you would lose one of these bets if he wins in Round 2 or 3, but you’ll still be well ahead.

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Over/Under (O/U)

OVER 1.5 ROUNDS (-110) is a good bet even though Hawes hasn’t been to Round 2 in five straight matches. Imavov will provide his biggest challenge in a while. While I expect him to get the finish, it might take a little longer than usual. Playing this prop is also much better than going with No (-250): “Will the fight go the distance?” as there is no value there. You still have four minutes and 30 seconds of fight time or wiggle room rather than playing the distance wager.

To watch the early prelims and prelims, sign up for ESPN+ now.

Want some action on UFC on ESPN+ 49? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

MMA Junkie:

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and us on Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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UFC on ESPN+ 49: Andrei Arlovski vs. Tom Aspinall odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Saturday’s UFC on ESPN+ 49 fight between Andrei Arlovski and Tom Aspinall, with MMA odds, picks, tips and predictions.

In a heavyweight bout on Saturday’s main card, Andrei Arlovski and Tom Aspinall meet at UFC on ESPN+ 49 – also known as UFC Vegas 19 and UFC Fight Night 185 – at the UFC’s APEX Facility in Las Vegas. The prelims kick off at 5 p.m. ET on ESPN+, followed by the main card on ESPN+ at 8 p.m. Below, we analyze the UFC on ESPN+ 49 odds and lines, with picks and predictions.

Arlovski vs. Aspinall: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 5:34 a.m. ET.

  • Fight result (2-way line): Arlovski +200 (bet $100 to win $200) | Aspinall -250 (bet $250 to win $100)
  • Over/Under: 2.5 rounds (Over +110 | Under -135)
  • Will the fight go the distance? (Yes +135 | No -160)

Place your legal, online UFC on ESPN+ 49 sports bets in CO, IA, IN, MI, NJ, PA, TN, VA and WV at BetMGM, the King of Sportsbooks. New customer offer. Terms and conditions apply. Bet now!

Arlovski vs. Aspinall: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Records: Arlovski 30-19 | Aspinall 9-2

Fight result (2-way line or money line)

Aspinall (-250) will cost you two and a half times your potential return as he looks for his third straight win at the UFC level, and sixth consecutive victory overall. Let’s get more specific.

The Briton is a lot more attractive on the 5-way line, as ASPINALL BY KO/TKO, DQ OR SUBMISSION (-110) is a much more cost-effective play. In 11 career professional bouts he has never gone the distance, winning seven times (7-0) via KO/TKO, while going 2-1 by way of submission. One time he was disqualified due to illegal elbows at BAMMA 25 against Lukasz Parobiec on May 13, 2016, the last time he suffered a loss.

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Over/Under (O/U)

UNDER 2.5 ROUNDS (-135) is a great play here as you can expect a finish in an Aspinall fight. The 42-year-old Arlovski has ended up going the distance in 10 of his past 11 fights, while he was knocked out by Jairzinho Rozenstruik at UFC 244 in just 29 seconds in his only fight inside the distance. You can expect Aspinall to finish him inside the distance, too.

In addition, target ASPINALL IN ROUND 2 (+450) for an added bonus. I normally like to target a two-round block, but there is little value in taking him in Round 1, and Arlovski is a veteran who knows how to prolong a fight. He isn’t going down in the first.

To watch the early prelims and prelims, sign up for ESPN+ now.

Want some action on UFC on ESPN+ 49? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

MMA Junkie:

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and us on Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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UFC 258: Gilbert Burns vs. Kamaru Usman odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Saturday’s UFC 258 fight between Gilbert Burns and Kamaru Usman, with MMA odds, picks, tips and predictions.

In Saturday’s welterweight title fight in the main event, Gilbert Burns and Kamaru Usman meet at UFC 258 at the UFC’s APEX Facility in Las Vegas. The early prelims kick off at 6:30 p.m. ET on ESPN+, followed by the prelims on ESPN/ESPN+ at 8 p.m. The main card on pay-per-view is scheduled for 10 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze the UFC 258 odds and lines, with picks and predictions.

Burns vs. Usman: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 10:39 p.m. ET.

  • Fight result (2-way line): Burns +210 (bet $100 to win $210) | Usman -275 (bet $275 to win $100)
  • Over/Under: 3.5 rounds (Over -200 | Under +165)
  • Will the fight go the distance? (Yes -140 | No +115)

Place your legal, online UFC 258 sports bets in CO, IA, IN, MI, NJ, PA, TN, VA and WV at BetMGM, the King of Sportsbooks. New customer offer. Terms and conditions apply. Bet now!

Burns vs. Usman: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Records: Burns 19-3 | Usman 17-1

Fight result (2-way line or money line)

The price on switch-stance Usman (-275) is a little too steep on the 2-way line, although the defending champ is a good bet to retain his strap against the challenger. Still, risking nearly three times your potential return is not a good long-term strategy. Get more specific.

Usman stands two inches taller than Burns with a staggering five-inch reach advantage. That will keep Burns (+210) at arm’s length for most of the fight. Usman owns a 4.50 to 3.15 significant strikes landed per minute advantage, as well as a 53.70 to 46.15 significant strikes-accuracy percentage lead.

Usman had a knockout win over Colby Covington at UFC 245 (Dec. 14, 2019), but five of his past six fights, and nine of the past 11, have ended up going the distance. As such, take USMAN ON POINTS (+135), which is still a pretty good value at plus-money.

If you don’t want to specify a winner, but want action, take YES (-140): THE FIGHT GOES THE DISTANCE.

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Over/Under (O/U)

As mentioned above, Usman rarely gets a finish. OVER 4.5 ROUNDS (-150) is a decent wager, and gives you a little wiggle room in case there is a late finish like Usman had against Covington.

To watch the early prelims and prelims, sign up for ESPN+ now.

Want some action on UFC 258? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

MMA Junkie:

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and us on Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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UFC 258: Maycee Barber vs. Alexa Grasso odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Saturday’s UFC 258 fight between Maycee Barber and Alexa Grasso, with MMA odds, picks, tips and predictions.

In a women’s flyweight bout on Saturday’s main card, Maycee Barber and Alexa Grasso meet at UFC 258 at the UFC’s APEX Facility in Las Vegas. The early prelims kick off at 6:30 p.m. ET on ESPN+, followed by the prelims on ESPN/ESPN+ at 8 p.m. The main card on pay-per-view is scheduled for 10 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze the UFC 258 odds and lines, with picks and predictions.

Barber vs. Grasso: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 10:21 p.m. ET.

  • Fight result (2-way line): Maycee Barber +100 (bet $100 to win $100) | Alexa Grasso -120 (bet $120 to win $100)
  • Over/Under: 2.5 rounds (Over -250 | Under +200)
  • Will the fight go the distance? (Yes -200 | No +170)

Place your legal, online UFC 258 sports bets in CO, IA, IN, MI, NJ, PA, TN, VA and WV at BetMGM, the King of Sportsbooks. New customer offer. Terms and conditions apply. Bet now!

Barber vs. Grasso: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Records: Barber 8-1 | Grasso 12-3

Fight result (2-way line or money line)

BARBER (+100) at even money is a good play on the 2-way line in this fairly even matchup against Grasso (-120). Barber is coming off her first professional loss, a unanimous-decision loss to Roxanne Modafferi Jan. 18, 2020, at UFC 246. Prior to the loss, Barber recorded three consecutive KO/TKO to kick off her arrival at the UFC level, including a solid win over Hannah Cifers in her debut Nov. 10, 2018.

Grasso has alternated wins and losses in her seven fights since arriving at the UFC level. She is coming off a unanimous-decision win over Ji Yeon Kim Aug. 29, 2020, so if you believe the trend will continue, a loss is in the offing.

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Over/Under (O/U)

Grasso has gone the distance in six of her seven fights since arriving at the UFC level, and eight of her previous nine bouts have gone to the judges. That’s the opposite of Barber, however, who has finished inside the distance in six of her past seven professional bouts, although she did go all the way against Modafferi. The lean here is to YES (-200): THE FIGHT GOES THE DISTANCE.

In addition, playing BARBER ON POINTS (+340) is a good play, with the opportunity to more than triple up and build that bankroll for future fights.

To watch the early prelims and prelims, sign up for ESPN+ now.

Want some action on UFC 258? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

MMA Junkie:

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and us on Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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UFC 258: Kelvin Gastelum vs. Ian Heinisch odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Saturday’s UFC 258 fight between Kelvin Gastelum and Ian Heinisch, with MMA odds, picks, tips and predictions.

In a middleweight bout on Saturday’s main card, Kelvin Gastelum and Ian Heinisch meet at UFC 258 at the UFC’s APEX Facility in Las Vegas. The early prelims kick off at 6:30 p.m. ET on ESPN+, followed by the prelims on ESPN/ESPN+ at 8 p.m. The main card on pay-per-view is scheduled for 10 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze the UFC 258 odds and lines, with picks and predictions.

Gastelum vs. Heinisch: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 9:58 p.m. ET.

  • Fight result (2-way line): Gastelum -225 (bet $225 to win $100) | Heinisch +190 (bet $100 to win $190)
  • Over/Under: 2.5 rounds (Over -250 | Under +200)
  • Will the fight go the distance? (Yes -200 | No +170)

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Gastelum vs. Heinisch: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Records: Gastelum 16-6 | Heinisch 14-3

Fight result (2-way line or money line)

Both of these fighters have struggled lately, with HEINISCH (+190) just 1-2 across his past three. However, he is coming off an impressive Round 1 KO/TKO of Gerald Meerschaert at UFC 250 in just 74 seconds.

Gastelum (-225) is a rather moderate favorite for a guy entering on a three-bout losing skid, including a 78-second knockout loss to Jack Hermansson last time out. His previous two losses – to Israel Adesanya in a title bout, and to Darren Till – are certainly nothing to be ashamed about. However, Heinisch is the better value here.

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Over/Under (O/U)

The Over 2.5 rounds (-250) will cost you two and a half times your potential return, so PASS.

However, HEINISCH ON POINTS (+400) might be the better play, albeit with a small-unit wager. There is plenty of risk backing the underdog, and being so specific, but it could be quite lucrative in the end if “The Hurricane” gets his arm raised after a nod from the judges. Three of the past four fights for Gastelum have gone the distance, and each of his past two decisions are losses, too.

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