UFC 256: Tony Ferguson vs. Charles Oliveira odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Saturday’s UFC 256 fight between Tony Ferguson and Charles Oliveira, with MMA betting odds, picks, tips and predictions.

In a lightweight bout on Saturday’s main card, Tony Ferguson and Charles Oliveira meet at UFC 256 at the UFC’s APEX facility in Las Vegas. The prelims kick off at 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN2/ESPN+, followed by the main card on Pay-Per-View at 10 p.m. ET.

Ferguson (26-4) steps into the octagon looking to use his 2.5-inch reach advantage to keep his counterpart at bay. He also holds a tremendous 5.80 to 3.27 significant strikes landed per minute advantage, although Oliveira (29-8) is a tad more accurate with those punches, ahead 51.60 to 45.40 in significant strikes-accuracy percentage. As far as the ground game, it’s all Oliveira, as he has a stellar 2.61 to 0.49 takedown average, and 2.78 to 1.22 submission average. As such, Oliveira will be looking to get this fight to the canvas quickly, while Ferguson will want to keep it upright while exchanging big blows.

Ferguson lost in a title shot against Justin Gaethje by fifth-round knockout in the main event at UFC 249, losing a shot at Khabib Nurmagomedov in the process. Ferguson would like to get back into the title picture. So, he cannot afford a slip-up here. Each of his past four fights have finished inside the distance, with two KO/TKO wins and a submission victory.

Oliveira has seen all 14 of his fights at the UFC level end via stoppage, with 10 by way of submission (8-2) and four via KO/TKO (2-2). You’ll want to tune in because Oliveira fights are always exciting, win or lose. He is on a seven-bout win streak, including a third-round submission in the main event against Kevin Lee back on March 14 in his most recent showing.

Place your legal, online UFC 256 sports bets in CO, IN, NJ, TN and WV at BetMGM, the King of Sportsbooks. New customer offer. Terms and conditions apply. Bet now!

Tony Ferguson vs. Charles Oliveira: Betting odds, predictions and picks

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 6:27 a.m. ET.

FERGUSON (-185) is a little bit expensive on the 2-way line, but he is worth the risk. He is looking to get back into the title picture, and a win over Oliveira (+150) will be a nice springboard to get back where he wants to be.

Betting NO (-190): WILL THE FIGHT GO THE DISTANCE? is also a little on the steep side, but it’s a good play considering Oliveira’s history. Again, all 14 of his UFC fights haven’t needed help from the judges, so that’s a pretty strong sample size to justify this wager.

If you want to get specific, play FERGUSON BY KO/TKO, DQ or SUBMISSION (+155) for the method of victory on the 5-way line. Just know if he wins on points, you will not cash. FERGUSON IN ROUND 2 (+600) and FERGUSON IN ROUND 3 (+950) are also worth small-unit wagers. If he wins in either round, you lose one end, but you’re still well ahead if he ends it in Rounds 2 or 3.

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

Get some action on UFC 256 by placing a legal sports bet at BetMGM. If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at 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 256: Mackenzie Dern vs. Virna Jandiroba odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Saturday’s UFC 256 fight between Mackenzie Dern and Virna Jandiroba, with MMA betting odds, picks, tips and predictions.

In a women’s strawweight bout on Saturday’s main card, Mackenzie Dern and Virna Jandiroba meet at UFC 256 at the UFC’s APEX facility in Las Vegas. The prelims kick off at 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN2/ESPN+, followed by the main card on Pay-Per-View at 10 p.m. ET.

Dern (9-1) heads into the octagon with back-to-back submission victories over Randa Markos and Hannah Cifers. Each finish came in Round 1. It’s an impressive bounce back after a surprising unanimous-decision loss to Amanda Ribas Oct. 12, 2019. Each of Dern’s past three wins have come via submission, and of her 10 career professional bouts, six have ended by way of submission, all wins. She has never had a knockout win or loss, so that method of victory can mostly be avoided when betting.

Jandiroba (16-1) makes up the other end of this all-Brazilian battle of jiu-jitsu specialists. She has a slight one-inch reach advantage, but has just 1.22 significant strikes landed per minute to 3.07 for Dern. Like Dern, Jandiroba also likes to go to the canvas, recording consecutive victories via submission, including a tap of Felice Herrig with an armbar just 104 seconds into their fight on the UFC 252 card. In fact, the armbar is her go-to, with the rear-naked choke also one of her specialties.

Place your legal, online UFC 256 sports bets in CO, IN, NJ, TN and WV at BetMGM, the King of Sportsbooks. New customer offer. Terms and conditions apply. Bet now!

Mackenzie Dern vs. Virna Jandiroba: Betting odds, predictions and picks

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 6:11 a.m. ET.

Dern (-200) is the moderate favorite on the 2-way line over Jandiroba (+165), but that’s just a little too expensive. Instead, look to the 5-way line and take DERN BY KO/TKO, DQ or SUBMISSION (+140) for a much better value.

In addition, taking OVER 2.5 ROUNDS (-150) is a solid play, while targeting DERN IN ROUND 3 (+1050) for an outstanding value. If you’re not feeling a winner but want some nice action, pick ROUND 2 (+475) and ROUND 3 (+750) for the finish. As long as the fight doesn’t end in Round 1, or go the distance, you cash, regardless of who wins the fight. Yes, you’ll lose one end, but you’d also be well ahead, particularly if it ends in the third.

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

Get some action on UFC 256 by placing a legal sports bet at BetMGM. If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at 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 256: Kevin Holland vs. Jacare Souza odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Saturday’s UFC 256 fight between Kevin Holland and Jacare Souza, with MMA betting odds, picks, tips and predictions.

In a middleweight bout on Saturday’s main card, Kevin Holland and Jacare Souza meet at UFC 256 at the UFC’s APEX facility in Las Vegas. The prelims kick off at 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN2/ESPN+, followed by the main card on Pay-Per-View at 10 p.m. ET.

Holland (20-5) heads into this match with a tremendous nine-inch reach advantage, while racking up 4.68 significant strikes landed per minute to just 2.54 for his counterpart. In addition, he is accurate with the punches, posting a 56.55 to 46.87 significant strike-accuracy percentage advantage. However, Souza (26-8) is much better in the takedown game, doubling up Holland 2.46 to 1.21 in takedown average, while also posting a 1.37 to 0.81 submission-average lead.

Holland has won four straight since a tap out loss against Brendan Allen Oct. 18, 2019. He has a pair of KO/TKO wins, and a submission against Charlie Ontiveros last time out on Halloween. In fact, five of Holland’s past eight fights have ended up finishing inside the distance. He is a brawler who likely would prefer to keep the fight upright, although his wrestling has improved tremendously over the years. In 25 career pro bouts, he is 9-0 via KO/TKO, but he also has nine finishes by way of submission, posting seven wins, including two at the UFC level.

Souza enters in a bit of a tailspin with back-to-back setbacks against Jan Blachowicz and Jack Hermansson, both by decision. Souza’s last win was an impressive third-round knockout of Chris Weidman at UFC 230. While Souza is 2-4 over his past six outings, he has fought a who’s who of the difficult middleweight class. He hasn’t really fought any tomato cans since arriving at the UFC.

Place your legal, online UFC 256 sports bets in CO, IN, NJ, TN and WV at BetMGM, the King of Sportsbooks. New customer offer. Terms and conditions apply. Bet now!

Kevin Holland vs. Jacare Souza: Betting odds, predictions and picks

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 5:54 a.m. ET.

SOUZA (-115) is a good pick to snap his mini-skid and pick up an impressive win over the talented Holland (-105). It’s a coin-flip bout, but Jacare’s takedown ability and work on the canvas will wow the judges more.

Look for this one to end via decision, so YES (+100): WILL THE FIGHT GO THE DISTANCE? is a worthwhile play, as is OVER 2.5 ROUNDS (-125) if you want a little more wiggle room.

In addition, play SOUZA ON POINTS (+333) to more than triple up, as it’s hard to envision Jacare with a knockout of Holland.

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

Get some action on UFC 256 by placing a legal sports bet at BetMGM. If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at 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 256: Junior Dos Santos vs. Ciryl Gane odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Saturday’s UFC 256 fight between Junior Dos Santos and Ciryl Gane, with MMA betting odds, picks, tips and predictions.

In a heavyweight bout on Saturday’s main card, Junior Dos Santos and Ciryl Gane meet at UFC 256 at the UFC’s APEX facility in Las Vegas. The prelims kick off at 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN2/ESPN+, followed by the main card on Pay-Per-View at 10 p.m. ET.

Dos Santos (21-8) steps in as the decisive underdog. He has a four-inch reach disadvantage against his unbeaten counterpart. In addition, he has 4.59 significant strikes landed per minute to 5.12 for Gane, and he is slightly behind in significant strikes-accuracy percentage at 49.71 to 48.24. Dos Santos enters this one on a three-bout losing skid, falling to Francis Ngannou, Curtis Blaydes and Jairzinho Rozenstruik, all by way of KO/TKO. In fact, each of Dos Santos’ past five fights have finished via knockout, including a pair of wins. He is 3-3 since his title-shot loss to Stipe Miocic May 13, 2017, which seems so long ago now.

Gane (6-0) has quickly risen to be one of the best in the division. He has just six pro fights under his belt, but they’re all wins, including a 3-0 mark since arriving at the UFC level. Two of those victories have come via submission, including a Round 1 stoppage in his UFC debut against Raphael Pessoa Aug. 10, 2019. He went the distance against Tanner Boser last time out on Dec. 21, 2019, his first time being unable to get a stoppage in his six outings.

Place your legal, online UFC 256 sports bets in CO, IN, NJ, TN and WV at BetMGM, the King of Sportsbooks. New customer offer. Terms and conditions apply. Bet now!

Junior Dos Santos vs. Ciryl Gane: Betting odds, predictions and picks

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 5:04 a.m. ET.

Gane (-450) is a heavy, heavy favorite, but you cannot risk four and a half times your potential return, even on an unbeaten fighter facing an aging veteran on a three-bout losing skid.

GANE BY KO/TKO, DQ or SUBMISSION (-150) is the better play on the 5-way line. As such, this one won’t go the distance, but playing No (-250) is just too expensive. Instead, target UNDER 2.5 ROUNDS (-185) for a slightly better value. Also, going with GANE IN ROUND 1 (+210) and GANE IN ROUND 2 (+375) on the round betting lines is a good value if he can win in either of the first two rounds. Yes, you will lose one end, but you’ll still be well ahead if he cashes in either, particularly if he wins in the second.

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

Get some action on UFC 256 by placing a legal sports bet at BetMGM. If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

MMA Junkie:

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like 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.

[lawrence-newsletter]

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How to watch UFC 256: Figueiredo vs. Moreno viewing guide and betting odds

How to watch UFC 256 and the flyweight title fight between Deiveson Figueiredo and Brandon Moreno, with viewing guide and betting odds.

The main card of UFC 256 this weekend in Las Vegas is highlighted by Brandon Moreno facing Deiveson Figueiredo for the flyweight title in the main event. Figueiredo, the reigning champion, enters as a sizable betting favorite in the octagon. Below, we highlight all the details you need to watch the UFC 256 fight card, with betting odds for Figueiredo-Moreno.

All the UFC 256 action is available on Pay-Per-View on ESPN+. Check SportsbookWire.com for picks and predictions for the fights, with odds from BetMGM.

When is UFC 256?

The main card of UFC 256 is scheduled for Saturday at 10 p.m. ET. The main event should begin around midnight ET.

Where is UFC 256?

UFC APEX in Las Vegas.

How/Where can I watch UFC 256?

Catch the entire UFC 256 fight card, including Figueiredo vs. Moreno, on Pay-Per-View on ESPN+. Sign up for ESPN+ now and don’t miss any of the action.

Place your legal, online UFC 256 sports bets in CO, IN, NJ, TN and WV at BetMGM, the King of Sportsbooks. New customer offer. Terms and conditions apply. Bet now!

UFC 256 main card betting odds

All odds via BetMGM; last updated Friday at 11:20 a.m. ET.

Deiveson Figueiredo (-335) vs. Brandon Moreno (+260)

A $10 bet on Figueiredo (20-1) at -335 odds would return a profit of $2.99 with a victory. The same bet on Moreno (18-5-1) returns a profit of $26 with an upset win. Moreno is the No. 1 challenger in the flyweight division.

Tony Ferguson (-170) vs. Charles Oliveira (+140)

Ferguson (26-4) is a moderate favorite over Oliveira (29-8, 1 NC) in this lightweight contest. Ferguson has an implied win probability of 62.96% with his -170 money line odds and would return a profit of $5.88 on a $10 bet.

Mackenzie Dern (-185) vs. Virna Jandiroba (+150)

This women’s strawweight bout features the No. 11 and 13 challengers in Dern (9-1) and Jandiroba (16-1), respectively. The more experienced Jandiroba is a slight underdog and would return a profit of $15 on a $10 bet with an upset win.

Kevin Holland (+100) vs. Jacare Souza (-120)

Holland (20-5) is a slight underdog against Souza (26-8, 1 NC) in the most-tightly contest bout on the main card. Holland is the No. 15 contender in the middleweight division while Souza is unranked.

Junior Dos Santos (+330) vs. Ciryl Gane (-435)

The only heavyweight bout on the main card features the most lopsided betting line. A win by Gane (6-0) would return a profit of just $2.30 on a $10 bet, while the same wager on Dos Santos would net $33 with what would be a significant upset.

Where can I bet on UFC 256?

Get some action on UFC 256 by placing a legal sports bet at BetMGM. If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

MMA Junkie:

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 256 Figueiredo vs. Moreno: Full fight card and betting odds

Looking at the betting odds for Saturday’s UFC 256 fight card, headlined by Deiveson Figueiredo and Brandon Moreno.

The flyweight strap will be on the line Saturday night when reigning champ Deiveson Figueiredo (20-1) and Brandon Moreno (18-5-1) meet in the octagon at UFC 256 in Las Vegas. The main card will begin at 10 p.m. ET and is available in full on pay-per-view on ESPN+. Below, we look at the betting odds for the full UFC 256 fight card.

Watch all of the UFC 256 action with ESPN+ by signing up here.

UFC 256 betting odds: Main card

All odds via BetMGM; last updated Thursday at 1:13 p.m. ET.

Deiveson Figueiredo (-300) vs. Brandon Moreno (+250)

Figueiredo comes in as the flyweight champion and is a heavy betting favorite over Moreno. A $10 bet on Figueiredo to win the fight would return a profit of just $3.33 with a victory. The same bet on Moreno would return a profit of $25 with an upset win.

Tony Ferguson (-185) vs. Charles Oliveira (+150)

Ferguson (26-4) is favored over Oliveira (29-8, 1 NC) in this lightweight bout. “El Cucuy” is coming off a loss to Justin Gaethje, while “Do Bronx” beat Kevin Lee at UFC Fight Night in mid-March.

Mackenzie Dern (-185) vs. Virna Jandiroba (+150)

Dern (9-1) is the slight favorite in a women’s strawweight fight against the more experienced Jandiroba (16-1). An upset by Jandiroba could fetch a profit of $15 on a $10 bet. Dern has an implied win probability of 64.91% and a victory nets a profit of $5.41 on a $10 bet.

Kevin Holland (-120) vs. Jacare Souza (+100)

The most tightly contested battle on the main card of UFC 256 sees Holland (20-5) enter as a very modest favorite against Souza (26-8, 1 NC) in a middleweight bout. Holland has won his last four fights, while Souza comes off back-to-back losses. Souza is an even-money underdog with a $10 bet fetching a profit of $10 with a victory.

Junior Dos Santos (+320) vs. Ciryl Gane (-400)

The main card opens with a lopsided heavyweight battle between Dos Santos (21-8) and Gane (6-0). Gane’s -400 odds to win the fight represent an implied win probability of 80% with a $10 bet returning just $2.50 in profit.

Place your legal, online UFC 256 sports bets in CO, IN, NJ, TN and WV at BetMGM, the King of Sportsbooks. New customer offer. Terms and conditions apply. Bet now!

UFC 256 betting odds: Prelims

Cub Swanson (+125) vs. Daniel Pineda (-150)

Pineda (27-13, 2 NC) is a modest betting favorite over Swanson (26-11) in a featherweight bout to conclude the preliminary card. Swanson is 1-inch taller and has a 1-inch reach advantage. Both fighters are coming off wins which snapped losing skids.

Renato Moicano (+125) vs. Rafael Fiziev (-150)

Moicano (14-3-1) is a slight underdog against Fiziev (8-1) in a lightweight fight. Betting $10 on Moicano to win the bout outright would return $12.50 in profit. It would take a $15 bet to earn a profit of $10 with a victory by Fiziev.

Gavin Tucker (+115) vs. Billy Quarantillo (-140)

The Canadian Tucker (12-1) is a very slight underdog in what’s projected to be a tightly-contested featherweight battle against Quarantillo (15-2). Tucker has an implied win probability of 46.51%.

Tecia Torres (OTB) vs. Sam Hughes (OTB)

There were no odds posted for this women’s strawweight contest at the time of publishing, but Hughes (5-1) is expected to be a narrow favorite over Torres (11-5). Hughes has advantages in both height and reach, and is three years younger than her combatant.

Chase Hooper (-400) vs. Peter Barrett (+310)

The night opens with Barrett (11-4) a big underdog against Hooper (9-1-1) in the first featherweight bout on the card. Hooper is 13 years younger than his opponent and has slight advantages in reach and height.

When is UFC 256?

The main card of UFC 256 is scheduled for Saturday at 10 p.m. ET. The main event should begin around midnight ET.

Prelims begin at 6:30 p.m. ET.

Where is UFC 256?

UFC APEX in Las Vegas.

How/Where can I watch UFC 256?

Catch the entire UFC 256 fight card, including Figueiredo vs. Moreno, on Pay-Per-View on ESPN+.

Sign up for ESPN+ now and don’t miss any of the action.

Where can I bet on UFC 256?

Get some action on UFC 256 by placing a legal sports bet at BetMGM. If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

MMA Junkie:

Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like 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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Bellator 254: Matheus Mattos vs. Magomed Magomedov odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Thursday’s Bellator 254 fight between Matheus Mattos and Magomed Magomedov, with MMA betting odds, picks, tips and predictions.

In a bantamweight bout co-main event on the main card Thursday, Matheus Mattos and Magomed Magomedov meet at Bellator 254 at the Mohegan Sun Area in Uncasville, Conn. The main card begins at 10 p.m. ET.

Tune in to Bellator 254 this Thursday, Dec. 10th, prelims at 6 PM on CBS Sports Network

Mattos vs. Magomedov: Tale of the tape

Mattos (12-1-1) and Magomedov (16-1) have a few things in common. One, they will each be making their Bellator debuts in this battle in Connecticut, and two, each fighter’s only professional loss was against Petr Yan in the Absolute Championship Bekrut (ACB) promotion.

Mattos is a well-rounded fighter who might not enter the octagon with as much fanfare or anticipation as Magomedov, but he is good. In particular, the Brazilian fighter likes to do work on the canvas, and going to the guillotine choke is his best move.

Magomedov hasn’t fought since Nov. 10, 2018, in a win over Walter Pereira Jr. at ACB 90: Moscow, by way of guillotine. He has finished inside the distance in three of his past five fights, with all three wins by way of submission/guillotine. He will be making his Bellator debut and heads into this promotion with a lot of fanfare. This fight might be one of the most anticipated fights in years for Bellator.

Place your legal, online Bellator 254 sports bets in CO, IN, NJ, TN and WV at BetMGM, the King of Sportsbooks. New customer offer. Terms and conditions apply. Bet now!

Matheus Mattos vs. Magomed Magomedov: Betting odds, predictions and picks

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:45 a.m. ET.

MAGOMEDOV (-334) is a heavy favorite in this one, and rightly so. The well-rounded Mattos (+260) and Magomedov know each other well, having fought together on the ACB promotion, although this is their first head-to-head meeting. It wouldn’t be surprising to see this one go the distance, with Magomedov coming out on top. Betting the heavy favorite lightly is the best way to go, but if you can include him in a multi-fight parlay, that’s a better value play.

Get some action on Bellator 254 by placing a legal sports bet at BetMGM. If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like 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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Bellator 254: Juliana Velasquez vs. Ilima-Lei Macfarlane odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Thursday’s Bellator 254 fight between Juliana Velasquez and Ilima-Lei Macfarlane, with MMA betting odds, picks, tips and predictions.

In a flyweight title fight on the main card, Thursday, Juliana Velasquez and Ilima-Lei Macfarlane meet at Bellator 254 at the Mohegan Sun Area in Uncasville, Conn. The main card begins at 10 p.m. ET.

Tune in to Bellator 254 this Thursday, Dec. 10th, prelims at 6 PM on CBS Sports Network

Velasquez vs. Macfarlane: Tale of the tape

Velasquez (10-0) and Macfarlane (11-0) scrap for the flyweight strap. The unbeaten Velasquez has picked up five wins with the company, including three victories inside the distance. Two of the wins have come via KO/TKO, with one submission win in her debut over three years ago. Last time out she went the distance, getting her arm raised in a unanimous decision victory over Bruna Ellen.

As far as Macfarlane is concerned, she has the most consecutive Bellator wins by a female fighter, and her seven stoppage wins are also the most among females. She has also held the title for over three years dating back to Nov. 2017 in a submission win over Emily Ducote. Eight of her 11 fights have finished inside the distance, with six coming via submission. She has proven herself to be one of the best grapplers, not only among female fighters but in all of Bellator. Velasquez will have to be on her toes with a strong defense.

Place your legal, online Bellator 254 sports bets in CO, IN, NJ, TN and WV at BetMGM, the King of Sportsbooks. New customer offer. Terms and conditions apply. Bet now!

Velasquez vs. Macfarlane: Betting odds, predictions and picks

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 11:30 a.m. ET.

I am looking for this fight to go the distance, and it’s time to see a changing of the card in the women’s flyweight division, too. Macfarlane (+120) has been a worthy champion for a number of years, and she’ll be looking to get this fight to the canvas quickly, where she has the advantage. VELASQUEZ (-145) will be able to avoid that, and keep it upright, looking to wow the judges to win on points.

Get some action on Bellator 254 by placing a legal sports bet at BetMGM. If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like 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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Bellator 254 odds and betting lines

Breaking down the Bellator 254 betting odds and lines for each fight on the card

Bellator 254 is on tap Thursday, with the headline bout between two undefeated fighters — Ilimea-Lei Macfarlane (11-0-0) vs. Juliana Velasquez (10-0-0). Macfarlane vs. Velasquez fight at Bellator 254 for the flyweight world title.

The undercard starts off at 7:30 p.m. ET with the main card kicking off at 10 p.m. ET. Tune in to Bellator 254, prelims at 6 PM on CBS Sports Network

Lets take a quick look at the favorites of each fight on Thursday’s card, seeing who the oddsmakers at BetMGM Sportsbook are picking as the likely victor.

Bellator 254 odds and favorites

Juliana Velasquez vs Ilimea-Lei Macfarlane

Velasquez comes in as a slight favorite at -145 odds, with underdog Macfarlane at +120.

New to the world sports betting? -145 odds represents a 59.18 implied percentage chance of winning, or 20/29 fractional odds. A $100 wager on Velasquez to win outright at -145 odds returns a profit of $68.97 with a victory. On the flip side, a $100 wager on Macfarlane at +120 odds returns a profit of $120 with an upset victory on 45.45 percent implied victory odds.

Matheus Mattos vs Magomed Magomedov

Magomedov is the solid favorite at -350 (bet $350, win $100) odds on expected victory. Mattos, the underdog, is at +260 (bet $100, win $260).

Nate Andrews vs Goiti Yamauchi

The favorite in this fight is Yamauchi, who comes in at -350 (bet $350, win $100) line per the oddsmakers. Andrews is the +280 (bet $100, win $280) underdog in the matchup.

Bet on Bellator 254 at BetMGM sportsbook! Place legal, online MMA bets in CO, IN, NJ, TN and WV and cash in! New customer offer: Risk-free first bet. Terms and conditions apply. Bet at BetMGM now!

Ronny Markes vs. Linton Vassell

The underdog Markes has a value of +250 (bet $250, win $100) as he takes on Vassell, the favorite, who is at a strong -300 (bet $100, win $300) odds to win.

Justin Sumter vs Romero Cotton

Cotton is the -275 (bet $275, win $100) favorite to win this battle against Sumter, who sports a +220 (bet $100, win $220) line as the underdog.

Maurice Jackson vs Grant Neal

The odds are hefty chalk in this matchup, as Neal is the -650 (bet $650, win $100) favorite to come away with a victory over Jackson, whose line is +450 (bet $100, win $450) as the underdog.

By the way, if you’re betting and new to it, there is no value to risking $650 to win $100 here. Pass and find a better line. The juice isn’t worth the squeeze.

Kemran Lachinov vs Shamil Nikaev

The odds get significantly tighter in this matchup, but Nikaev remains the favorite at -225 (bet $225 to win $100) to best Lachinov (+185 — bet $100, win $185).

Watch Bellator 254: Tune in to Bellator 254, prelims at 6 PM on CBS Sports Network

Anthony Garrett vs Davion Franklin

Franklin enters as the hefty favorite, sporting a -350 (bet $350, win $100) line to win over Garrett in two-way wagers. Garrett, if you’re looking at underdogs, has +260 odds entering Bellator 254. A $100 wager on Garrett returns a profit of $260 with an upset victory.

Kenny Champion vs Cody Law

I fought the Lawand the Law won is probably a song Champion is trying to avoid this week, as Law enters as the chalky -450 (bet $450, win $100) favorite over Champion, +350 (bet $100, win $350), the underdog.

Billy Goff vs Robson Gracie Jr.

Unfortunately there aren’t any good lyrics that tangle with Goff vs. Gracie Jr., so we should have ended on a high note from The Bobby Fuller Four. Regardless, Gracie Jr. is one of the bigger chalk-picks on the slate at -500 (bet $500, win $100), the heavy favorite over Goff, who enters at +350 (bet $100, win $350).

Want some action on Bellator 254? Place your legal, online sports bets on all MMA action at BetMGM in CO, IN, NJ, TN and WV. Bet now!

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How to watch Thursday night’s Bellator 254 event: Everything you need to know

Everything you need to know to watch or stream Bellator 254

Thursday night brings Bellator 254, a big fight night with a headline match between two undefeated fighters.

The main event will have Ilima-Lei Macfarlane (11-0-0) take on Juliana Velasquez (10-0-0) for the flyweight world title. The undercard starts off at 7:30 p.m. ET with the main card kicking off at 10 p.m. ET.

Below you’ve got everything you need to know to watch the fight, including TV listings and a live streaming option to watch all the action.

How to watch Bellator 254

Date: Thursday, December 10th

Time: 7:30 p.m. ET undercard / 10 p.m. ET main card

Location: Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut

TV/Watch: Tune in to Bellator 254, prelims at 6 PM on CBS Sports Network

Stream: fuboTV (try for free)

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