Category: picks and betting tips

UFC on ESPN+ 38: Brian Ortega vs. Chan Sung Jung odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s UFC on ESPN+ 38 fight between Brian Ortega vs. Chan Sung Jung, with MMA betting odds, picks, tips and bets.

In a featherweight bout in the main event, Brian Ortega and Chan Sung Jung meet at UFC on ESPN+ 38 Saturday at the UFC’s Fight Island facility in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The prelims kick off at 4 p.m. ET on ESPN+, followed by the main card set for 7 p.m. ET on ESPN+.

Ortega (14-1) is looking to bounce back after a TKO and Doctor’s Stoppage against Max Holloway last time out in a title fight at UFC 231 on Dec. 8, 2018. Not only did Ortega lose the strap, but he ended up losing nearly two years of his career, suffering a knee injury since that fight. These two were supposed to meet on in December 2019, but that fight was pushed back due to the ailment.

Sung Jung (16-5), better known as “The Korean Zombie,” has been waiting a while to get his hooks into Ortega. During UFC 248, Ortega got into an altercation with Jay Park, the co-manager and interpreter for Sung Jung. That has added some extra anticipation in this budding rivalry, as both fighters look for a win to position themselves for a shot against Alexander Volkanovski for all of the marbles in the featherweight class. The Korean Zombie has seen all eight of his fights at the UFC level end inside the distance, including five straight KO/TKO results (3-2). That includes a pair of first-round knockout wins over Frankie Edgar and Renato Moicano.

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Brian Ortega vs. Chan Sung Jung betting odds

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:22 a.m. ET.

SUNG JUNG (-200) is a little more expensive than I normally care to risk, but I feel confident in The Korean Zombie’s ability to not only win this one, but win it early. As such, going with UNDER 3.5 ROUNDS (-189) is looking pretty good. In addition, SUNG JUNG BY KO/TKO, DQ or SUBMISSION (+105) at just a little better than even-money is also a very good play.

If you’re not feeling a specific winner, but want a good play, going with KO/TKO/DQ (-112) for the fight finish is also a good bet.

To watch the full card, sign up for ESPN+ now.

If you want some action on this MMA bout, place your wagers at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and analysis, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

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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+ 38: Katlyn Chookagian vs. Jessica Andrade odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s UFC on ESPN+ 38 fight between Katlyn Chookagian vs. Jessica Andrade, with MMA betting odds, picks, tips and bets.

In a women’s flyweight bout, Katlyn Chookagian and Jessica Andrade lock horns at UFC on ESPN+ 38 Saturday at the UFC’s Fight Island facility in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The prelims kick off at 4 p.m. ET on ESPN+, followed by the main card set for 7 p.m. ET on ESPN+.

Chookagian (14-3) will tower over Andrade (20-8) by eight inches, and she holds a six-inch reach advantage, as well. She’ll be looking to keep the fight upright, which is her best bet. She lost to Valentina Shevchenko in a title fight back on Feb. 8 on the UFC 247 card, getting knocked out in the third round. She got revenge in the best way possible, topping Valentina’s sister, Antonina Shevchenko, with a unanimous decision victory on May 30. Nine of her 10 fights at the UFC level have ended up going the distance.

Andrade is a little ball of power, and she is solid going toe-to-toe but even better on the canvas. She holds a 6.40 to 4.19 significant strikes-landed per minute advantage, and a 49.67 to 35.03 significant strikes-accuracy percentage lead. In addition, she is well ahead 3.02 to 0.31 in takedown average, and 57.14 to 15.79 in takedown-accuracy percentage. She fell to Zhang Weili in a title fight by KO/TKO in 42 seconds on Aug. 31, 2019, and she lost by way of a split-decision against Rose Namajunas on July 11, 2020. A win over Chookagian is no guarantee, either.

Place your legal, online sports bets in CO, IN, NJ and WV at BetMGM, The King of Sportsbooks! Terms and conditions apply. Bet now!

Katlyn Chookagian vs. Jessica Andrade betting odds

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:01 a.m. ET.

ANDRADE (-162) is the better overall fighter, and she has way more possible avenues to victory than Chookagian (+135). Andrade has had three of her past four fights end inside the distance, but five of her previous eight have ended up going to the judges’ cards. Chookagian almost always goes the distance, so taking YES (-189): “WILL THE FIGHT GO THE DISTANCE?” is definitely a sound play. And I like ANDRADE BY DECISION (+200) for a potential double-up opportunity, as I just feel she is more well-rounded.

To watch the full card, sign up for ESPN+ now.

If you want some action on this MMA bout, place your wagers at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and analysis, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

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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+ 38: Jimmy Crute vs. Modestas Bukauskas odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s UFC on ESPN+ 38 fight between Jimmy Crute vs. Modestas Bukauskas, with MMA betting odds, picks, tips and bets.

In a light heavyweight bout, Jimmy Crute and Modestas Bukauskas square off at UFC on ESPN+ 38 Saturday at the UFC’s Fight Island facility in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The prelims kick off at 4 p.m. ET on ESPN+, followed by the main card set for 7 p.m. ET on ESPN+.

Crute (11-1) stands one inch shorter than his Lithuanian counterpart, and he has a four-inch reach disadvantage. After his first setback at the UFC level against Misha Cirkunov on Sept. 14, 2019, Crute bounced back against Michal Oleksiejczuk via a Round 1 submission on Feb. 22, 2020. All four of Crute’s fights at the UFC level have finished inside the distance, including three submissions (3-1) and a KO/TKO (1-0). Four of his past five professional fights have ended in Round 1, with eight of his 12 pro fights overall ending in the first round.

Bukauskas (11-2) is a rather moderate underdog despite the fact he won his UFC debut over Andreas Michailidis in a first-round KO/TKO on July 15, 2020. Each of his past five pro fights have ended by way of knockout, and each of his past 12 bouts have finished inside the distance.

Place your legal, online sports bets in CO, IN, NJ and WV at BetMGM, The King of Sportsbooks! Terms and conditions apply. Bet now!

Jimmy Crute vs. Modestas Bukauskas betting odds

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 6:42 a.m. ET.

Crute (-313) is a brute (yeah, I said it!), and he will push his Lithuania counterpart around. While Bukauskas (+250) has an impressive record putting his opponents away early, he hasn’t faced an immovable force like the Aussie Crute. However, you cannot bet Crute on the 2-way line, as risking three times your potential return is just not good gambling.

Instead, look for the favorite CRUTE IN ROUND 2 (+375) and CRUTE IN ROUND 3 (+750). You’ll lose one end, but if he wins by any means in either of those two rounds, you’re guaranteed of a sizeable win. While betting No (-358): “Will the fight go the distance?” is likely a slam-dunk play, it’s too much of a risk if the fight ends up going to the judges’ cards.

To watch the full card, sign up for ESPN+ now.

If you want some action on this MMA bout, place your wagers at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and analysis, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

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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+ 38: Claudio Silva vs. James Krause odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s UFC on ESPN+ 38 fight between Claudio Silva vs. James Krause, with MMA betting odds, picks, tips and bets.

In a welterweight bout, Claudio Silva and James Krause meet at UFC on ESPN+ 38 Saturday at the UFC’s Fight Island facility in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The prelims kick off at 4 p.m. ET on ESPN+, followed by the main card set for 7 p.m. ET on ESPN+.

The southpaw Silva (14-1) hits the octagon standing three inches shorter than his counterpart, and he has a 2.5-inch reach disadvantage, too. In addition, Krause (27-9) has a 4.65 to 2.80 significant strikes-landed per minute advantage, although Silva is well ahead with a 51.87 to 48.66 significant strikes-accuracy percentage lead.

Silva will be trying to get Krause to the canvas early and often. He has a 3.32 to 1.05 takedown average, while he is well ahead with a 33.33 to 18.64 takedown-accuracy percentage advantage. Silva also sports a solid 2.11 to 0.96 submission average. Silva is 5-0 since landing at the UFC level, and he has won each of his past three via submission, including two victories in the first round.

Krause is looking to rebound after a split-decision loss to Trevin Giles at UFC 247. Two of his past three have finished inside the distance, with both wins by KO/TKO. He is 14-3 in his career via submission.

Place your legal, online sports bets in CO, IN, NJ and WV at BetMGM, The King of Sportsbooks! Terms and conditions apply. Bet now!

Claudio Silva vs. James Krause betting odds

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

KRAUSE (-152) is the more impressive physical specimen, and he’ll be the winner as long as he can keep this fight upright. In fact, KRAUSE BY KO/TKO, DQ or SUBMISSION (+262) is an outstanding value.

I am just not feeling Silva (+125) in this fight, and I don’t like his chances of getting Krause to the ground. That’s his only avenue to a win in my eyes. It’s also a good play to with NO (-110): “WILL THE FIGHT GO THE DISTANCE?” Take UNDER 2.5 ROUNDS (+107) for a solid value, too.

To watch the full card, sign up for ESPN+ now.

If you want some action on this MMA bout, place your wagers at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and analysis, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

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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+ 38: Jonathan Martinez vs. Thomas Almeida odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s UFC on ESPN+ 38 fight between Thomas Almeida and Jonathan Martinez, with MMA betting odds, picks, tips and bets.

In a featherweight bout, Thomas Almeida and Jonathan Martinez meet at UFC on ESPN+ 38 Saturday at the UFC’s Fight Island facility in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The prelims kick off at 4 p.m. ET on ESPN+, followed by the main card set for 7 p.m. ET on ESPN+.

Almeida (22-3) steps into the octagon looking for a turnaround. He hasn’t fought since Jan. 20, 2018, due to a left eye injury and subsequent surgery, but he is finally cleared. Before his injury he was struggling big time, falling in three of his past four outings, including a second-round KO/TKO to Rob Font last time out. The losses came against Font, Jimmie Rivera and Cody Garbrandt, which isn’t something to be ashamed of, as they’re the who’s who of the division. The more concerning thing about Almeida is his vision and any potential rust.

Martinez (12-3) looks to build upon the momentum of his third-round KO/TKO last time out against Frankie Saenz on Aug. 1, 2020. Each of his past two victories have been knockouts, with only a split-decision loss to Andre Ewell at UFC 247 as the only blemish since Oct. 27, 2018. “Dragon” enters this one with 4.22 significant strikes landed per minute and a 50.34 significant strikes-accuracy percentage. He also has managed a 0.64 takedown average and 37.50 takedown-accuracy percentage since landing at the UFC level.

Place your legal, online sports bets in CO, IN, NJ and WV at BetMGM, The King of Sportsbooks! Terms and conditions apply. Bet now!

Thomas Almeida vs. Jonathan Martinez betting odds

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 5:57 a.m. ET.

MARTINEZ (+110) is the play here. I just don’t trust a fighter (Almeida) who hasn’t stepped into the octagon in over two and a half years, and is coming off a major injury. Almeida (-134) is a risky play, and it will be interesting to see where his cardio is at this point, too.

As such, this will likely be a quick fight, regardless of winner. Taking NO (-162): “WILL THE FIGHT GO THE DISTANCE?” is a strong play. For an added bonus, without getting into a specific winner, take the fight to end in ROUND 2 (+390) and ROUND 3 (+650). As I’ve suggested such wagers in the past, yes, you will lose one end. But if you hit one of those round-winners, especially if the fight ends in Round 3, you’ll be well ahead.

To watch the full card, sign up for ESPN+ now.

If you want some action on this MMA bout, place your wagers at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and analysis, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

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

Also see:

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+ 37: Marlon Moraes vs. Cory Sandhagen odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s UFC on ESPN+ 37 fight between Marlon Moraes and Cory Sandhagen, with MMA betting odds, picks, tips and bets.

In a bantamweight bout in Saturday’s main event, Marlon Moraes and Cory Sandhagen meet at UFC on ESPN+ 37 at the UFC’s Fight Island facility in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The prelims kick off at 5 p.m. ET on ESPN+, followed by the main card set for 8 p.m. ET on ESPN+.

Moraes (23-6-1) steps into the octagon and he’ll see Sandhagen (12-2) towering over him by five inches along with a three-inch reach advantage. The Brazilian striker bounced back with a split-decision win over Jose Aldo at UFC 245 after falling to Henry Cejudo at UFC 238 in a title fight. If Moraes wants another shot at the strap, he’ll need to polish off Sandhagen. His last fight ended up going the distance, but he has seen four of the past five bouts finish inside the distance with three KO/TKO results (2-1) and a submission victory.

Sandhagen has a 6.95 significant strikes landed per minute to 3.53 for Moraes, and 48.94 to 39.28 significant strikes accuracy-percentage advantage. Sandhagen will be looking to bounce back after a submission loss in 88 seconds to Aljamain Sterling last time out on the UFC 250 card. Prior to that loss, he was on a seven-bout winning streak, including 5-0 to kick off his UFC career. In 14 career fights, Sandhagen has won four fights via KO/TKO with no losses while going 3-1 in four submission results.

Place your legal, online sports bets in CO, IN, NJ and WV at BetMGM, The King of Sportsbooks! Terms and conditions apply. Bet now!

Marlon Moraes vs. Cory Sandhagen betting odds

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 5:57 a.m. ET.

SANDHAGEN (-143) is a sharp play as the moderate favorite, as he is much taller with a big reach advantage. He’ll use both of those attributes to keep Moraes at arm’s length, literally. For a bit of a better value, playing SANDHAGEN BY KO/TKO, DQ or SUBMISSION (+195) is worth a small-unit play, as you can nearly double up if he wins inside the distance.

In addition, playing UNDER 4.5 ROUNDS (-173) is a little on the expensive side, but four of Moraes’ past five fights have finished inside the distance and Sandhagen has finishes in six of his past eight pro fights, including four of six at the UFC level.

To watch the full card, sign up for ESPN+ now.

If you want some action on this MMA bout, place your wagers at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and analysis, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

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

Also see:

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+ 37: Edson Barboza vs. Makwan Amirkhani odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s UFC on ESPN+ 37 fight between Edson Barboza and Makwan Amirkhani, with MMA betting odds, picks, tips and bets.

In a bantamweight bout, Edson Barboza and Makwan Amirkhani meet at UFC on ESPN+ 37 Saturday at the UFC’s Fight Island facility in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The prelims kick off at 5 p.m. ET on ESPN+, followed by the main card set for 8 p.m. ET on ESPN+.

Barboza (20-9) heads into this one with a three-inch reach advantage over the Finn, and he has a stark 4.08 to 1.55 significant strikes landed per minute difference. Where Amirkhani (16-4) holds an advantage is a 3.45 to 0.46 takedown-average lead and 1.62 to 0.06 submission-average lead. As such, Amirkhani will be trying to get this one to the canvas, while Barboza would prefer a toe-to-toe affair.

Barboza finds himself as the heavy favorite despite the fact he enters on a three-bout losing streak, including split-decision losses to Dan Ige and Paul Felder over the past two. He also has a loss to Justin Gaethje during the three-bout losing skid, but there is no shame falling to those three.

Amirkhani fell to Shane Burgos by knockout at UFC 244, but he bounced back with a submission victory in Round 1 against Danny Henry at UFC 241 in his most recent outing.

Place your legal, online sports bets in CO, IN, NJ and WV at BetMGM, The King of Sportsbooks! Terms and conditions apply. Bet now!

Edson Barboza vs. Makwan Amirkhani betting odds

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 5:37 a.m. ET.

Barboza (-278) heads into this one as a heavy favorite, but you cannot risk nearly three times your potential return, especially on a guy on a three-bout skid. Despite the losing streak, I still like Barboza, but you need to get creative.

My suggestion is to take BARBOZA BY KO/TKO, DQ or SUBMISSION (+115) on the 5-way line, while also playing UNDER 2.5 ROUNDS (-129). The latter is a much better value than taking No (-159): “Will the fight go the distance?” If you want the extra 150 seconds for insurance, you’ll have to pay for it, and it’s just not worth doing.

To watch the full card, sign up for ESPN+ now.

If you want some action on this MMA bout, place your wagers at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and analysis, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

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

Also see:

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 16: Yorgan De Castro vs. Carlos Felipe odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s UFC on ESPN 16 fight between Yorgan De Castro and Carlos Felipe, with MMA betting odds, picks, tips and bets.

In a heavyweight bout, Yorgan De Castro and Carlos Felipe lock horns at UFC on ESPN 16 Saturday at the UFC’s Fight Island facility in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The prelims kick off at 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN+, followed by the main card set for 10:30 p.m. ET on ESPN/ESPN+.

De Castro (6-1), who represents Cabo Verde, is looking to rebound after a unanimous-decision setback at UFC 249 to former NFL linebacker Greg Hardy on May 9, 2020. Since arriving at the UFC level, he has a KO/TKO victory to his credit over Justin Tafa, and the loss to Hardy. He has just 2.19 significant strikes landed per minute, but a 41.96 to 36.36 significant strikes-accuracy percentage over his counterpart.

Felipe (8-1) had won his first eight professional MMA bouts, including six via TKO. However, Serghei Spivac beat him by majority decision on July 18, 2020 in his UFC debut. Now Felipe heads into this one as a decisive underdog against “The Mad Titan.”

Place your legal, online sports bets in CO, IN, NJ and WV at BetMGM, The King of Sportsbooks! Terms and conditions apply. Bet now!

Yorgan De Castro vs. Carlos Felipe betting odds

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:22 a.m. ET.

De Castro (-250) is a little too expensive on the 2-way fight result line, so get specific. Take DE CASTRO BY KO/TKO, DQ or SUBMISSION (-121) for a lot less risk. While it’s a little more expensive than I normally care to wager, go with UNDER 2.5 ROUNDS (-209) rather than playing No (-286): “Will the fight go the distance?” I also like the fight to end in ROUND 2 (+330) for a solid little payday.

To watch the full card, sign up for ESPN+ now.

If you want some action on this MMA bout, place your wagers at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and analysis, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

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

Also see:

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 16: Germaine de Randamie vs. Julianna Pena odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s UFC on ESPN 16 fight between Germaine de Randamie and Julianna Pena, with MMA betting odds, picks, tips and bets.

In a women’s bantamweight bout, Germaine de Randamie and Julianna Pena meet at UFC on ESPN 16 Saturday at the UFC’s Fight Island facility in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The prelims kick off at 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN+, followed by the main card set for 10:30 p.m. ET on ESPN/ESPN+.

De Randamie (9-4) enters the octagon three inches taller than her opponent, while also holding a two-inch reach advantage. The Netherlands-born fighter has managed 2.72 significant strikes landed per minute with a 47.50 significant strike-accuracy percentage. She has been champing at the bit to get back into the octagon after falling to Amanda Nunes by unanimous decision at UFC 245 in a title bout. While four of her past seven fights have finished inside the distance, three of the previous four have gone the distance.

Pena (10-3) bounced back with a unanimous-decision win over Nicco Montano on July 13, 2019, in her most recent fight, ironically on a card featuring de Randamie in the main event. Pena was expected to fight on the UFC on ESPN 8 card, but “The Venezuelan Vixen” was forced to pull out due to an undisclosed injury. She has fought just once since Jan. 28, 2017, after missing time due to pregnancy and injury, so rust could be a factor here.

Place your legal, online sports bets in CO, IN, NJ and WV at BetMGM, The King of Sportsbooks! Terms and conditions apply. Bet now!

Germaine de Randamie vs. Julianna Pena betting odds

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:02 a.m. ET.

DE RANDAMIE (-154) is a strong play on the 2-way line, taking the former champ. She has won five of her past six fights, including wins over decorated fighters like Holly Holm and Raquel Pennington. Three of de Randamie’s past four fights have gone the distance, too, so taking YES (-152): THE FIGHT GO THE DISTANCE is also a solid pick. Go with DE RANDAMIE ON POINTS (+230) to more than double up your stake, too, as Pena hasn’t fought very often over the past three years and she won’t be able to take down one of women’s top contenders.

To watch the full card, sign up for ESPN+ now.

If you want some action on this MMA bout, place your wagers at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and analysis, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

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

Also see:

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 16: Kyler Phillips vs. Cameron Else odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s UFC on ESPN 16 fight between Kyler Phillips and Cameron Else, with MMA betting odds, picks, tips and bets.

In a bantamweight bout, Kyler Phillips and Cameron Else tangle at UFC on ESPN 16 Saturday at the UFC’s Fight Island facility in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The prelims kick off at 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN+, followed by the main card set for 10:30 p.m. ET on ESPN/ESPN+.

Phillips (7-1) will be making his second appearances at the UFC level. He picked up a unanimous-decision victory over Gabriel Silva in his debut Feb. 29, 2020, on the Benavidez-Figueiredo card in Jacksonville. “The Matrix” has five fights that ended inside the distance in his eight career bouts, winning four by TKO/KO and one via submission.

Else (10-4) will make his UFC debut after pushing past Brad Evans by submission (guillotine) at Fusion FC 32 on Feb. 8, 2020. In his 14 career professional fights, only one has ended up going the distance, and that hasn’t happened since Feb. 15, 2014 at CWFC 64 against Spencer Hewitt. It will be interesting to see if “Camchida” struggles with his cardio if Phillips forces him to go deep into the fight. Else hasn’t had a fight go past Round 1 since June 24, 2017, and he has had nine of his 10 bouts end in Round 1 since that unanimous decision loss to Hewitt.

Place your legal, online sports bets in CO, IN, NJ and WV at BetMGM, The King of Sportsbooks! Terms and conditions apply. Bet now!

Kyler Phillips vs. Cameron Else betting odds

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:42 a.m. ET.

Phillips (-455) is quite expensive on the 2-way line, so skip that. Instead, look to PHILLIPS BY KO/TKO, DQ or SUBMISSION (-162) on the 5-way line, as there is much less risk. In addition, playing UNDER 2.5 ROUNDS (-189) is a solid play, as Else hasn’t gone very deep into fights during his career, and Phillips has had five of his eight career fights end in the first round.

As I’ve suggested numerous times in the past, target two of three rounds for a fight finish. PHILLIPS IN ROUND 1 (+220) and PHILLIPS IN ROUND 2 (+350) are good plays. You will lose one of the bets but will still be ahead if the fight ends in the first two rounds with Phillips getting his hand raised.

To watch the full card, sign up for ESPN+ now.

If you want some action on this MMA bout, place your wagers at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and analysis, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

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

Also see:

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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