Category: picks and betting tips

UFC on ESPN 9: Blagoy Ivanov vs. Augusto Sakai odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s UFC on ESPN 9 fight between Blagoy Ivanov and Augusto Sakai, with MMA betting odds, picks, tips and bets.

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Blagoy Ivanov and Augusto Sakai clash in a heavyweight bout on the main card at UFC on ESPN 9 – also known as Fight Night 176 – at the UFC’s Apex Facility in Las Vegas. The card kicks off Saturday at 6 p.m. ET on ESPN/ESPN+.

Ivanov (18-3) has a four-inch reach disadvantage, and he is four inches shorter than his opponent, too. In addition, Sakai (14-1-1) holds a 5.51 to 3.09 significant strikes landed per minute advantage, and 46.40 to 38.03 significant strikes-accuracy percentage advantage. Sakai’s bread and butter is on the ground, and that’s where he is likely to try and take the fight early and often. “Baga” hasn’t had the same kind of success on the ground at the UFC level as he had in the lower levels, however, going 2-2 with all four of his UFC fights going the distance.

Sakai has been a knockout machine throughout his career, posting 11 of his professional wins via KO/TKO. Since arriving at the UFC level, he hasn’t shown any signs of slowing down, going 3-0 with a pair of knockout wins, including a 59-second knockout of Marcin Tybura last time out (Sept. 14, 2019). He quickly turned heads when he outlasted veteran Andrei Arlovski on the Jacare-Hermansson card last April, too. Sakai is for real, and a rising star in the heavyweight class.

Want to place a bet on UFC Fight Night? Place bets at BetMGM online in CO, IN, NJ and WV! New customer offer: Risk-free first bet! Visit BetMGM for terms and conditions. Bet now!

Blagoy Ivanov vs. Augusto Sakai betting odds

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday, May 28 at 7:30 a.m. ET.

SAKAI (-110) and Ivanov (-110) is basically considered a coin flip at this juncture, as the books expect a close affair between the two sluggers. However, remember that height and reach advantage when looking into a wager on this fight. Sakai has advantages in both departments, and he is a knockout machine. Ivanov will have to be a little more defensive than he is used to. If he lets his guard down, it could be a quick ending.

Betting on KO/TKO/DQ (+160) on how the fight will finish, regardless of winner, is a tremendously attractive prop. If you get specific and take SAKAI TO WIN BY KO/TKO or DQ (+320), you can more than triple your bet and profit handsomely. It’s also a good idea to take NO (+120): WILL THE FIGHT GO THE DISTANCE? Plus, betting UNDER 2.5 TOTAL ROUNDS (+135) is an even better value.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on Sakai (-110) to win returns a profit of $9.09. A $10 bet of No (+120) on the fight going the distance pays a $12 return, and betting on the fight to end on a KO/TKO/DQ (+160), regardless of fight winner, fetches a $16 profit.

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.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI on Twitter, and follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and 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 9: Billy Quarantillo vs. Spike Carlyle odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s UFC on ESPN 9 fight between Billy Quarantillo and Spike Carlyle, with MMA betting odds, picks, tips and bets.

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Billy Quarantillo and Spike Carlyle hook up in a catch weight bout on the main card at UFC on ESPN 9 – also known as Fight Night 176 – at the UFC’s Apex Facility in Las Vegas. The card kicks off Saturday at 6 p.m. ET on ESPN/ESPN+.

Quarantillo and Carlyle step into the spotlight of the main card after Kevin Holland (shoulder) was forced to withdraw from his welterweight bout with Daniel Rodriguez. Gabriel Green will make his UFC debut in place of Holland, but the bout was moved to the prelims, while Quarantillo and Carlyle were shifted to the main card.

Quarantillo (13-2) doesn’t land quite as many punches as Carlyle (9-1), but when Quarantillo does land, he is accurate. He has an 81.38 significant strike-accuracy percentage to Carlyle’s 68.97, although the latter holds a 14.12 significant strikes landed per minute to 10.77 advantage. Still, those are very, very high numbers, and are mostly from the lower levels, as each fighter has just one fight under their respective belts at the UFC level.

Each of Quarantillo’s past five fights have finished inside the distance, including four via KO/TKO and a submission win in Round 2 against Jacob Kilburn in his UFC debut.

For Carlyle, each of his past three fights have all ended the same, a KO/TKO win. He knocked out Aalon Cruz after just 85 seconds in his UFC debut Feb. 29, 2020. On the flip side, Carlyle has never been knocked out in 10 career professional bouts, winning three times by KO/TKO, and he has never lost by submission, either, while winning three times on the mat.

Want to place a bet on UFC Fight Night? Place bets at BetMGM online in CO, IN, NJ and WV! New customer offer: Risk-free first bet! Visit BetMGM for terms and conditions. Bet now!

Billy Quarantillo vs. Spike Carlyle betting odds

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday, May 28 at 7:10 a.m. ET.

QUARANTILLO (-152) is a moderate favorite in the newly-minted main card bout, while Carlyle (+125) enters as a short dog.

Both of these fighters will be looking to brawl early on, but they might tire themselves if they do not pace themselves. Based upon their histories at the lower levels, this one isn’t going to go the distance. The books agree as NO (-167): WILL THE FIGHT GO THE DISTANCE? is an even steeper price than the 2-way line on the fight. Still, a bet on NO is warranted, as it’s hard to envision this one as a boring fight with few fireworks.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on Quarantillo (-152) to win returns a profit of $6.58. A $10 bet of No (-167) on the fight going the distance pays a $5.99 return.

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.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI on Twitter, and follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and 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 9: Roosevelt Roberts vs. Brok Weaver odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s UFC on ESPN 9 fight between Roosevelt Roberts and Brok Weaver, with MMA betting odds, picks, tips and bets.

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Roosevelt Roberts and Brok Weaver tangle in a lightweight bout on the main card at UFC on ESPN 9 – also known as Fight Night 176 – at the UFC’s Apex Facility in Las Vegas. The card kicks off Saturday at 6 p.m. ET on ESPN/ESPN+.

Roberts (9-1) is coming off a unanimous decision victory against Alexander Yakovlev last time out (Nov. 19, 2019). All three of Roberts’ fights at the UFC level have ended up going the distance, winning two of them. His ability in the clinch looks to be his ticket to stardom

Weaver (15-4) will be looking to fire out of the chute and rain blows down upon Roberts early and often. Weaver has a distinct advantage with 5.57 to 2.87 in the significant strikes landed per minute category, and 73.61 to 46.46 in the significant strikes-accuracy percentage department. The southpaw isn’t likely to be keen on going to the mat, as Roberts has won four of 10 career professional fights by submission.

Want to place a bet on UFC Fight Night? Place bets at BetMGM online in CO, IN, NJ and WV! New customer offer: Risk-free first bet! Visit BetMGM for terms and conditions. Bet now!

Roosevelt Roberts vs. Brok Weaver betting odds

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday, May 28 at 6:40 a.m. ET.

Roberts (-358) is an overwhelming favorite over Weaver (+275) in a battle between inexperienced, yet very talented prospects about to climb the ladder in the lightweight division.

Weaver is a brawler, while Roberts appears to be a little more well-rounded. Taking Roberts straight up on the 2-way line is a lot of chalk. The most attractive bet on the board might be taking the NO (+135): WILL THE FIGHT GO THE DISTANCE? prop, as Roberts can do good work on the mat, and Weaver has the potential to end the bout anytime with just one punch. Backing ROBERTS BY KO/TKO, DQ or SUBMISSION (+200) is also worth a roll of the dice.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on Roberts (-358) to win returns a profit of just $2.79. A $10 bet of No (+135) on the fight going the distance pays a $13.50 return, and a $10 bet for Roberts to win by KO/TKO, DQ or Submission (+200) profits $20.

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.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI on Twitter, and follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and 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 9: Mackenzie Dern vs. Hannah Cifers odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s UFC on ESPN 9 fight between Mackenzie Dern and Hannah Cifers, with MMA betting odds, picks, tips and bets.

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Mackenzie Dern and Hannah Cifers do battle in a women’s strawweight bout on the main card at UFC on ESPN 9 – also known as Fight Night 176 – at the UFC’s Apex Facility in Las Vegas. The card kicks off Saturday at 6 p.m. ET on ESPN/ESPN+.

Dern (7-1) is a heavy favorite in this match against Cifers (10-4). Dern won her first seven professional fights before falling to Amanda Ribas last time out by unanimous decision Oct. 12. Two of Dern’s three fights at the UFC level have gone the distance, with a submission win over Amanda Cooper May 12, 2018 as her only fight in the UFC to finish inside the distance. While we haven’t seen it at the UFC level yet, Dern is deadly on the canvas, as four of her seven professional wins have come by submission, with the rear-naked choke as her specialty.

Cifers is coming off a Jan. 25 KO/TKO loss to Angela Hill. Two of Cifers’ four fights at the UFC level have finished inside the distance, falling in each bout by knockout. In 14 career professional fights she has never won via submission, but he has lost once, and that came via rear-naked choke. She’ll want to keep this fight upright to have any chance, as she has recorded 4.82 significant strikes landed per minute, and a 45.16 significant strike-accuracy percentage.

Want to place a bet on UFC Fight Night? Place bets at BetMGM online in CO, IN, NJ and WV! New customer offer: Risk-free first bet! Visit BetMGM for terms and conditions. Bet now!

Mackenzie Dern vs. Hannah Cifers betting odds

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday, May 28 at 6:15 a.m. ET.

Dern (-400) is the heavy favorite to win this one over Cifers (+305), and rightly so. Dern is the more well-rounded fighter, and it should be over quickly as long as she avoids the big blow from Cifers.

It would be worth a roll of the dice to take DERN TO WIN BY SUBMISSION (-106), as Cifers isn’t very good defensively on the ground. It wouldn’t be a bad idea to couple this with the NO (-213): WILL THE FIGHT GO THE DISTANCE? prop, too.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on Dern (-400) to win only returns a profit of $2.50. A $10 bet of No (-213) on the fight going the distance pays a $4.69 return, and a $10 bet for Dern to win by submission (-106) pays $9.43.

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.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI on Twitter, and follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and 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 9: Tyron Woodley vs. Gilbert Burns odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s UFC on ESPN 9 fight between Tyron Woodley and Gilbert Burns, with MMA betting odds, picks, tips and bets.

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Tyron Woodley and Gilbert Burns get together in a welterweight bout in the main event at UFC on ESPN 9 – also known as Fight Night 176 – at the UFC’s Apex Facility in Las Vegas. The card kicks off Saturday at 6 p.m. ET on ESPN/ESPN+.

The 38-year-old Woodley (19-4-1) holds a three-inch reach advantage which he hopes to use to keep Burns (18-3) at a distance. While Woodley can more than handle himself on the mat, the ground is where Burns holds a large advantage. Burns has a 2.39 to 1.21 takedown-average advantage, although Woodley edges him with a 41.18 to 38.98 takedown-accuracy percentage. Woodley has been champing at the bit to get back into the octagon after a unanimous decision loss to Kamaru Usman for the welterweight strap at UFC 235. So, Woodley will be fighting with a chip on his shoulder, which doesn’t bode well for Burns. Woodley has never lost consecutive bouts at any point of his mixed martial arts career, and he doesn’t plan to start now.

Burns, nicknamed “Durinho,” enters on a five-bout winning streak, including a KO/TKO win over Demian Maia March 14, 2020 at UFC Fight Night: Lee vs. Oliveira. Burns kicked off the winning streak with a unanimous decision win over Olivier Aubin-Mercier, and hasn’t lost since a KO/TKO setback against Dan Hooker at UFC 226 (July 7, 2018(. Three of Burns’ past five bouts have ended in favorable unanimous decisions, and he has a KO/TKO and submission win during the stretch, showing off his versatility. However, Woodley represents a huge step up in talent.

Want to place a bet on UFC Fight Night? Place bets at BetMGM online in CO, IN, NJ and WV! New customer offer: Risk-free first bet! Visit BetMGM for terms and conditions. Bet now!

Tyron Woodley vs. Gilbert Burns betting odds

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday, May 28 at 8 a.m. ET.

Woodley (-176) is a strong favorite on the 2-way line, and rightly so vs.  Burns (+145). As mentioned, Woodley has never lost consecutive fights at any point of his illustrious career.

Now, how will the fight be won? We’re likely to see plenty of toe-to-toe action, and takedown attempts, but each of these guys have solid ground games, both offensively and defensively. Look for a long, drawn out fight with plenty of action, but a bout that will ultimately be decided by the judges. As such, betting DECISION (+115) on HOW WILL THE FIGHT FINISH? is a good wager. In addition, YES (+115): WILL THE FIGHT GO THE DISTANCE? is a nice value as well.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on Woodley (-176) to win returns a profit of $5.68. A $10 bet of Yes (+115) on the fight going the distance pays a $11.50 return, and betting on the fight to end on a Decision (+115), regardless of fight winner, fetches a $11.50 profit.

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.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI on Twitter, and follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and 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 8: Song Yadong vs. Marlon Vera odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s UFC on ESPN 8 fight between Song Yadong and Marlon Vera, with MMA betting odds, picks, tips and bets.

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Song Yadong and Marlon Vera tangle in a featherweight bout on the main card at UFC on ESPN 8 – also known as ESPN Fight Night 172 – at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Fla. The card kicks off Saturday at 6 p.m. ET on ESPN/ESPN+.

Yadong (15-4-1) enters with a slight disadvantage in the reach department, three and a half inches to be exact. He’ll likely try to take down Vera early and often, although a ground game with his opponent can be dangerous. Vera has a 1.41 submission average to just 0.65 for Yadong. Nicknamed “The Terminator,” Yadong enters 7-0-1 across his past eight professional bouts, and is 4-0-1 at the UFC level. He is coming off a majority draw against Cody Stamann Dec. 7, 2019. Three of Yadong’s 19 professional fights have ended via submission, including 1-0 at the UFC level.

Vera (15-5-1) is on a five-bout win streak, taking care of Andre Ewell last time out in a third-round KO/TKO Oct. 12, 2019. Each of his five wins have finished inside the distance, with three via KO/TKO and two on submission victories. In fact, each of his past seven wins have been inside the distance, with only a pair of unanimous decision losses from Oct. 28, 2017-Feb. 3, 2018 to ruin that run. Both of these fighters are strong on the mat, but Vera has the ability to finish in a toe-to-toe brawl. This might be one of the more interesting and even fights on the main card.

Want to place a bet on UFC Fight Night? Place bets at BetMGM online in CO, IN, NV, NJ and WV! New customer offer: Risk-free first bet! Visit BetMGM for terms and conditions. Bet now!

Song Yadong vs. Marlon Vera betting odds

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Friday, May 15 at 11 a.m. ET.

VERA (+140) is worth a roll of the dice, as both fighters are very evenly matched. They have similar fighting styles, and the significant strikes landed per minute and takedown numbers are nearly identical. Vera enters on a roll, having finished inside the distance in each of his past five. Therefore it is a good idea to also take a look at NO (-125): WILL THE FIGHT GO THE DISTANCE? prop. Going with UNDER 2.5 (+110) TOTAL NUMBER OF ROUNDS is also worth a small-unit bet, too.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on Vera (+140) to win returns a $14 profit. A $10 bet on the fight going less than 2.5 rounds returns an $11 profit, and a bet of No (-125) on the fight going the distance pays a $8 return.

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.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI on Twitter, and follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and 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 8: Eryk Anders vs. Krzysztof Jotko odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s UFC on ESPN 8 fight between Eryk Anders and Krzysztof Jotko, with MMA betting odds, picks, tips and bets.

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Eryk Anders and Krzysztof Jotko square off in a middleweight bout on the main card at UFC on ESPN 8 – also known as ESPN Fight Night 172 – at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Fla. The card kicks off Saturday at 6 p.m. ET on ESPN/ESPN+.

Anders (13-4) enters just 3-4 across his past seven bouts, but he is coming off a split-decision victory over Gerald Meerschaert Oct. 12, 2019. Nine of Anders’ 17 professional fights have resulted in a KO/TKO, with eight victories, including a 3-1 mark at the UFC level. He isn’t keen on going to the canvas, as just one of his 17 career fights have ended by submission, with none at the UFC level.

Jotko (21-4) heads into this one with two straight decision victories, including a split-decision win over Marc-Andre Barriault at UFC 240. Eight of Jotko’s 12 UFC bouts have gone the distance, as he can be a bit methodical. In 25 career fights, he has a 1-1 mark via submission, including 0-1 at the UFC level. Neither of these fighters will be looking to go to the canvas, so look for a toe-to-toe slugfest.

Want to place a bet on UFC Fight Night? Place bets at BetMGM online in CO, IN, NV, NJ and WV! New customer offer: Risk-free first bet! Visit BetMGM for terms and conditions. Bet now!

Eryk Anders vs. Krzysztof Jotko betting odds

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday, May 14 at 6:15 a.m. ET.

JOTKO (-159) has won a pair of decision victories in the past two, and eight of his 12 fights at the UFC level have gone the distance. Not only should you BET JOTKO straight up on the 2-way line over Anders (+130), but taking YES (-159): WILL THE FIGHT GO THE DISTANCE? is also a sound bet – and the juice isn’t too steep.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on Jotko (-159) to win outright returns a profit of $6.29, with the same exact payout for the fight going the distance.

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.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI on Twitter, and follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and 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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UFC on ESPN 8: Dan Ige vs. Edson Barboza odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s UFC on ESPN 8 fight between Dan Ige and Edson Barboza, with MMA betting odds, picks, tips and bets.

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Dan Ige and Edson Barboza get together in a featherweight bout on the main card at UFC on ESPN 8 – also known as ESPN Fight Night 172 – at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Fla. The card kicks off Saturday at 6 p.m. ET on ESPN/ESPN+.

Ige (13-2) might not win you many Scrabble games, well, if you were allowed to even use proper names. He is a little ball of power wrapped in a 5-foot-7, 145-pound frame, who can win you a lot of wagers. He is coming off a split-decision win over Mirsad Bektic at UFC 247, and is 5-0 across his past five bouts. Ige has a strong ground game, too, and has never been submitted in 15 professional fights. While he has a four-inch disadvantage in the reach department, that won’t be a problem on the ground. That’s where Ige likes to do most of his work. He holds a 2.38 to 0.49 advantage in takedown average, and 0.79 to 0.06 submission average.

The lanky Barboza (20-8) not only has a four-inch reach advantage, but a four-inch advantage in height, too. He can hold his own in significant strikes against Ige, but will need to work on his takedown defense if he wants to survive and advance. Barboza is coming off a split-decision loss against Paul Felder at UFC 242, is 0-2 in the past two and 1-4 across his past five outings. Barboza has never won by submission in 22 career UFC fights, while losing twice by that fashion. Ige easily has the tools to add to that mark.

Want to place a bet on UFC Fight Night? Place bets at BetMGM online in CO, IN, NV, NJ and WV! New customer offer: Risk-free first bet! Visit BetMGM for terms and conditions. Bet now!

Dan Ige vs. Edson Barboza betting odds

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday, May 14 at 5:50 a.m. ET.

IGE (+115) is a great value as a short dog against Barboza (-139), who has been struggling lately. While the 34-year-old Barboza has more experience at the UFC level, he is six years older and in the twilight of his career. Ige is an up-and-comer with serious ground game. Ige will continue his ascension, while Barboza is just hanging on at this point. Youth will be served. BET IGE (+115).

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on Ige (+115) to win returns a $11.50 profit. A $10 bet on Barboza (-139) to win pays a $7.19 profit.

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.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI on Twitter, and follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and 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 8: Claudia Gadelha vs. Angela Hill odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s UFC on ESPN 8 fight between Claudia Gadelha and Angela Hill, with MMA betting odds, picks, tips and bets.

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Claudia Gadelha and Angela Hill will tangle in a women’s strawweight bout on the main card at UFC on ESPN 8 – also known as ESPN Fight Night 172 – at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Fla. The card kicks off Saturday at 6 p.m. ET on ESPN/ESPN+.

Gadelha (17-4) is the considerable favorite in this one, as she looks to collect herself and get back on track. Across the past four bouts she is just 2-2, all unanimous decisions. She did post a win over Randa Markos at UFC 239. It was the ninth time in her past 10 bouts that went the distance. She is 7-0 in her professional career winning via submission, including 1-0 at the UFC level. She has never won or lost via KO/TKO at the UFC level.

Hill (12-7) is a 35-year-old veteran who has won just five of her 12 fights at the UFC level. However, after a slow start since arriving at the top level of mixed martial arts, she has steadied the ship by going 3-0 across her past three outings. That including a unanimous decision win over Loma Lookboonmee Feb. 22, 2020. Seven of Hill’s 10 fights at the UFC level have gone to the judges and their cards. She has never won by submission during her professional career while losing twice in that fashion.

Want to place a bet on UFC Fight Night? Place bets at BetMGM online in CO, IN, NV, NJ and WV! New customer offer: Risk-free first bet! Visit BetMGM for terms and conditions. Bet now!

Claudia Gadelha vs. Angela Hill betting odds

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday, May 14 at 5 a.m. ET.

GADELHA (-189) is a strong favorite to make quick work of Hill (+155) and end her winning streak. While Gadelha might be 2-2 across the past two fights, she is the more seasoned fighter, and she has the better body of work, too. Hill will look to keep things upright, but if Gadelha gets her to the canvas it will be over. Gadelha dominates with a 3.34 to 0.50 takedown- average advantage, 47.14 to 37.50 takedown-accuracy percentage and, more importantly, a 0.81 to 0.17 submission average.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on Gadelha (-189) to win returns a $5.29 profit. A $10 bet on Hill (+155) to win fetches a $15.50 profit.

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.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI on Twitter, and follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and 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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UFC on ESPN 8: Alistair Overeem vs. Walt Harris odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s UFC on ESPN 8 fight between Alistair Overeem and Walt Harris, with MMA betting odds, picks, tips and bets.

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Alistair Overeem and Walt Harris square off in a heavyweight bout on the main card at UFC on ESPN 8 – also known as ESPN Fight Night 172 – at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Fla. The card kicks off Saturday at 6 p.m. ET on ESPN/ESPN+.

Overeem (45-18) heads into this one with a three-inch reach advantage over his counterpart, while holding a distinct advantage in the significant strikes categories. He has a 3.54 to 2.96 advantage in significant strikes landed per minute, while dominating with a 62.38 significant strike-accuracy percentage to just 38.16 for Harris (13-7). Overeem isn’t a one-trick pony, however, as he also has a 1.39 to 0.35 takedown-average advantage and he has a 53.57 to 33.33 lead in the takedown-accuracy percentage department.

Overeem is looking to bounce back after a KO/TKO loss to Jairzinho Rozenstruik with four seconds left Dec. 7, 2019. Overeem suffered an ugly cut to the lip as a result. He is 2-3 across the past five outings with each decided by KO/TKO. Nine of his past 10 bouts have finished inside the distance, including nine via KO/TKO (5-4). Keep in mind when betting method of victory, he hasn’t won or lost via submission in 17 career bouts at the UFC level, and he has been submitted just once in 63 career professional bouts overall.

Harris needed just 12 seconds to polish off Aleksei Oleinik by KO/TKO July 20, 2019. Harris is 3-0 with a No Contest over the past four outings with an overturned result Dec. 29, 2018 against Andrei Arlovski at UFC 232. Like Overeem, Harris sees plenty of fights finish early. Seven of his past eight have finished inside the distance. And, like Overeem, work on the canvas isn’t a big part of what Harris does. In 20 career professional bouts he has never won via submission, and lost just once in that fashion.

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Alistair Overeem vs. Walt Harris betting odds

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday, May 14 at 4:45 a.m. ET.

OVEREEM (+130) is the slight underdog in this one, but he is worth a look for a small-unit bet. Both he and Harris (-154) do not go the distance, and will go toe-to-toe throwing hands. Perhaps if this fight were taking place in front of fans, the American Harris could feed off the crowd. But it will be in an empty arena due to the COVID-19 pandemic situation. This is a coin-flip main event, so go with the better value – OVEREEM.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on Overeem (+130) to win returns a $13 profit. A $10 bet on Harris (-154) to win fetches a $6.50 profit.

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