BetMGM – UFC 255 – Syndication Server

UFC 255: Deiveson Figueiredo vs. Alex Perez odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Saturday’s UFC 255 fight between Deiveson Figueiredo vs. Alex Perez, with MMA betting odds, picks, tips and predictions.

In a flyweight title bout on the main card, Deiveson Figueiredo and Alex Perez meet at UFC 255 Saturday at the UFC’s APEX facility in Las Vegas. The early prelims kick off at 6:30 p.m. ET on ESPN2/ESPN+, followed by the prelims at 8 p.m. ET and the main card at 10 p.m. ET on pay-per-view.

Figueiredo (19-1) puts his belt on the line against Perez (24-5) in the final bout of the evening. “Deus da Guerra” plucked the strap from Joseph Benavidez on Feb. 29 with a second-round KO/TKO. He then topped Benevidez in a rematch on July 18 with a first-round submission. Three straight fights have finished inside the distance for the Brazilian fighter, and five of the past seven haven’t needed the judges to get involved.

The beauty of Figueiredo is his versatility, as he is a strong fighter going toe-to-toe, but he can also get nasty on the canvas if he needs to be. He tries to lull his opponents to sleep before catching them with a powerful shot when they let their guard down. He holds a three-inch reach advantage over Perez, which is important to remember as he uses those long arms to try and deliver the death blow in this match.

Perez has won three straight fights since a loss to Benavidez at The Ultimate Fighter 28 Finale on Nov. 30, 2018. However, while Figueiredo has defeated Benavidez twice, Perez has done something the champ hasn’t done. He picked up a win over Jussier Formiga by way of KO/TKO in Round 1 at UFC 250. Formiga is the only fighter to ever defeat Figueiredo. Four of Perez’s past five fights have finished inside the distance, with two KO/TKO wins, a KO/TKO loss and a submission victory.

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Deiveson Figueiredo vs. Alex Perez: Betting odds, predictions and picks

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 4:50 a.m. ET.

Figueiredo (-286) is heavily favored to push past the American Perez (+230) on the 2-way line, but you cannot risk nearly three times your potential return.

Instead, look to FIGUEIREDO BY KO/TKO, DQ or SUBMISSION (-167) for a much better value. This one is not expected to go the distance by the books, as “No (-385): Will the fight go the distance?” is super expensive. You cannot play that, but look to UNDER 3.5 ROUNDS (-209) for a safe play, and UNDER 2.5 ROUNDS (-139) for a better value with a little more risk.

In addition, play FIGUEIREDO IN ROUND 2 (+400) and FIGUEIREDO IN ROUND 3 (+750) for the win in a two-round block. You will lose one end, but if he wins in either Round 2 or Round 3, you’ll be in the black quite a bit.

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

Get some action on UFC 255 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.

Also see:

UFC 255 predictions (MMA Junkie)
Burning questions heading into UFC 255 (MMA Junkie)
More UFC/MMA coverage from 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.

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UFC 255: Valentina Shevchenko vs. Jennifer Maia odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Saturday’s UFC 255 fight between Valentina Shevchenko vs. Jennifer Maia, with MMA betting odds, picks, tips and predictions.

In a women’s flyweight title bout on the main card, Valentina Shevchenko and Jennifer Maia meet at UFC 255 Saturday at the UFC’s APEX facility in Las Vegas. The early prelims kick off at 6:30 p.m. ET on ESPN2/ESPN+, followed by the prelims at 8 p.m. ET and the main card at 10 p.m. ET on pay-per-view.

The southpaw Shevchenko (19-3) looks to successfully defend her title for a fourth consecutive fight. She has fought off bids from Jessica Eye, Liz Carmouche and Katlyn Chookagian to take her strap since she claimed it when topping Joanna Jedrzejczyk at UFC 231 for the title. Two of her three championship defenses have ended with a KO/TKO win, including the last time out against Chookagian on Feb. 8 at UFC 247. Since arriving on the scene at the UFC level, six of her 10 fights have finished inside the distance with two KO/TKO wins and two submission victories, showing her versatility.

Maia (18-6-1) is 3-2 at the UFC level, but she gets a crack at her first belt. Her last time out resulted in a submission victory over Joanne Calderwood on Aug. 1 at this very same venue on the Brunson-Shahbazyan Fight Night card. That was a rarity, though, as her first four bouts with the company resulted in unanimous decisions (2-2). The Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt and Muay Thai black belt is strong inside the clinch, and is able to piece together combinations well. However, Shevchenko is also decent in the ground game, so Maia might be unwilling to go to the canvas.

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

Valentina Shevchenko vs. Jennifer Maia: Betting odds, predictions and picks

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 4:28 a.m. ET.

Shevchenko (-1667) is an overwhelming favorite to retain her strap, and she is one of the largest favorites in recent UFC history. That’s too high a risk. Instead, go with SHEVCHENKO BY KO/TKO, DQ or SUBMISSION (-182) at a much more affordable price.

In addition, play UNDER 4.5 ROUNDS (-162) for what should be a slam-dunk play unless this fight inexplicably goes the distance. UNDER 2.5 ROUNDS (+110) is also worth a small-unit play at plus-money.

In addition, pick a two-round block for the win. SHEVCHENKO IN ROUND 1 (+250) and SHEVCHENKO IN ROUND 2 (+450) is a good way to build your bankroll. You will lose one end, but if she wins in the first two rounds you’ll still be well ahead.

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

Also see:

UFC 255 predictions (MMA Junkie)
Burning questions heading into UFC 255 (MMA Junkie)
More UFC/MMA coverage from 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.

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UFC 255: Mike Perry vs. Tim Means odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Saturday’s UFC 255 fight between Mike Perry vs. Tim Means, with MMA betting odds, picks, tips and predictions.

In a welterweight bout on the main card, Mike Perry and Tim Means meet at UFC 255 Saturday at the UFC’s APEX facility in Las Vegas. The early prelims kick off at 6:30 p.m. ET on ESPN2/ESPN+, followed by the prelims at 8 p.m. ET and the main card at 10 p.m. ET on pay-per-view.

Perry (14-6) posted a unanimous-decision victory over Mickey Gall last time out on the Poirier-Hooker Fight Night card on June 27 at this very same venue, slapping the brakes on a two-bout skid. Three of his past four fights have ended up going the distance, and six of the past eight have needed the judges to decide a winner.

Means (30-12-1) enters the octagon four inches taller than his counterpart, and with a four-inch reach advantage, too. The two fighters are nearly identical in the significant strikes landed per minute and significant strikes-accuracy percentage categories. While Means is ahead 0.98 to 0.66 in the takedown-average category, Perry is ahead slightly with a 46.15 to 42.42 takedown-accuracy percentage. Means is just 4-6 across the past 10 fights, coming off a win over Laureano Staropoli on Aug. 8. He hasn’t won consecutive fights since back-to-back KO/TKO victories over John Howard (Dec. 10, 2015) and Sabah Homasi (Aug. 20, 2016).

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

Mike Perry vs. Tim Means: Betting odds, predictions and picks

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 4:15 a.m. ET.

PERRY (-121) is the play on the 2-way line, as Means (+100) just hasn’t been able to string together consecutive victories in years.

In 20 career fights for Perry, 12 of the bouts have ended via KO/TKO, with 11 victories. As such, PERRY BY KO/TKO, DQ or SUBMISSION (+150) is a solid value.

In addition, play UNDER 2.5 ROUNDS (-134), while NO (-152): WILL THE FIGHT GO THE DISTANCE? is just a little more expensive, but decent if you want a bit more wiggle room.

If you aren’t feeling a specific winner, but want action, playing KO/TKO/DQ (+115) for the fight finish method is the best play, and it doesn’t matter who gets their hand raised.

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

Also see:

UFC 255 predictions (MMA Junkie)
Burning questions heading into UFC 255 (MMA Junkie)
More UFC/MMA coverage from 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.

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UFC 255: Katlyn Chookagian vs. Cynthia Calvillo odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Saturday’s UFC 255 fight between Katlyn Chookagian vs. Cynthia Calvillo, with MMA betting odds, picks, tips and predictions.

In a women’s flyweight bout on the main card, Katlyn Chookagian and Cynthia Calvillo meet at UFC 255 Saturday at the UFC’s APEX facility in Las Vegas. The early prelims kick off at 6:30 p.m. ET on ESPN2/ESPN+, followed by the prelims at 8 p.m. ET and the main card at 10 p.m. ET on pay-per-view.

Chookagian (14-4) enters this match with a few things in her favor. She stands five inches taller than her counterpart, and she has a four-inch reach advantage. The significant strikes landed per minute is essentially even, but where Chookagian is well behind will be in the ground game. Calvillo (9-1-1) has a 1.97 to 0.30 advantage in the takedown-average category, as well as an overwhelming 46.67 to 15.79 takedown-accuracy percentage. In addition, Calvillo is well ahead 1.26 to 0.50 in submission average. In other words, it will behoove Chookagian to keep this fight upright.

Chookagian has been spinning her wheels lately. She lost a title shot at UFC 247 against Valentina Shevchenko on Feb. 8. She bounced back with a little revenge against Antonina Shevchenko on May 30 at this same venue before a first-round KO/TKO loss to Jessica Andrade last time out on Oct. 17. Chookagian has never lost back-to-back fights in her professional career, so she has that going for her. Two of her past three fights, though they were losses, have been inside the distance. In 18 pro fights, only one has been via submission, and that was a win.

The grappler extraordinaire Calvillo is unbeaten in the past four with a draw against Marina Rodriguez along the way. Three of Calvillo’s six wins at the UFC level have been via submission, and it’s a number she’ll try to add to here. Just one of her past six fights have finished inside the distance, though.

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

Katlyn Chookagian vs. Cynthia Calvillo: Betting odds, predictions and picks

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 3:58 a.m. ET.

Calvillo (-264) is a heavy favorite to deal Chookagian (+215) her first two-bout losing streak, but you cannot risk more than two and a half times your potential return on the 2-way line. Let’s get more specific.

CALVILLO BY KO/TKO, DQ or SUBMISSION (+400) is a stunning value play. The books expect this one to go the distance, but playing the above could help you quadruple up. That’s too hard to pass up. CALVILLO BY DECISION (-121) is not nearly as attractive, but isn’t a bad hedge.

In addition, taking CALVILLO IN ROUND 1 (+800), CALVILLO IN ROUND 2 (+1100) and CALVILLO IN ROUND 3 (+1700) – yes, all three – is worth a look. If she finishes inside the distance, you will lose two ends of that wager, but you’ll be so far ahead. It’s worth the risk, especially more so than taking her on the 2-way line.

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

Also see:

UFC 255 predictions (MMA Junkie)
Burning questions heading into UFC 255 (MMA Junkie)
More UFC/MMA coverage from 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.

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UFC 255: Mauricio Rua vs. Paul Craig odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Saturday’s UFC 255 fight between Mauricio Rua vs. Paul Craig, with MMA betting odds, picks, tips and predictions.

In a light heavyweight bout on the main card, Mauricio Rua and Paul Craig meet at UFC 255 Saturday at the UFC’s APEX facility in Las Vegas. The early prelims kick off at 6:30 p.m. ET on ESPN2/ESPN+, followed by the prelims at 8 p.m. ET and the main card at 10 p.m. ET on pay-per-view.

Rua (27-11-1) heads into this rematch against Craig (13-4-1) with a 3.63 to 2.30 advantage in significant strikes landed per minute, while also leading 50.96 to 48.86 in significant strikes-accuracy percentage. The two fought to a draw Nov. 16, 2019. The Brazilian Rua is also ahead in takedown average 2.17 to 1.61, as well as takedown-accuracy percentage at 48.57 to 21.43. He is coming off a split-decision win over Rogerio Nogueira on July 25, and he is 2-0-1 across the past three bouts. Three of his past five fights have finished inside the distance.

Craig bounced back from the Rua draw, posting a first-round submission win over Gadzhimurad Antigulov last time out on July 25 at Fight Island. Three of his past four fights have finished inside the distance, except for the Rua fight. One thing that is interesting, Craig has never won consecutive fights at the UFC level after starting his career on a 9-0 run in the lower ranks. He is a submission specialist, and that’s something he’d like to do against Rua. All five of his wins at the UFC level have been via submission, and the triangle choke is his specialty.

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

Mauricio Rua vs. Paul Craig: Betting odds, predictions and picks

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 3:40 a.m. ET.

CRAIG (-182) is the play on the 2-way line, although it’s just about at the limit I like to play. For better value, look to the 5-way method of victory lines. CRAIG BY KO/TKO, DQ or SUBMISSION (+165) is a much better play than just going with the 2-way line, although if Craig wins on points, you are holding a losing ticket.

In addition, I like UNDER 2.5 ROUNDS (+110) at plus-money, but you can also play NO (-121): WILL THE FIGHT GO THE DISTANCE? if you want 90 more seconds of insurance.

I also like CRAIG IN ROUND 1 (+450) and CRAIG IN ROUND 2 (+600) for the win. Yes, you’re going to lose one of these, even if he wins in one of the first two rounds, but you’ll still be well ahead.

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

Also see:

UFC 255 predictions (MMA Junkie)
Burning questions heading into UFC 255 (MMA Junkie)
More UFC/MMA coverage from 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.

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UFC 255: Brandon Moreno vs. Brandon Royval odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Saturday’s UFC 255 fight between Brandon Moreno vs. Brandon Royval, with MMA betting odds, picks, tips and predictions.

In the flyweight preliminary bout, Brandon Moreno and Brandon Royval meet at UFC 255 Saturday at the UFC’s APEX facility in Las Vegas. The early prelims kick off at 6:30 p.m. ET on ESPN2/ESPN+, followed by the prelims at 8 p.m. ET and the main card at 10 p.m. ET on pay-per-view.

Moreno (17-5-1) checks into this one standing two inches shorter than his counterpart but has a two-inch reach advantage. The jiu-jitsu specialist has won each of his past two fights by unanimous decision since a split-decision draw against Askar Askarov at UFC Fight Night on Sept. 21, 2019. The wins came against Jussier Formiga (March 14, 2020) and Kai Kara-France (Dec. 14, 2019), so Moreno has been impressive in his second stint with UFC after a brief departure.

The southpaw Royval (12-4) has managed 3.90 significant strikes landed per minute, with a 52.88 significant strikes-accuracy percentage to 34.76 for Moreno. Like Moreno, Royval has faced Kara-France, posting a second-round submission on Sept. 26 in his most recent fight at UFC 253. In fact, both of Royval’s wins at the UFC level have been via submission, and he has tapped out each of his past four opponents dating back to an appearance at LFA 65 against Joby Sanchez. Royval does his best work on the mat, and the armbar and triangle choke are his go-to moves. In 16 career professional bouts, eight have ended via submission (all wins), while posting three KO/TKO victories (3-0).

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

Brandon Moreno vs. Brandon Royval: Betting odds, predictions and picks

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 1:27 a.m. ET.

ROYVAL (+145) is a strong play as a moderate underdog because of his ability on the canvas. He can win in a variety of ways, as he can tap his foe, win a toe-to-toe brawl or use his technique to wow the judges, if needed. The No. 6-ranked flyweight is a value play because of his ability to finish. In this battle of the Brandons, look for Royval to pick up the victory over the top contender in the division. It’s hard to believe that this fight isn’t part of the main card, but enjoy the treat before the pay-per-view begins.

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

Also see:

UFC 255 predictions (MMA Junkie)
Burning questions heading into UFC 255 (MMA Junkie)
More UFC/MMA coverage from 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.

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