Tag: empty arena

UFC 249: Best three-fight parlay in Jacksonville

Highlighting Saturday’s UFC 249 with a three-fight parlay, with odds, analysis and picks.

UFC 249 goes off from VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Fla., Saturday night, the first live sporting event in the United States since mid-March due to the COVID-19 pandemic situation. While there will be no fans in attendance, that shouldn’t affect the wagering aspect of the event, giving sports-starved bettors finally something to wager on.

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday, May 7 at 8:35 p.m. ET.

Want to place a bet on UFC 249? Place them at BetMGM. New customer offer: Risk-free first bet! Visit BetMGM for terms and conditions. Bet now!

Anthony Pettis vs. Donald Cerrone betting odds

Per BetMGM, Pettis (-150) is favored over Cowboy (+125) on the 2-way betting line, but that’s not the wager to make.

Pettis is 9-9 in 18 bouts at the UFC level, while posting a 1-3 mark across the past four outings, and 4-8 in the past 12. He has been knocked out in three of his past eight appearances, while four of his previous six victories have come via submission. In other words, he doesn’t see the judges getting involved in his fights very often.

For Cerrone, he is 0-3 across his past three outings. However, while he has been knocked out in those losses, it has been against the cream of the crop in Conor McGregor, Justin Gaethje and Tony Ferguson – the latter two are the main event Saturday in a bout for the lightweight strap.

Meanwhile, Cowboy is back in the welterweight class, where he has a little more experience. He was knocked out by Pettis at UFC on FOX Jan. 26, 2013, and only three of his previous 17 bouts have gone the distance.

The best bet here is to take UNDER 2.5 ROUNDS (-125) in our three-piece parlay.

Also see:

Carla Esparza vs. Michelle Waterson betting odds

Esparza (-159) is a moderate favorite over Waterson, a.k.a. “The Karate Hottie.” The latter hasn’t been so hot for bettors in the octagon lately, however, going just 3-3 in his past six bouts. More importantly, Waterson has gone the distance in each of her past five bouts.

For Esparza, all five of her victories have at the UFC level have come via decision, including four of the unanimous variety. She topped Alexa Grasso Sept. 21, 2019 by majority decision last time out. Avoid any bets on the 2-way line, but look to the OVER 2.5 ROUNDS (-455) for part II of this three-fight parlay.

Vicente Luque vs. Niko Price betting odds

Luque (-304) is a heavy favorite in this early preliminary bout, but like the previous two fights, look to the round total play for the final play of our three-fight parlay.

Eight of Luque’s past 10 professional wins have come in the second round or earlier, and four of his past five have come via KO/TKO. Only one of his 10 victories have come via decision, too.

For Price, all 10 of his UFC fights have finished inside the distance, and he has never ventured into the third round in any of his bouts. Seven of the outcomes, win or lose, have been via knockout, with three coming by way of submission. He doesn’t leave it in the hands of the judges either way. As such, playing NO (-400) on WILL THE FIGHT GO THE FULL 3 ROUNDS? is the way to go.

New to sports betting? A $20 THREE-PLAY PARLAY wager on these three options will pay a little more than 1.74 to 1, netting a profit of $34.89.

  • UNDER 2.5 ROUNDS IN PETTIS-CERRONE (-125)
  • OVER 2.5 ROUNDS IN ESPARZA-WATERSON (-455)
  • NO (-400) FIGHT GOES FULL 3 ROUNDS IN LUQUE-PRICE

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+ 28: Best three-fight parlay in Brasilia

Highlighting Saturday’s UFC on ESPN+28 with a three-fight parlay, with odds, analysis and picks.

UFC on ESPN+ 28 – also called UFC Fight Night 170 – is scheduled to go off at the Ginasio Nilson Nelson in Brasilia with the card getting underway in Brazil’s capital Saturday at 6 p.m. ET. The bouts will be fought in an empty arena due to the unfortunate COVID-19 situation. We’ll provide a three-fight parlay suggestion to help you build a nice bankroll.

Nothing is a sure thing, and it will be interesting to see how the fighters react to the empty seats. Once the bouts get underway and the first punch is thrown, the fighters should snap right into form. However, the walkout is going to be strange even for the most consummate professional.

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

Place a sports bet on this mixed martial arts action or other events at BetMGM.

Amanda Ribas (-371) vs. Randa Markos betting odds

Per BetMGM, Ribas (-371) is heavily favored to top Markos in a women’s strawweight bout, and you have to like the Brazilian fighter. She holds advantages in Takedown Average (2.71-1.38), Takedown Accuracy Percentage (57.14-27.59) and Submission Average (1.35-0.26).

Gilbert Burns (-189) vs. Demian Maia betting odds

Burns (-189) is a big favorite over Maia in a Brazilian vs. Brazilian matchup. The more versatile fighter is Burns, who has a record littered with unanimous decisions, submissions and KO/TKOs since joining the UFC. His versatility, and the fact he is nine years younger than Maia, will serve him well.

Renato Moicano (-358) vs. Damir Hadzovic betting odds

Moicano (-358) is also heavily favored over Hadzovic, a.k.a. “The Bosnian Bomber.” Moicano has dropped his past two fights, but losses to Chan Sung Jung and Jose Aldo is certainly nothing to be ashamed of. They’re two of the top fighters in the division. If Moicano avoids the big punch, and perhaps takes this fight to the mat for some ground and pound, it should be a much-needed win for Moicano.

New to sports betting? A $10 THREE-PARLAY wager on RIBAS (-371), BURNS (-189) and MOICANO (-358) nets a profit of $14.84.

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 and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

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+ 28: Rani Yahya vs. Enrique Barzola odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s Rani Yahya vs. Enrique Barzola UFC matchup, with UFC betting odds, picks and best bets.

Rani Yahya and Enrique Barzola battle in a bantamweight bout in a preliminary match at UFC on ESPN+ 28 – also called UFC Fight Night 170 – at the Ginasio Nilson Nelson in Brasilia. The card kicks off Saturday at 6 p.m. ET on ESPN+ in Brazil’s capital.

Yahya (26-10-0) is one inch shorter than his Peruvian counterpart, and has a three-inch reach disadvantage. Barzola is well ahead with 3.93 Significant Strikes Landed Per Minute (LPM) to just 1.59 for Yahya. In addition, Barzola has a slight advantage in Significant Strike Accuracy percentage, and leads in Takedown Average at 4.56-2.92. Barzola is also well ahead with a 45.56 Takedown Accuracy percentage to just Yahya’ 32.59.

Yahya has won three of his past four bouts, all via submission, and he has been victorious in seven of his previous nine fights.

Barzola (17-5-1) has dropped two of his past three bouts, with only a split-decision win against Bobby Moffett on the Shevchenko-Carmouche card Aug. 10, 2019.

Place a sports bet on this mixed martial arts action or other events at BetMGM.

Rani Yahya vs. Enrique Barzola betting odds

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:10 a.m. ET.

BARZOLA (-193) is a heavy favorite on the 2-way line against Yahya (+160), so it’s a bit risky putting up almost two times your potential return. You might want to pair Barzola with another fighter or two in a parlay. Yahya is going to eat a lot of punches per minute from Barzola, and it’s a good play to bet BARZOLA BY KO/TKO OR DQ (+330) on a small-unit wager.

You might want to look into a two-fighter parlay of Barzola and GILBERT BURNS (-189) vs. Demian Maia for a payoff of 1.32-to-1. A three-fighter parlay involving Barzola, Burns and AMANDA RIBAS (-371) vs. Randa Markos pays +195.

New to sports betting? A $10 parlay of Barzola (-193) and Burns (-189) returns a potential profit of $13.21. A $10 parlay of Barzola, Burns and Ribas returns a net profit of $19.47.

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 and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

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+ 28: Elizeu dos Santos vs. Aleksei Kunchenko odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s UFC on ESPN+ 28 fight between Elizeu dos Santos and Aleksei Kunchenko, with MMA betting odds, picks, tips and bets.

Elizeu dos Santos and Aleksei Kunchenko lock horns in a welterweight bout in the prelims of UFC on ESPN+ 28 — also called UFC Fight Night 170 — at the Ginasio Nilson Nelson in Brasilia. The card gets underway in Brazil’s capital Saturday at 6 p.m. ET.

Elizeu dos Santos vs. Aleksei Kunchenko preview

Dos Santos (21-6-0) is four inches taller than his opponent, and he also has a three-inch reach advantage. He also holds a slight edge in Significant Strikes Landed Per Minute (LPM) at 4.18-3.62, while Kunchenko is slightly more accurate at 42.45% in Significant Strike Accuracy to 39.96%. While Kunchenko is also better in Takedown Accuracy, dos Santos holds a slight lead in Takedown Average while posting a 0.6 submission average to zero for Kunchenko.

Dos Santos, nicknamed “Capoeira”, saw his seven-bout winning streak come to a close when he was knocked out in the third round against Li Jingliang Aug. 31, 2019 on the Andrade-Zhang card. During his seven-bout win streak, he recorded three KO/TKO victories, a win by submission and a pair of unanimous decisions and a split-decision win.

Kunchenko (20-1-0) has won two of his three bouts since making his UFC debut with a win over Thiago Alves on Sept. 15, 2018. He is coming off a unanimous decision loss against Gilbert Burns, who is on this card in the main event. He was a knockout machine in his earlier days, but at the highest level of MMA, he has had mixed results. He’ll want to keep the fight upright, and dos Santos is likely to want to follow suit. This one could be a brawl.

Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos vs. Aleksei Kunchenko betting odds

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

Place a sports bet on this mixed martial arts action or other events at BetMGM.

Per BetMGM, DOS SANTOS (-134) is a slight favorite on the 2-way line over Kunchenko (+110), and the favorite is the play. The Russian fell to a Brazilian fighter last time out, and he’ll be 0-for-2 in the past two bouts after this one. This is going to be the bout you want to see on the card, as it should be a toe-to-toe slugfest which the crowd really would have enjoyed if they were allowed to enter the arena. Unfortunately, Ginasio Nilson Nelson will be empty due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Betting DOS SANTOS BY KO/TKO OR DQ (+450) is worth a small-unit bet, too.

New to sports betting? A $10 wager on Dos Santos (-134) to win nets a profit of $7.50. A $1 wager on Dos Santos (+450) to win by KO/TKO or DQ secures a profit of $4.50.

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 and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

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+ 28: Amanda Ribas vs. Randa Markos odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s Amanda Ribas and Randa Markos UFC matchup, with UFC betting odds, picks and best bets.

Amanda Ribas and Randa Markos tangle in a women’s strawweight bout in the prelims at UFC on ESPN+ 28 – also called UFC Fight Night 170 – at the Ginasio Nilson Nelson in Brasilia. The card gets underway in Brazil’s capital Saturday at 6 p.m. ET.

Ribas (8-1-0) and Markos (10-8-1) are the same height at 5-foot-4, but Ribas owns a 2 1/2-inch reach advantage. She is 2-0 since making her UFC debut against Emily Whitmire June 29, 2019 on the Ngannou-Dos Santos card in Minneapolis.

Ribas would have been hugely popular in her home nation of Brazil, but the arena will be empty due to the COVID-19 situation. She is coming off an impressive upset victory of Mackenzie Dern at UFC on ESPN+ 19.

Markos replaces the injured Paige VanZant, who bowed out due to an undisclosed ailment. Ever since UFC introduced the women’s strawweight division Markos has been a part of the weight class. She will hold the divisional record with 14 appearances when she arrives in the octagon Saturday. She’ll be trying to avoid going down to the mat, as Ribas is roughly twice as effective on takedowns, holding advantage in submissions. Ribas has a 2.71 Takedown Average to Markos’ 1.38, with a 57.14 percent Takedown Accuracy to just 27.59 percent for the Iraqi-born Canadian Markos. Ribas holds a 1.35-0.26 Submission Average, too.

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

Place a sports bet on this mixed martial arts action or other events at BetMGM.

Amanda Ribas vs. Randa Markos betting odds

Per BetMGM, Ribas (-371) is the overwhelming favorite on the 2-way line vs. Markos (+285). But you can’t risk nearly four times your potential return, so look for a fighter or two and include Ribas as part of a parlay instead.

RIBAS BY SUBMISSION (+450) might be a more lucrative way to go, as she is tremendous on the ground, and that’s not exactly a strong suit of Markos. As such, if you take UNDER 2.5 (+230) for the total number of rounds, you could make out like a bandit if Ribas can finish Markos either by submission, or with a KO/TKO or DQ before the middle of Round 3.

New to sports betting? A $10 wager on Ribas (-371) to win nets a profit of just $2.70. A $10 wager on Ribas (+450) to win by submission secures a profit of $45, and a $10 wager on the fight to go Under 2.5 rounds (+230) nets a profit of $23.

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 and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

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+ 28: Renato Moicano vs. Damir Hadzovic odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s UFC on ESPN+ 28 fight between Renato Moicano and Damir Hadzovic, with MMA betting odds, picks, tips and best bets.

Renato Moicano and Damir Hadzovic tussle in a lightweight bout on the main card at UFC on ESPN+ 28 – also called UFC Fight Night 170 – at the Ginasio Nilson Nelson in Brasilia, Brazil Saturday. The card kicks off at 6 p.m. ET on ESPN+.

Renato Moicano vs. Damir Hadzovic preview

Moicano (13-3-1) will be making his lightweight debut, moving up from the featherweight divison. He enters this bout with two-inch advantages in height and reach. He also holds a slight edge in Takedown Average at 1.16 to 0.68. In addition, Moicano has the 0.39-0.23 advantage in Submission Average.

Moicano is trying to slap the brakes on a two-bout skid, falling to Chan Sung Jung, a.k.a The Korean Zombie, in the man event in just 58 seconds last time out. He previously suffered a Round 2 KO/TKO at the hands of Jose Aldo. His last win came against Cub Swanson at UFC 227 back on Aug. 4, 2018, so he’ll be hungry. The Constrictor Team member will be looking to get this fight to the mat, as three of his past six victories have come via submission, including a rear-naked choke of Ismael Bonfim in his final bout before inking a deal with UFC.

Hadzovic (13-5-0), a.k.a. ‘The Bosnian Bomber’, represents Rumble Sports. The 33-year-old has split his past six bouts, as he is coming off a unanimous decision loss to Christos Giagos at UFC Fight Night on June 1, 2019. He is a heavy puncher who will be looking to stay upright and rain blows upon Moicano going toe-to-toe. If you remember his knockout of Marcin Held back on May 28, 2017, you know Hadzovic’s punch is no joke.

Place a sports bet on this mixed martial arts action or other events at BetMGM.

Renato Moicano vs. Damir Hadzovic betting odds

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:45 a.m. ET.

Per BetMGM, Moicano (-357) is a heavy favorite over Hadzovic (+275) on the 2-way line in this lightweight debut. That’s a lot of lettuce to risk on a single bout, risking nearly four times your potential return. There is a chance Hadzovic pulls the upset if he can keep the fight upright and avoid being constricted by the Team Constrictor member. The lean here is to go lightly on the favorite, although Moicano won’t be able to tap into a pro-Brazilian crowd since the arena will be empty due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

If you like Moicano to win this bout, a parlay is the way to go, and you likely need to pair him with at least two other fighters to make it worth your while.

Try a Brazilian three-way bet, or a three-fighter parlay of Moicano (-357) Charles Oliveira (+115) vs. Kevin Lee and Gilbert Burns (-189) vs. Demian Maia has total odds of +321. For the less adventurous crowd, you can simply pair the two heavy favorites, with a two-fighter parlay of Moicano and Burns.

New to sports betting? A $10 three-fighter parlay of Moicano (-357), Oliveira (+115) and Burns (-189) returns a potential profit of $32.08.

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 and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

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+ 28: Johnny Walker vs. Nikita Krylov odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s Johnny Walker and Nikita Krylov UFC matchup, with UFC betting odds, picks and best bets.

Johnny Walker and Nikita Krylov will battle in a light heavyweight bout on the main card at UFC on ESPN+ 28 – also called UFC Fight Night 170 – at the Ginasio Nilson Nelson in Brasilia. The card kicks off in Brazil’s capital at 6 p.m. ET on ESPN+.

Walker (17-4-0) will be fighting on his home turf in Brazil, although the advantage won’t be as great as normal since the fight will be in an empty arena due to the coronavirus situation.

The lanky Walker stands 6-foot-6, three inches taller than Krylov. In addition, he had a distinct 4 1/2-inch reach advantage. Walker also has the arrow pointed in his favor as far as Significant Strikes Landed Per Minute (LPM), leading slightly 5.17-4.86. He is much more accurate with his strikes, however, hitting to the tune of a 69.13 percent Significant Strike Accuracy to 57.6 percent for Krylov. While Walker trails in Takedown Average at 1.06 to 0.75, Walker is 100 percent in Takedown Accuracy to 38.46 percent, and his Submission Average is 2.26 to 1.90 for Krylov.

Walker will be looking to bounce back after being knocked out by Corey Anderson last time out at UFC 244. Before that he was on a nine-bout winning streak, including 3-0 in the UFC since his debut knockout win of Khalil Rountree Jr. at UFC Fight Night (Nov. 17, 2018). He also made quick work of a very good fighter in Misha Cirkunov at UFC 235, recording a knockout in just 36 seconds.

Krylov, who fights in the style of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, is coming off a split-decision setback to Glover Teixeira. He has dropped two of his past three bouts, although he has fought some of the division’s top fighters in Teixeira, Ovince Saint Preux and Jan Blachowicz. If you’re looking for common opponents, Krylov lost to Cirkunov via first-round submission at UFC 206.

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:35 a.m. ET.

Place a sports bet on this mixed martial arts action or other events at BetMGM.

Johnny Walker vs. Nikita Krylov betting odds

Per BetMGM, WALKER (-143) is a moderate favorite over Krylov (+120) on the 2-way line. As such, Walker isn’t a bad standalone play since the risk isn’t too severe. If he wins, it will likely be done by knockout. As such, Walker by KO/TKO or DQ (+105) is a sharp play.

New to sports betting? A $10 wager on Walker at -143 returns a profit of $6.99. If you bet the underdog Krylov, a $10 wager nets a profit of $12.00.

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 and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

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+ 28: Demian Maia vs. Gilbert Burns odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s UFC on ESPN+ 28 fight between Demian Maia and Gilbert Burns, with MMA betting odds, picks, tips and best bets.

Demian Maia and Gilbert Burns tangle in a welterweight bout on the main card at UFC on ESPN+ 28 – also called UFC Fight Night 170 – at the Ginasio Nilson Nelson in Brasilia, Brazil Saturday. The card kicks off at 6 p.m. ET on ESPN+.

Demian Maia vs. Gilbert Burns preview

Maia (28-9-0) checks into this bout on a 3-0 run, including a Round 3 submission win over Ben Askren in the main event on Oct. 26, 2019 in Singapore. Both of the Brazilian fighters know each other well, and it won’t matter this bout takes place in front of no fans due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The southpaw Maia, who is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu style fighter, has a three-inch advantage in height, and his reach extends one inch more than Burns’. The veteran has managed just 1.82 significant strikes landed per minute to 3.09 for Burns, but their Significant Strike Accuracy Percentage is nearly identical. This means Maia is going to eat a lot more punches in this match. Their Takedown Average is generally the same, too, although Burns is much better in Takedown Accuracy at 38.98% for Burns, to just 25.90% for Maia.

Burns (17-3-0) has an orthodox stance and striker fighting style. He enters on a four-bout winning streak, including a unanimous decision victory over Gunnar Nelson Sept. 28, 2019, on the Hermansson-Cannonier card. His record since joining UFC is a mix of UDs, submission wins and KO/TKOs, so he can beat you in a number of ways. He is definitely the more versatile fighter in this bout, and the No. 12 welterweight in the world is nine years younger than Maia (33 to 42), so he has the much fresher legs, too.

Place a sports bet on this mixed martial arts action or other events at BetMGM.

Demian Maia vs. Gilbert Burns betting odds

Per BetMGM, Burns (-189) is a rather heavy favorite over Maia (+155) on the 2-way line. You’ll have to get a little creative, as risking nearly two times your potential return is not the way to go here, especially with a lack of potential rebound wagers due to a lack of other sporting events.

Burns to win by decision/technical decision (+140) pays a little better, while a win by KO/TKO or DQ (+425) or by submission (+550) pays much better. You’ll have to make a decision here, and Maia isn’t going to go away quietly. I think this one goes the distance, with Burns scratching out a win by decision/technical decision (+140). Play it safe there.

As such, playing the Over 2.5 rounds (-250) or the prop ‘Will the fight go the full 3 rounds?’ at YES (-185). In addition, taking Gilbert Burns On Points (+140) is also a nice addition to your bet slip.

It might be a slightly risky play, but a two-fighter parlay of Charles Oliveira (+115) vs. Kevin Lee and Burns (-189) has total odds of +228, going for a nice double Brazilian payout.

New to sports betting? A $10 parlay of Oliveira (+115) and Burns (-189) returns a potential profit of $22.80.

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 and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

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+ 28: Francisco Trinaldo vs. John Makdessi odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s Francisco Trinaldo vs. John Makdessi UFC matchup, with UFC betting odds, picks and best bets

Francisco Trinaldo and John Makdessi lock horns in a lightweight bout on the main card at UFC on ESPN+ 28 — also called UFC Fight Night 170 — at the Ginasio Nilson Nelson in Brasilia. The card gets underway in Brazil’s capital Saturday at 6 p.m. ET.

Trinaldo (24-7-0), the Brazilian southpaw, stands one inch taller than his counterpart while holding a two-inch reach advantage. He is also fighting in his native Brazil, although the advantage is somewhat negated by the fact a raucous crowd will all be at home due to the COVID-19 situation. The Constrictor Team fighter, nicknamed “Massaranduba,” is a striker-style fighter and 41 years old. Over his past seven bouts he has alternated wins and losses. Last time out he won a unanimous decision against Bobby Green on the Blachowicz-Jacare card Nov. 16, 2019. Across his past seven wins, three have been won by KO/TKO, including a quick first-round belting of Chad Laprise, also a Canadian like Makdessi. There is no doubt he’ll be looking to keep Makdessi upright, although he can do the ground and pound when necessary.

Makdessi (17-6-0) is the younger fighter at 34, and he enters on a three-bout win streak since being knocked out by Lando Vannata at UFC 206 back on Dec. 10, 2016. He has had nearly a year off since his last fight against Jesus Pinedo, and he generally has had nine to 12 months between each of his past four bouts. It has been a winning recipe, obviously, but he enters as a moderate underdog. Makdessi has a big advantage in Significant Strikes Landed Per Minute (LPM) at 5.43 to 3.09. He is also more accurate with the striking, holding a 50.9-44.0 percent advantage in that category. Makdessi is not a guy who goes to the mat, as is evidenced by his zeroes across the board in Takedown Average, Takedown Accuracy and Submission Average. All three of those categories point to Trinaldo.

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

Place a sports bet on this mixed martial arts action or other events at BetMGM.

Francisco Trinaldo vs. John Makdessi betting odds

Per BetMGM, Trinaldo (-182) is a rather moderate favorite over Makdessi (+150) despite being seven years older and north of 40. While taking the favorite can be a rather risky proposition, Trinaldo is the play on the 2-way line, and it will be especially satisfying for bettors if he can control the fight early. The worry is going deeper into fights if Makdessi might have the advantage because he is younger.

TRINALDO TO WIN BY KO/TKO OR DQ (+370) is an attractive play which could pay rather handsomely, and Trinaldo by Submission (+600) is even more tempting, albeit a lot more unlikely, too. If you like Trinaldo to win this one by Decision/Technical Decision (+190), or on Points (+190), have at it, but that’s not for me. The oddsmakers are feeling that this one goes the distance (-189), but if you’re betting the knockout, you might as well go NO (+135) on the fighting going the full three rounds.

A two-fighter parlay of Trinaldo and GILBERT BURNS (-189) might be a nice parlay if you want to pair the two moderate fighters together.

New to sports betting? A $10 parlay of Burns (-189) and Trinaldo (-182) returns a potential profit of $13.72.

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 and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

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+ 28: Kevin Lee vs. Charles Oliveira odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s Kevin Lee vs. Charles Oliveira UFC matchup, with UFC betting odds, picks and best bets

Kevin Lee and Charles Oliveira square off in a catchweight bout on the main card at UFC on ESPN+ 28 — also called UFC Fight Night 170 — at the Ginasio Nilson Nelson in Brasilia. The card gets gets underway in Brazil’s capital Saturday at 6 p.m. ET.

Lee (18-5-0) will venture into hostile territory (though less hostile than originally thought; see below for more) as the moderate favorite, but the home country advantage of his counterpart will be mitigated by the fact the arena will be empty due to the unfortunate COVID-19 situation.

Also of note, the fight was originally scheduled to be a lightweight bout, but Lee missed the 156-pound limit by 2.8 pounds at weigh-in. According to multiple reports, Oliveira accepted a catchweight bout, but it is not yet known what portion of Lee’s purse Oliveira will receive.

As for other measurables, Lee enters this bout one inch shorter than his opponent, but he also holds a three-inch reach advantage. In addition, Lee has registered 3.90 significant strikes landed per minute to 3.21 for Oliveira. Their takedown accuracy is basically a wash, with Oliveira holding the slight advantage at 42.86 to 42.71 percent, virtually even. The strategy for Lee, most likely, will be able to keep this as a toe-to-toe bout rather than go to the mat, as Oliveira is the far superior fighter on the ground.

Oliveira (28-8-0) also employs an orthodox stance like Lee. While the striking and takedown stats are similar, Oliveira holds a 2.77-0.87 advantage in submission average, so he’ll likely be looking to take this to the canvas early and often. Oliveira isn’t a one-trick pony, however, as while four of his past six wins have come via submission, his past two were KO/TKO decisions against Jared Gordon and Nik Lentz, both in 2019. He is also well rested, having last fought Nov. 16, 2019 against Gordon on the Blachowicz-Jacare card.

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Saturday at 2:30 a.m. ET.

Place a sports bet on this mixed martial arts action or other events at BetMGM.

Kevin Lee vs. Charles Oliveira betting odds

Per BetMGM, Lee (-152) is the favorite over Oliveira (+125), who will no longer be able to tap into that home crowd energy due to the fans being turned away due to the coronavirus pandemic. That’s a distinct advantage for Lee, a.k.a. “The Motown Phenom.”

Lee is 2-3 across his past five bouts, including a submission loss to Rafael Dos Anjos in the fourth round on May 18, 2019. He was also submitted by Tony Ferguson in a title bout on Oct. 7, 2017. That’s ominous for Lee, as Oliveira’s strength is also on the ground.

Backing OLIVEIRA ON THE 2-WAY LINE (+125) is a good start for your wagers, while OLIVEIRA BY SUBMISSION (+700), as a method of victory, might also be worth a small-unit bet. The total number of rounds — over/under — might also be in play, and the consensus likes UNDER 2.5 (-167), rather than a long, drawn out five-round bout.

New to sports betting? A $10 wager on Oliveira (+125) to nets a profit of $12.50. A $10 wager on Oliveira (+700) to win by submission secures a profit of $70.

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 and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

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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