In a lightweight championship bout in the main event, Islam Makhachev defends his belt against Alexander Volkanovski Saturday at RAC Arena in Perth, Australia. Let’s analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the UFC 284: Makhachev vs. Volkanovski odds, and make our expert picks and predictions.
The early prelims are on ESPN+ starting at 6 p.m. ET with the prelims beginning at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN/ESPN+ and the main card on Pay-Per-View at 10 p.m. ET.
Makhachev submitted Charles Oliveira in the 2nd round last time out at UFC 280 in October, claiming the lightweight strap. He has now won 11 consecutive bouts since his only loss at the UFC level, a KO/TKO in Round 1 against Adriano Martins back at UFC 192 in Oct. 2015.
Not only has the Russian champion been winning, but he has been getting stoppages, too. He has 4 submission wins and 1 KO/TKO in the past 5 fights, last going the distance against Davi Ramos at UFC 242 in Sept. 2019.
Volkanovski, the current featherweight champ, moves up a weight class for this challenge and will have a pro-Aussie crowd backing him, too.
Alexander “The Great” has won all 12 of his fights since arriving at the UFC level, including a unanimous-decision win over Max Holloway last time out at UFC 276 in July, defending his featherweight strap for the 4th consecutive outing.
Unlike Makhachev, he has often had to work long into the night, posting 5 decision wins in his past 6 outings, with a lone KO/TKO against Chan Sung Jung at UFC 273 in April.
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UFC 284: Makhachev vs. Volkanovski odds
Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 7:33 a.m. ET.
- Fight result (2-way line): Makhachev -390 (bet $390 to win $100) | Volkanovski +310 (bet $100 to win $310)
- Over/Under: 3.5 rounds (Over -105 | Under -130)
- Will the fight go the distance? Off the board (OTB)
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UFC 284: Makhachev vs. Volkanovski picks and predictions
Records: Makhachev (23-1) | Volkanovski (25-1)
Fight result (2-way line or moneyline)
I actually like the upset here, as VOLKANOVSKI (+310) is worth a roll of the dice for a chance to triple up.
The Aussie will have the crowd on his side, but Makhachev is obviously a tough customer who will not be fazed by that. Still, Volkanovski holds a 6.79-to-2.37 significant strikes landed per minute advantage.
As long as Volkanovski can avoid going to the canvas, he has a shot. Makhachev is like a boa constrictor when he gets a fighter down on the mat, so if Volkanovski can keep this fight upright, he has a chance at the upset.
Over/Under (O/U)
OVER 3.5 ROUNDS (-105) is a strong play despite Makhachev’s history of scoring finishes. Volkanovski will make him work, even if this is a step up in weight class.
Volkanovski has gone the distance in 5 of his past 6 bouts, and 8 of his 12 fights overall at the UFC level.
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