LFA 97 set for Jan. 15 in Kansas with Nick Browne vs. Arthur Estrazulas

LFA returns to Kansas to kick off its 2021 schedule, and the promotion’s vacant lightweight title will be on the line.

LFA returns to Kansas to kick off its 2021 schedule, and the promotion’s vacant lightweight title will be on the line.

Promotion officials recently announced that [autotag]Nick Browne[/autotag] (10-1) and [autotag]Arthur Estrazulas[/autotag] (12-4) will meet in a rescheduled headliner for LFA 97, which streams live on UFC Fight Pass on Jan. 15 from Hartman Arena in Park City, Kan.

The two were originally slated to meet at November’s LFA 95 event but was postponed due to pre-fight COVID testing procedures implemented before the event.

“I am excited to announce that we are kicking off UFC Fight Pass’ busy 2021 schedule with a stacked fight card at LFA 97,” LFA CEO Ed Soares stated. “Nick Browne and Arthur Estrazulas were originally scheduled to fight for the LFA lightweight championship at LFA 95, but with the safety of our fighters in mind during fight week, their title fight was rescheduled to headline LFA 97.

“Browne and Estrazulas are Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belts that also love to strike. They will fight for the vacant LFA lightweight title on Jan. 15, which will be the first live event on UFC Fight Pass in the new year.”

Browne makes his third consecutive appearance under the LFA banner. In his past two outings, he notched a decision win over grappling ace Ben Egli and a submission of four-time LFA veteran Trey Ogden.

Meanwhile, Estrazulas’ past two appearances were also under the LFA banner, a pair of first-round rear-naked choke wins over Dominic Clark and Steve Kozola.

The LFA 97 lineup:

MAIN CARD (UFC Fight Pass, 9 p.m. ET)

  • Nick Browne vs. Arthur Estrazulas – for vacant lightweight title
  • [autotag]Jacob Rosales[/autotag] vs. [autotag]Jose Martinez[/autotag]
  • [autotag]Kamuela Kirk[/autotag] vs. [autotag]Andrew Yates[/autotag]
  • [autotag]Kelly D’Angelo[/autotag] vs. [autotag]Loveth Young[/autotag]
  • [autotag]Jordan Mapa[/autotag] vs. [autotag]Michael Stack[/autotag]
  • [autotag]Thomas Petersen[/autotag] vs. [autotag]Kimo Lewis[/autotag]

MLS: Philadelphia Union vs. Orlando City SC odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Monday’s Philadelphia Union vs. Orlando City SC sports betting odds and lines, with MLS betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Philadelphia Union (2-0-0) and Orlando City SC (2-0-0) meet in Group A action of the MLS is Back Tournament Monday at 8 p.m. ET at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex near Orlando, Florida. Below, we preview the Philadelphia-Orlando City betting odds and lines, and make our best MLS bets and picks at BetMGM.

Philadelphia vs. Orlando City: Key injuries

Philadelphia

  • F Cory Burke (travel restrictions) out
  • M Jose Martinez (suspension) out
  • F Sergio Santos (leg) questionable
  • M/F Andrew Wooten (undisclosed) doubtful

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Philadelphia vs. Orlando City: MLS odds, betting lines and picks

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

Prediction

Orlando City SC 1, Philadelphia Union 1

Moneyline (ML)

Philadelphia Union (+150) is the slight favorite here, with surprising Orlando City SC (+170) a tempting play at this price level. Both sides won their first two matches of Group A play and are through to the Round of 16, so don’t be surprised to see each side power down.

Orlando is fairly healthy, with no notable injuries to report; however, Santos is nicked for the Doopers, coming off at the half last time out after playing with a leg injury. It wouldn’t be surprising to see him sit in this one to get fit for the knockout stages.

Neither side is likely to push hard, so a DRAW (+260) play makes sense, and could be rather lucrative, too.

Over/Under (O/U)

UNDER 2.5 (+115) is also rather attractive. Philadelphia’s defense and goalkeeping have been like a brick wall through two in Central Florida, conceding just one goal, while Orlando has allowed just two markers. Both sides are likely to gladly play a defensive slog, and more than two goals would be a major shocker.

Want some action in this one? Place an MLS bet with BetMGM today. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

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