In a lightweight bout on the main card, Michael Chandler and Tony Ferguson meet Saturday at UFC 274 at Footprint Center in Phoenix, Ariz. Below, we analyze the UFC 274 Chandler vs. Ferguson odds and lines, with picks and predictions.
The fights can be viewed on ESPN/ESPN+ with the early prelims starting at 5:30 p.m. ET and the prelims starting at 8 p.m. The main card begins on Pay-Per-View at 10:00 p.m. ET.
Chandler might not have the physical advantages as he stands 3 inches shorter than Ferguson and has a 5-inch reach disadvantage, but he is a ball of fury.
Chandler has consecutive losses to Charles Oliveira, via second-round KO/TKO at UFC 262 in May 2021, and to Justin Gaethje via unanimous-decision at UFC 268 in November. Those two fighters are battling for the title in the main event, so there isn’t a lot of shame in dropping fights to them.
The UD against Gaethje was stunning as his previous 5 fights ended via KO/TKO, including 3 victories. He is 1-2 at the UFC level since coming over from Bellator and gets another top opponent in this one.
The 38-year-old Ferguson is on a 3-fight skid, also falling to Gaethje and Oliveira, while losing to Beneil Dariush last time out at UFC 262 by way of unanimous decision. He has lost via UD in each of his past 2 bouts and nearly went the distance with Gaethje, losing in Round 5 via KO/TKO.
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UFC 274 Chandler vs. Ferguson odds and lines
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:55 a.m. ET.
- Fight result (2-way line): Chandler -410 (bet $410 to win $100) | Ferguson +290 (bet $100 to win $290)
- Will the fight go the distance? (Yes +165 | No -240)
[tipico]
UFC 274 Chandler vs. Ferguson picks and predictions
Records: Chandler (22-7-0) | Ferguson (26-6-0)
Fight result (2-way line or money line)
Chandler is the overwhelming favorite here, as Ferguson is on a 3-fight slide and nearing the end of his career.
PASS, though, as you cannot risk four times your potential return. Plus, Ferguson has pride and he has lost to some top-notch fighters during the skid. He has the tools to be able to surprise Chandler if he’s not careful.
Over/Under (O/U)
No (-240): Fight to go the distance is also a little too pricey for my liking. Instead, look to Method of Victory.
I think CHANDLER BY KO/TKO (+102) at plus money is a good play, especially since that’s how 5 of his last 6 professional fights have ended, including 3 victories. He burst onto the scene with a KO/TKO in the first round against Dan Hooker at UFC 257. Taking CHANDLER IN ROUND 1 (+235) and CHANDLER IN ROUND 2 (+380) in a two-round block is a good bet, too. You’ll lose one of the ends, but will still be ahead if he wins in Rounds 1-2, especially the latter.
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