In a women’s flyweight title bout on Saturday’s main card, Valentina Shevchenko and Jessica Andrade meet at UFC 261 at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Fla. The early prelims kick off at 6 p.m. ET on ESPN/ESPN+, with the prelims on ESPN/ESPN+ at 8 p.m. ET with the main card on Pay-Per-View at 10 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze the UFC 261 Shevchenko vs. Andrade odds and lines, with picks and predictions.
UFC 261 Shevchenko vs. Andrade Odds, spread and lines
Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:17 a.m. ET.
- Fight result (2-way line): Shevchenko -500 (bet $500 to win $100) | Andrade +375 (bet $100 to win $375)
- Over/Under: 4.5 rounds (Over +105 | Under -125)
- Will the fight go the distance? (Yes +110 | No -135)
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UFC 261 Shevchenko vs. Andrade: Odds, lines, predictions and picks
Records: Shevchenko 20-3 | Andrade 21-8
Fight result (2-way line or money line)
The southpaw Shevchenko (-500) puts her strap on the line, and she is a huge favorite. You cannot risk five times your potential return on the 2-way line, so let’s get specific instead.
Shevchenko will face a barrage of punches, as Andrade has 6.38 significant strikes landed per minute.
But, she might not be able to get near the champ, as Shevchenko stands four inches taller with a 4.5-inch reach advantage.
The Kyrgyzstani southpaw Muay Thai specialist has rattled off six straight victories, including title defenses in each of his past four fights.
That includes a unanimous decision win over Jennifer Maia at UFC 255 last time out Nov. 21, 2020.
SHEVCHENKO (+130) By KO/TKO, DQ OR SUBMISSION is a much better value on the 5-way line.
In addition, look to the round and method of victory section for a potentially huge payday.
SHEVCHENKO BY KO/TKO/DQ IN ROUND 3 (+1400) or SHEVCHENKO BY KO/TKO/DQ IN ROUND 4 (+1900) is worth playing.
You will lose one of the ends even if she gets the stoppage by KO/TKO or disqualification in Rounds 3 or 4, but you’ll be so far ahead if it occurs.
If you’re unsure of a winner, but want action, take KO/TKO/DQ (+150) for the fight finish without picking a specific victor.
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Over/Under (O/U)
Betting UNDER 4.5 ROUNDS (-125) is the way to go, as I am expecting a Shevchenko finish. UNDER 3.5 (+105) is a little riskier, but still, a value play worth pursuing lightly.
The safer play is rolling with NO (-135): WILL THE FIGHT GO THE DISTANCE?
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Want some action on UFC 261? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.
MMA Junkie:
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- UFC 261 Embedded, No. 5: Jorge Masvidal calls his shot
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