UFC 246: Andre Fili vs. Sodiq Yusuff odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s Andre Fili vs. Sodiq Yusuff bout at UFC 246, with MMA betting odds, picks and best bets.

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Andre Fili and Sodiq Yusuff will tangle in a preliminary bout at UFC 246 Saturday at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. (to watch, sign up for ESPN+ now).

Fili (19-6) enters this bout with a three-inch reach advantage against his opponent, but he is at a big disadvantage in terms of significant strikes landed per minute (6.61 for Yusuff to just 4.08 for Fili), and significant strike accuracy. He will want to get his Nigerian counterpart to the ground early and often. That used to be Fili’s game, as he has a 2.44 takedown average with a 46.0% takedown accuracy and 0.21 submission average. However, despite that good work on the ground, he hasn’t had a submission victory since stepping up to the UFC.

Yusuff (9-1) has three fights under his belt since signing with the UFC, picking up two KO/TKOs over Suman Mokhtarian and Gabriel Benitez, while also stopping Sheymon Moraes in a unanimous decision March 30, 2019. He is a hungry young fighter who will easily be facing the biggest test of his career. This one could be an absolute war. Look for Yusuff to come out swinging, literally, as he throws out a lot of strikes per minute, and usually lands them. He’ll want to avoid going to the ground, as that’s just not his cup of tea.


SPECIAL BET LINE: McGregor vs. Cerrone

BetMGM is offering a special Bet $1, WIN $200 (in free bets) if McGregor wins in any manner vs. Cerrone January 18, 2020. Bet now at BetMGM!

Available to new customers in New Jersey; visit BetMGM for terms and conditions.


Per BetMGM, Yusuff (-154) is a moderate favorite against Fili (+115). The oddsmakers also show a slight lean to the match not going the distance (three rounds), with odds there being set at -139 for No and +100 for Yes.

Are you new to sports betting? A $10 wager on Yusuff to win returns $6.50 in profit. A $10 bet on Fili returns a profit of $11.50 with a victory.

Also See:

Yusuff will look to maintain his meteoric rise in the UFC, and he won’t be stopped in this one. I like Yusuff to win straight up on the 2-way line (-154), and I think he is going to get it done quickly. Look for a Yusuff win in Round 1 (+350). Pair that with a victory by Yusuff by KO/TKO or DQ (+150), and it could be a nice little payday if ‘Super’ is able to get it done and bring another victory with him back to western Africa.

If you want some action on this mixed martial arts 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 246: Aleksei Oleinik vs. Maurice Greene odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s UFC 246 lightweight bout between Aleksei Oleinik and Maurice Greene, with UFC betting odds, picks and best bets.

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Aleksei Oleinik and Maurice Greene will battle at UFC 246 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas Saturday night in a heavyweight bout on the pay-per-view card (To watch, sign up for ESPN+ now).

Oleinik (57-13-1) is battle tested with a lengthy history in mixed martial arts. He is 42 years old after all. Since joining the UFC June 28, 2014, he has fought some of the best in his division with mixed results. He owns wins over Anthony Hamilton, Mark Hunt and Jared Rosholt, while suffering losses to Curtis Blaydes, Walt Harris and Alistair Overeem. Oleinik’s last two bouts have ended up knockouts, including just 12 seconds against Harris at UFC Fight Night July 20. He is nicknamed ‘The Boa Constrictor’ – he wants to get fighters on the ground and win by submission. Five of his six wins in UFC have been by submission, and that’s how he has made a name for himself over the years.

Greene (8-4) heads into this one with a five-inch height advantage, a slight reach advantage and he lands many more significant strikes per minute. He’ll be trying to blast Oleinik and knock him out early, looking to avoid tiring out and becoming susceptible to the takedown and the alligator-jaw like legs of Oleinik. Greene isn’t much for the ground and pound, and he has just a 0.65 submission average and no takedown average or takedown accuracy to speak of. He’ll need to do whatever he can to avoid going to the mat, or Moe Greene will be out of the Tropicana … err, T-Mobile Arena. That’s for you, Irwin Fletcher!


SPECIAL BET LINE: McGregor vs. Cerrone

BetMGM is offering a special Bet $1, WIN $200 (in free bets) if McGregor wins in any manner vs. Cerrone January 18, 2020. Bet now at BetMGM!

Available to new customers in New Jersey; visit BetMGM for terms and conditions.


Per BetMGM, Greene (-134) is considered the favorite by an ever so slight margin over Oleinik (+100). The oddsmakers also show a heavy lean to the match not going the distance (three rounds), with odds there being set at -715 for no, while odds to go a full three rounds is at +400.

New to sports betting? A $10 wager on Greene is even money, returning a $10 profit if he wins. A $10 bet on Oleinik to win returns a profit of $7.46 with a victory.

Also See:

With the distance wager odds, you can tell Vegas fully expects that the judges will not be involved. This one is either ending in a knockout by Greene, or a submission win by Oleinik. But that’s where it gets tricky, and when will the victory occur? I like Greene to punch himself out early, trying to tire the 42-year-old Russian with an early flurry. If Oleinik can withstand those early blows, it will be good news for his backers. OLEINIK to win by SUBMISSION (+170) is a tremendous value, while Greene to win by KO/TKO or DQ is (+100) even money. My suggestion is taking the better value, going with Oleinik to win by submission, and taking him to win in ROUND 2 (+500), which will make for a tidy little payday. If Greene wins, it is going to be by punches and in Round 1, paying (+210). I can see either scenario, but for my money, I like OLEINIK to snap his two-bout skid and get a win.

If you want some action on this mixed martial arts 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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Holly Holm vs. Raquel Pennington odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s UFC 246 bantamweight bout between Holly Holm and Raquel Pennington, with UFC betting odds, picks and best bets.

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Holly Holm and Raquel Pennington will square off at UFC 246 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nev., Saturday night in a woman’s bantamweight bout on the pay-per-view card.

Holm (12-5), a.k.a. The Farmer’s Daughter, is a southpaw with a 69-67.5-inch reach advantage. She might not go to the ground as often as her counterpart, but when she does, she is very effective in the ground and pound, posting a 31.58 takedown-accuracy percentage. Holm also has experience on her side, as she became champ when she stunned Ronda Rousey at UFC 193 on Nov. 14, 2015 to burst onto the scene. She has lost four straight title bouts since, but remains relevant and a problem for anyone in her way. A first-round knockout at the hands of Amanda Nunes for the title last July 6 at UFC 239 is certainly nothing to hang her head about.

Pennington (10-8) is rather accurate in the significant-strike department, so she has that going for her. And “Rocky” is coming off a decision win over Irene Aldana at UFC Fight Night last July 20, showing she is still a force to be reckoned with despite a rather unimpressive record overall. Like Holm, she has losses to Germaine de Randamie and Nunes in the past two years. These two also battled at UFC 184, with Holm coming away with a split-decision win on Feb. 28, 2015, so Pennington will have the revenge factor working for her.


SPECIAL BET LINE: McGregor vs. Cerrone

BetMGM is offering a special Bet $1, WIN $200 (in free bets) if McGregor wins in any manner vs. Cerrone January 18, 2020. Bet now at BetMGM!

Available to new customers in New Jersey; visit BetMGM for terms and conditions.


Per BetMGM, Holm (-143) is only a slight favorite in this one over Pennington (+110). The oddsmakers also show a heavy lean to the match going the distance (three rounds), with odds there being set at -455 for and the odds to not go a full three rounds at +320.

Are you new to sports betting? A $10 wager on Holm to win returns $7 in profit. A $10 bet on Pennington at returns a profit of $11 with a victory.

Also See:

These two have a history, as mentioned, and they went the distance in that previous bout in 2015. You can expect a similar result, as Rocky likes to drag things out and let the judges decide her fate. Five of her past six bouts have gone to the card, and she has been on the successful end of four of those five fights. However, I like Holm’s kicking ability, and the southpaw will be able to keep Pennington at a distance, limiting the effectiveness of her strikes. The play here is Holm to win by decision/technical decision -106. The fight should also go the distance, but at -455, that’s just too expensive. You can also bet the total number of rounds (OVER 2.5, -556), but those odds are even worse! AVOID, and just bet the fight straight up.

If you want some action on this mixed martial arts 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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Claudia Gadelha vs. Alexa Grasso odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s UFC 246 strawweight bout between Claudia Gadelha and Alexa Grasso, with UFC betting odds, picks and best bets.

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Claudia Gadelha and Alexa Grasso will tangle at UFC 246 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nev., in a woman’s strawweight bout on the pay-per-view card Saturday night.

Gadelha (17-4) is one inch shorter than her counterpart and is outreached by 2.5 inches, 66-63.5. However, none of that will matter if she is able to get Grasso to the ground. That’s Gadelha’s game, as ‘Claudinha’ is a master of jiu-jitsu and dominates with a 42.19-percent significant strike accuracy, while also rolling up an amazing 47.14-percent takedown accuracy. Since here title-bout loss to Joanna Jedrzejczyk at the TUF 23 finale, she is 4-2. She recorded a first-round submission against Karolina Kowalkiewicz at UFC 212, and even when she isn’t able to finish, her tremendous takedown ability seems to wow the judges and get her style points which help during decisions.


SPECIAL BET LINE: McGregor vs. Cerrone

BetMGM is offering a special Bet $1, WIN $200 (in free bets) if McGregor wins in any manner vs. Cerrone January 18, 2020. Bet now at BetMGM!

Available to new customers in New Jersey; visit BetMGM for terms and conditions.


Grasso (11-3) is a striker who is still trying to find her sea legs since moving to the UFC. She debuted with a win over Heather Clark at UFC Fight Night on Nov. 5, 2016, before a loss to Felice Herrig Feb. 4, 2017. A win over Randa Markos had her back on track, but a submission loss to Tatiana Suarez was a stunner at UFC Fight Night on May 19, 2018, and should serve as a cautionary tale here. She beat Kowalkiewicz, a common opponent for the two in this bout, before losing last time out to Carla Esparza at UFC Fight Night on Sept. 21, 2019.

Per BetMGM, Gadelha (-121) is the slight favorite in this one over Grasso (-110). The oddsmakers also show a heavy lean to the match going the distance (three rounds), with odds there being set at -304 for – and the odds to not go a full three rounds at +225.

Are you new to sports betting? A $10 wager on Gadelha to win returns $8.30 in profit. A bet on Grasso at -110 returns a profit of $9.10 with a victory.

Also See:

The difference in my eyes here is Gadelha’s outstanding takedown ability, and her potential to finish on the ground. That recent submission loss by Grasso sticks out like a sore thumb, too. Taking a flier on Gadelha to win by submission (+550) looks awfully tasty, and is at the very least worth a small-unit bet. Pair that with a 2-way win by Gadelha (-121), with the fight not going three full rounds for a nice payday at (+225), and this fight could be quite lucrative.

If you want some action on this mixed martial arts 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 246: Anthony Pettis vs. Diego Ferreira odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s UFC 246 lightweight bout between Anthony Pettis and Diego Ferreira, with UFC betting odds, picks and best bets.

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Anthony Pettis and Diego Ferreira will go toe-to-toe at UFC 246 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. Saturday in a lightweight bout on the pay-per-view card. We break down the Pettis-Ferreira betting odds and lines, with UFC betting picks, tips and best bets for UFC 246.

Pettis (22-9) is looking to bounce back after a unanimous decision loss to Nate Diaz at UFC 241 Aug. 17, and he has alternated wins and losses in each of his past nine bouts. Since successfully defending the lightweight strap against Gilbert Melendez at UFC 181 Dec. 6, 2014, he has been in a freefall down the ranking, going just 4-7. However, he does have wins over Charles Oliveira, Jim Miller, Micheal Chiesa and Stephen Thompson along the way, with the Thompson victory coming March 23 of last year in a knockout, so he is still very dangerous.

Ferreira (16-2) easily has the better record of the two fighters, and is on a different trajectory. He also has a 74-72.5″ reach advantage, and he hasn’t tasted defeat since back-to-back losses to Beneil Dariush at UFC 179 and a knockout at the hands of Dustin Poirier in the first round of UFC Fight Night April 4, 2015. His past two wins are by unanimous decision over Rustam Khabilov and Mairbek Taisumov.


SPECIAL BET LINE: McGregor vs. Cerrone

BetMGM is offering a special Bet $1, WIN $200 (in free bets) if McGregor wins in any manner vs. Cerrone January 18, 2020. Bet now at BetMGM!

Available to new customers in New Jersey; visit BetMGM for terms and conditions.


Per BetMGM, Ferreira (-250) is a moderate favorite over Pettis (+180). The oddsmakers also lean to the match going the distance (three rounds), with odds there being set at -150 for – and the odds to not go a full three rounds at +115.

Are you new to sports betting? A $10 wager on Ferreira to win returns $4 in profit. A bet on Pettis at +180 returns a profit of $18 with a victory.

Also See:

Pettis is still very dangerous, but he hasn’t been able to show much consistency lately, while Ferriera is younger, quicker and a lot better in the significant strike department. As long as Ferreira doesn’t let his guard down and plays solid defense, negating a huge punch and kill shot, he should be able to grind out a unanimous decision. The play here is Ferrerira to win by decision/technical decision (+115), with the fight going a full three rounds (-150).

If you want some action on this mixed martial arts bout, place your wagers at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and analysis, visit SportsbookWire.com.

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 246: Conor McGregor vs. Donald ‘Cowboy’ Cerrone odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Saturday’s UFC 246 main event between Conor McGregor and Donald ‘Cowboy’ Cerrone, with UFC betting odds, picks, tips and bets.

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Conor McGregor and Donald ‘Cowboy’ Cerrone will lock horns at UFC 246 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. Saturday. The welterweight bout is the main event on the pay-per-view card. Below, we breakdown the McGregor-Cerrone fight, with UFC 246 betting odds and picks.

‘The Notorious’ is back, and he’ll have a formidable opponent with the veteran ‘Cowboy’. Still, while McGregor (21-4) is sure to be a huge draw, and the pay-per-view returns will be rather substantial, he isn’t the fighter he once was. However, he is the closest thing to Mike Tyson this sport has ever had, and people will tune in to see him, even if he is heading into the back nine of his career.

Cerrone (36-13) is a warrior. He has had his fair share of losses, but just when folks are about to write him off, he steps up his game and shows why he is one of the most decorated and respected fighters to ever grace the octagon. He looked tremendous in a five-round bout against Al Iaquinta in the main event of UFC Fight Night back on May 4, 2019, winning in a unanimous decision, but he lost by TKO – Doctor’s Stoppage against Tony Ferguson in the follow-up at UFC 238, and he was knocked out by Justin Gaethje at UFC Fight Night Sept. 14. He’s loaded with experience, but there’s a lot of mileage on the odometer, too.


SPECIAL BET LINE: McGregor vs. Cerrone

BetMGM is offering a special Bet $1, WIN $200 (in free bets) if McGregor wins in any manner vs. Cerrone January 18, 2020. Bet now at BetMGM!

Available to new customers in New Jersey; visit BetMGM for terms and conditions.


Per BetMGM, McGregor (-358) is an overwhelming favorite over Cerrone (+250). The oddsmakers also lean to the match not going the distance (five rounds), with odds there being set at a whopping -589 for No – and the odds to go a full five rounds at Yes +400.

Are you new to sports betting? A $10 wager on Cerrone to pull the upset returns $25 in profit. A bet on McGregor at -358 returns a profit of $2.80 with a victory.

Also See:

McGregor is still a show stopper, and he is catching Cerrone at a good time, on a two-bout slide. The Notorious is still the dominant striker of the two, and while Cerrone showed improvement in the defense department in his UD win against Iaquinta, he is sure to be knocked off his game by the colorful McGregor. The latter is dominant in takedown defense, striking and just overall showmanship. I absolutely LOVE the odds of a McGregor win in Round 3 at +1000. If you can multiply your stake by 10 times with a third-round win, that turns even a small-unit bet into a nice bankroll. McGregor should win by KO/TKO or DQ (-209), so that’s not a bad little parlay.

If you want some action on UFC 246, place your wagers at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and analysis, visit SportsbookWire.com.

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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McGregor-Cowboy odds: McGregor heavy favorite in Showdown vs. Cerrone

Conor McGregor is the heavy favorite over Cowboy Donald Cerrone at UFC 246

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Conor McGregor vs. Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone highlights a huge UFC 246 fight card this weekend and McGregor enters the MMA fight as the heavy early favorite per BetMGM oddsmakers.

The two meet at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, Saturday, January 18, 2020. UFC 246 can be watched on ESPN+ and begins at 6:15 p.m. ET, but the main card doesn’t get started until 10 p.m. ET. There are four other fights on the main card before McGregor and Cerrone square off.

McGregor (-334) enters with a 21-4-0 record, while Cerrone (+260) brings in a 36-13-0 with 1NC to UFC 246’s co-main event.

New to sports betting? -334 odds on McGregor have implied odds of 76.96% likelihood that he’ll come out the victor in the eyes of the oddsmakers. A $100 wager on him to win outright returns a profit of just $29.94 with a victory.

Meanwhile, Cerrone at +260 has an implied odds of 27.78% chance of winning. A victory, however, is much more profitable. A $100 wager on Cowboy returns a profit of $260 with an upset victory over The Notorious One.


SPECIAL BET LINE: McGregor vs. Cerrone

BetMGM is offering a special Bet $1, WIN $200 (in free bets) if McGregor wins in any manner vs. Cerrone January 18, 2020. Bet now at BetMGM!

Available to new customers in New Jersey; visit BetMGM for terms and conditions.


BetMGM‘s oddsmakers view a McGregor victory by KO/TKO or DQ as the most likely scenario, placing odds there at -209; on the same bet for Cerrone, the line is at +800. McGregor by submission comes in with long odds of +2000 and a draw/technical draw comes in at +5000.

As for length of the fight, oddsmakers are not predicting this one goes the distance. They’ve got +400 odds on it going a full five rounds, while -589 is the heavy expectation of it lasting less than five. Under 2.5 rounds has the shortest of odds on an early ending, coming in at -250. The over 2.5 rounds enters at +187.

How/Where can I watch McGregor vs. Cerrone?

Cowboy vs. The Notorious One, along with the rest of the UFC 246 main card and early prelim fights, will be available on Pay Per View on ESPN+ streaming service. Sign up for ESPN+ now.

Get some action on UFC 246 by placing a legal sports link at BetMGM. If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter and on 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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