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UFC Fight Night 239: Tai Tuivasa vs. Marcin Tybura odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s UFC Fight Night 239 odds between Tai Tuivasa vs. Marcin Tybura, with MMA picks and predictions.

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In a 5-round heavyweight bout in the main event, Tai Tuivasa and Marcin Tybura meet Saturday at UFC Fight Night 239 — also known as UFC on ESPN+ 97 and UFC Vegas 88 — at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the UFC Fight Night 239: Tuivasa vs. Tybura odds, and make our expert picks and predictions.

The prelims begin at 4 p.m. ET, and can be viewed on ESPN+, while the main card starts at 7 p.m. ET, also on ESPN+.

Records: Tuivasa (15-6-0) | Tybura (24-8-0)

The southpaw Tuivasa takes the walk looking to halt a 3-bout losing skid. “Bam Bam” suffered a 2nd-round submission loss to veteran Alexander Volkov last time out at UFC 293, and he was knocked out by Sergei Pavlovich and Ciryl Gane in the 2 prior fights.

Tybura is also coming off a loss, as he suffered a KO/TKO loss in just 73 seconds against Tom Aspinall in the main event in late July in a Fight Night in London. Prior to that, the Polish-born fighter had won 7 of his previous 8 fights, with 6 of those bouts going the distance.

Tuivasa holds a slight 3.98-to-3.55 significant strikes landed per minute, although Tybura is a little more accurate at 59.17% with those strikes, to just 51.92% for the Aussie. Tybura also checks in with a 1.39 takedown average and 33.90% takedown accuracy percentage while barely a blip on the radar with a 0.07 submission average. However, Tuivasa is zeroed out in all of those categories, rarely going to the ground game if he can help it.

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UFC Fight Night 239: Tuivasa vs. Tybura odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 1:25 p.m. ET.

  • Fight result (2-way line): Tuivasa -115 (bet $115 to win $100) | Tybura -105 (bet $105 to win $100)
  • Over/Under: 1.5 rounds (Over -125 | Under -105)
  • Will the fight go the distance? (Yes +400 | No -700)

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UFC Fight Night 239: Tuivasa vs. Tybura picks and predictions

Fight result (2-way line or moneyline)

TUIVASA (-115) is thirsty for a victory, and he should be able to get it if he is able to keep his feet. Tybura (-105) will want to get the Aussie out of his comfort zone and onto the mat. If Tybura can do that, he has an opportunity to get the job done.

However, Tuivasa should be able to keep this bout upright and go toe-to-toe with Tybura in a brawl. If he does that, he’ll go the same route as Aspinall and make quick work of Tybura.

In fact, playing TUIVASA BY KO/TKO OR DQ (+100) at even-money on the 7-way method of victory category isn’t a bad option. There is no sense paying a little extra and doing the 5-way method, with Tuivasa by KO/TKO, DQ or submission (-105), as the ground game just isn’t an option for the slight favorite.

Over/Under (O/U)

UNDER 1.5 ROUNDS (-105) is a good play here if you’re backing Tuivasa. If the favorite gets the job done, he is going to get it done quickly. On the flip side, if you’re leaning Tybura on the moneyline, then you’ll want Over 1.5 Rounds (-125). For Tybura to hang around, he’ll need to force this to the canvas. If he can do that, he’ll hang around past the midway point of Round 2, and then some. However, that’s not what is expected.

Visit MMA Junkie for more fight news and analysis.

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

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UFC 299: Sean O’Malley vs. Marlon Vera odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s UFC 299 odds between Sean O’Malley vs. Marlon Vera, with MMA picks and predictions.

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In a 5-round bantamweight championship bout in the main event, Sean O’Malley and Marlon Vera meet Saturday at UFC 299 at Kaseya Center in Miami. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the UFC 299: O’Malley vs. Vera 2 odds, and make our expert picks and predictions.

The early prelims begin at 6 p.m. ET, and can be viewed on ESPN+. The prelims begin at 8 p.m. ET, and can be viewed on ESPNews/ESPN+, while the main card starts at 10 p.m. ET, and is on pay-per-view.

Records: O’Malley (17-1-0) | Vera (23-8-1)

O’Malley dropped Aljamain Sterling via KO/TKO in Round 2 at UFC 291 to snatch the lightweight championship strap. This will be his 1st title defense. He is trying to hold onto the belt against Vera, the only fighter to beat him since joining the UFC. O’Malley lost via 1st-round KO/TKO at UFC 252 in just 4:40.

O’Malley has ended up going the distance just once in the past 9 fights, with 7 bouts ending via KO/TKO, with the 1 loss, he had a split-decision win over Petr Yan at UFC 280, and a no contest at UFC 276 against Pedro Munhoz.

Vera topped Munhoz at UFC 292 in a unanimous-decision win, bouncing back from a split-decision loss to Cory Sandhagen in the fight night main event in late March 2023. He had ended up going the distance in 5 of his past 7 fights.

O’Malley holds a 1.5-inch reach advantage over Vera, and he has a 7.25-to-4.37 significant strikes landed per minute advantage. “Suga” is quite accurate with those strikes, too, hitting at a 61.60% clip, while Vera lands 53.56% of his significant strikes. Vera has the 0.95-to-0.43 submission average advantage.

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UFC 299: O’Malley vs. Vera odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:30 a.m. ET.

  • Fight result (2-way line): O’Malley -275 (bet $275 to win $100) | Vera +220 (bet $100 to win $220)
  • Over/Under: 4.5 rounds (Over -160 | Under +120)
  • Will the fight go the distance? (Yes -135 | No +100)

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UFC 299: O’Malley vs. Vera picks and predictions

Fight result (2-way line or moneyline)

O’Malley (-275) will cost you nearly 3 times your potential return, and that’s too expensive. He should be able to get the job done in this rematch, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see a trilogy.

While the Ecudoran fighter Vera (+220) could have quite an enthusiastic crowd in Miami, it’s unlikely he is able to catch O’Malley with a big punch and KO/TKO again. In fact, it’s more likely the champ returns the favor.

Take O’MALLEY VIA KO/TKO, DQ OR SUBMISSION (+225) at plus-money on the 5-way line.

Over/Under (O/U)

UNDER 4.5 ROUNDS (+120) at plus-money is a solid play, and it is a little more of a value than NO: WILL THE FIGHT GO THE DISTANCE? (+100), although you do get 90 more seconds of wiggle room for a small price.

While Vera had ended up going the distance in 3 of his past 4 fights, and 5 of his previous 7 bouts, he had a finish against O’Malley in the 1st fight. And O’Malley hasn’t involved the judges in 8 of his past 9 outings.

Visit MMA Junkie for more fight news and analysis.

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

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UFC 299: Dustin Poirier vs. Benoit Saint-Denis odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s UFC 299 odds between Dustin Poirier vs. Benoit Saint-Denis, with MMA picks and predictions.

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In a 5-round lightweight bout in the co-main event, Dustin Poirier and Benoit Saint-Denis meet Saturday at UFC 299 at Kaseya Center in Miami. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the UFC 299: Poirier vs. Saint-Denis odds, and make our expert picks and predictions.

The early prelims begin at 6 p.m. ET, and can be viewed on ESPN+. The prelims begin at 8 p.m. ET, and can be viewed on ESPNews/ESPN+, while the main card starts at 10 p.m. ET, and is on pay-per-view.

Records: Poirier (29-8-0) | Saint-Denis (13-1-0)

Poirier looks to bounce back after falling to Justin Gaethje at UFC 291 last time out in late July. He is just 1-2 in his past 3 bouts, also falling to Charles Oliveira at UFC 269 in a 3rd-round submission to lose his chance at the welterweight strap. He did have a solid submission win over Michael Chandler at UFC 281, however. Each of his past 5 fights have finished inside the distance.

Saint-Denis has picked up 5 straight victories since losing to Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos at UFC 267 in his debut with the company. The Frenchman, a.k.a. “God of War”, has 3 KO/TKO wins and 2 submission wins since that setback to EZDS. That solid win streak includes a 1st-round KO/TKO over Matt Frevola at UFC 295 in just 91 seconds last time out in mid-November.

Saint-Denis holds a slight 1-inch reach advantage, and he is 7 years younger than the underdog. The significant strikes landed per minute is nearly identical, with Saint-Denis holding an ever-so-slight 5.53-to-5.49 advantage, although he is much more accurate at 61.36%. He also has a tremendous 4.55 takedown average and 1.40-to-1.21 submission average.

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UFC 299: Poirier vs. Saint-Denis odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:10 p.m. ET.

  • Fight result (2-way line): Poirier +165 (bet $100 to win $165) | Saint-Denis -200 (bet $200 to win $100)
  • Over/Under: 2.5 rounds (Over -105 | Under -125)
  • Will the fight go the distance? (Yes +300 | No -500)

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UFC 299: Poirier vs. Saint-Denis picks and predictions

Fight result (2-way line or moneyline)

Saint-Denis (-200) will cost you 2 times your potential return, and that’s quite a bit of risk against a veteran like Poirier (+165).

While Poirier is just 4-3 in his past 7 fights, the losses have been against the best of the best in the division. This certainly won’t be easy for Saint-Denis. However, the southpaw Frenchman should get the job done with his tremendous punching ability, and playing SAINT-DENIS BY KO/TKO, DQ OR SUBMISSION (-150) is a strong play.

Over/Under (O/U)

OVER 2.5 ROUNDS (-105) is a solid play. While we’re not picking Poirier to win, he certainly won’t go quietly into the Miami night, either. Saint-Denis will have to work, and work hard to get the knockout.

Don’t expect to see this one end until at least Rounds 3 or 4. As such, playing ROUND 3 (+450) and ROUND 4 (+600) for the exact round the fight will end is worth a look. While you’ll obviously lose 1 of the bets, if the fight ends in Rounds 3-4, you’ll still be quite a bit ahead.

No (-500): Will the fight go the distance? costs you 5 times your potential return, and that’s just too much risk for not nearly enough value.

Visit MMA Junkie for more fight news and analysis.

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

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UFC 299: Gilbert Burns vs. Jack Della Maddalena odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s UFC 299 odds between Gilbert Burns vs. Jack Della Maddalena, with MMA picks and predictions.

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In a 3-round welterweight bout on the main card, Gilbert Burns and Jack Della Maddalena meet Saturday at UFC 299 at Kaseya Center in Miami. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the UFC 299: Burns vs. Della Maddalena odds, and make our expert picks and predictions.

The early prelims begin at 6 p.m. ET, and can be viewed on ESPN+. The prelims begin at 8 p.m. ET, and can be viewed on ESPNews/ESPN+, while the main card starts at 10 p.m. ET, and is on Pay-Per-View.

Records: Burns (22-6-0) | Della Maddalena (16-2-0)

Burns takes the walk looking to rebound from a unanimous-decision loss to Belal Muhammad at UFC 288 last time out in early May. He has ended up going the distance in 4 of his past 5 fights, with a 1st-round submission win over Neil Magny at UFC 283 as the only exception during the 5-fight stretch.

Della Maddalena has earned a pair of split-decision wins in his past 2 fights, including a win over Kevin Holland at Noche UFC in mid-September. Since making his UFC debut, he is a perfect 6-0, with 4 fights finishing inside the distance.

Della Maddalena holds a 2-inch reach advantage, and the switch-stance fighter is 10 years younger than the underdog. JDM also holds an impressive 7.20-to-3.36 significant strikes landed per minute advantage, and he is slightly more accurate with those strikes at 57.03% to 56.49% for Burns. The Brazilian fighter has a solid 1.95 takedown average, and 0.53 submission average, so the Aussie will likely be looking to stay upright.

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UFC 299: Burns vs. Della Maddalena odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:50 a.m. ET.

  • Fight result (2-way line): Burns +130 (bet $100 to win $130) | Della Maddalena -160 (bet $160 to win $100)
  • Over/Under: 1.5 rounds (Over -190 | Under +145)
  • Will the fight go the distance? (Yes +150 | No -210)

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UFC 299: Burns vs. Della Maddalena picks and predictions

Fight result (2-way line or moneyline)

DELLA MADDALENA (-160) is worth a look as a moderate favorite on the 2-way line. As long as he can avoid getting into a wrestling match on the canvas, where Burns (+130) has a slight advantage, the favorite will be in good shape.

Since arriving at the UFC level, he is a perfect 6-for-6, and he has done just enough to wow the judges with his technique in the past 2 split-decision wins. Don’t be surprised to see the Aussie need the help of the judges yet again. DELLA MADDALENA ON POINTS (+300) for the chance to multiple up by 3 times if too tempting to pass up.

Over/Under (O/U)

Over 1.5 Rounds (-190) is a little too expensive, costing nearly 2 times your potential return.

Instead, YES (+150): WILL THE FIGHT GO THE DISTANCE? is the way to go. Burns has had just 1 of his past 5 fights finish inside the distance, while again, Della Maddalena has had a pair of split-decision wins in his past 2 outings. As such, Yes is a nice value.

Visit MMA Junkie for more fight news and analysis.

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter/X. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and us on Facebook.

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UFC Fight Night 238: Jairzinho Rozenstruik vs. Shamil Gaziev odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s UFC Fight Night 238 odds between Jairzinho Rozenstruik vs. Shamil Gaziev, with MMA picks and predictions.

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In a 5-round heavyweight bout in the main event, Jairzinho Rozenstruik and Shamil Gaziev meet Saturday at UFC Fight Night 238 — also known as UFC on ESPN+ 96 and UFC Vegas 87 — at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the UFC Fight Night 238: Rozenstruik vs. Gaziev odds, and make our expert picks and predictions.

The prelims begin at 1 p.m. ET, and can be viewed on ESPN+, while the main card starts at 4 p.m. ET, also on ESPN+.

Records: Rozenstruik (13-5-0) | Gaziev (12-0-0)

The Suriname-born Rozenstruik is looking to bounce back after a 1st-round submission loss to Jailton Almeida last time out in the main event in mid-May. He has dropped 3 of the past 4 fights, and each of his previous 3 outings have not made it out of the 1st round. Rozenstruik has ended up going the distance just twice in 12 bouts since arriving at the UFC level.

Gaziev made his debut in grand fashion at UFC 296, dropping Martin Buday in the 2nd round in a KO/TKO win. He also had a submission victory in Round 1 against Greg Velasco in Dana White’s Contender Series: Season 7, Week 7.

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UFC Fight Night 238: Rozenstruik vs. Gaziev odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:05 a.m. ET.

  • Fight result (2-way line): Rozenstruik +160 (bet $100 to win $160) | Gaziev -200 (bet $200 to win $100)
  • Over/Under: 1.5 rounds (Over +135 | Under -185)
  • Will the fight go the distance? (Yes +750 | No -2500)

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UFC Fight Night 238: Rozenstruik vs. Gaziev picks and predictions

Fight result (2-way line or moneyline)

Gaziev (-200) is a 34-year-old who is getting a bit of a late start at the UFC level. But he was impressive against Buday last time out, and he is facing a struggling Rozenstruik (+160). The veteran has had his moments in the UFC, but Rozenstruik just can’t seem to stack wins anymore after a promising start to his career.

Still, you can’t risk 2 times your potential return. Instead, look to the method of victory, and back GAZIEV BY KO/TKO OR DQ (+125) at plus-money for a much better value.

Over/Under (O/U)

The fact Rozenstruik hasn’t made it out of the 1st round in the past 3 fights makes UNDER 1.5 ROUNDS (-185) quite attractive. It’s a little on the expensive side, but the higher price can be excused as part of a parlay.

No (-2500): Will the fight go the distance? should be ignored, and at that price, it shouldn’t really even need to be said. There is never a value playing such high odds.

Visit MMA Junkie for more fight news and analysis.

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

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UFC 294: Magomed Ankalaev vs. Johnny Walker odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s UFC 294 odds between Magomed Ankalaev vs. Johnny Walker, with MMA picks and predictions.

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In a 3-round light heavyweight bout on the main card, Magomed Ankalaev and Johnny Walker meet Saturday at UFC 294 at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Let’s analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s around the UFC 294: Ankalaev vs. Walker odds, and make our expert picks and predictions.

The prelims can be viewed on ESPN+ starting at 10 a.m. ET with the main card following on Pay-Per-View (PPV) at 2 p.m. ET.

Records: Ankalaev (18-1-1) | Walker (21-7-0)

Ankalaev fought to a draw against Jan Blachowicz at UFC 282 in Dec. 2022 in a title fight. The 31-year-old saw his 9-bout win streak snapped, although he hasn’t been beaten since losing to Paul Craig via submission in his UFC debut.

The Russian light heavyweight has finished inside the distance 6 of his 11 fights at the UFC level, including 5 KO/TKO victories, including a 2nd-round knockout of Anthony Smith at UFC 277 in July 2022.

Walker bounced back nicely after a 2-bout losing streak against Thiago Santos and Jamahal Hill, posting 3 straight victories over the aforementioned Smith, Paul Craig and Ion Cutelaba. He has done it a number of ways, too, showing his versatility, fighting to a unanimous decision against Smith, knocking out Craig in the 1st Round, while submitting Cutelaba, also in the 1st Round.

Walker holds an amazing 7-inch reach advantage, which shouldn’t be discounted. He also has a super slim 3.85-to-3.55 significant strikes landed per minute advantage, with Ankalaev slightly accurate at 62.91% to 61.48% for Walker. On the ground, Walker has the better numbers, posting a 1.03 submission average.

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UFC 294: Magomed Ankalaev vs. Johnny Walker odds

Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 6:14 p.m. ET.

  • Fight result (2-way line): Ankalaev -335 (bet $335 to win $100) | Walker +270 (bet $100 to win $270)
  • Over/Under: 1.5 rounds (Over -154 | Under +120)
  • Will the fight go the distance? (Yes +152 | No -200)

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UFC 294: Magomed Ankalaev vs. Johnny Walker picks and predictions

Fight result (2-way line or moneyline)

Call me crazy, but I don’t discount the 7-inch reach advantage WALKER (+270) holds in this fight. That’s a tremendous advantage, and one which will allow the Brazilian fighter to pull Ankalaev (-335) in and out at his choosing. The Russian won’t be able to get close to Walker, frustrating him.

I like the fact that Walker can win a fight in a multitude of ways. Just in his past 3 fights alone he has shown his tremendous versatility, and his ability to end fights quickly, too.

I also feel Ankalaev pushes a little too hard in this one, and might walk into a potential knockout. He fought to a draw last time out against Blachowicz, and the fight was panned by fans and Dana White for being rather boring. He might try to do things he isn’t comfortable with, getting himself into trouble in the process.

If you’re not comfortable playing the underdog, but still want action, look to KO/TKO (-140) for the “How fight will end” method of victory. That’s your best bet, regardless of the winner, although playing WALKER BY KO/TKO (+600) is worth playing lightly for a potential chance to multiply up by 6 times. Again, remember that 7-inch reach advantage, which will serve him well.

Over/Under (O/U)

OVER 1.5 ROUNDS (-154) isn’t a terrible play, as Ankalaev obviously went the distance last time out. While Walker has not made it into the 2nd round in 3 of his past 4 fights, this is a giant step up in competition, too, and he won’t get the quick finish.

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

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UFC 294: Kamaru Usman vs. Khamzat Chimaev odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s UFC 294 odds between Kamaru Usman vs. Khamzat Chimaev, with MMA picks and predictions.

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In a 3-round welterweight bout on the main card, Kamaru Usman and Khamzat Chimaev meet Saturday at UFC 294 at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Let’s analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s around the UFC 294: Usman vs. Chimaev odds, and make our expert picks and predictions.

The prelims can be viewed on ESPN+ starting at 10 a.m. ET with the main card following on Pay-Per-View (PPV) at 2 p.m. ET.

Records: Usman (20-3-0) | Chimaev (12-0-0)

Usman, the former champ, is looking to rebound after getting drummed in 2 straight losses against Leon Edwards for the strap. He lost via KO/TKO to Edwards at UFC 278, received another shot, and fought to a much closer majority decision loss at UFC 286. At 36 years old, the sun is starting to set on the “Nigerian Nightmare”, but facing off against Chimaev will be no easy feat.

Usman has ended up going the distance in 11 of his 16 fights at the UFC level, with 4 wins via KO/TKO, and the loss to Edwards via the same method. With Usman, you can throw out the submission, because it isn’t happening. You’ll get a mostly upright fight with him.

Chimaev has burst onto the UFC scene with 6 straight victories since his submission win in Round 2 over John Phillips in mid-July 2020 on Fight Island, also in the UAE. In his 6 bouts at the UFC level, he has finished inside the distance 5 times, with 3 submission wins, 2 via KO/TKO, and a unanimous-decision win over Gilbert Burns.

Chimaev will likely try to get Usman to the mat where “Borz” can try to put a boa constrictor-type squeeze on the former champ. Usman wants the fight to be upright, while Chimaev will like nothing better than getting the Nigerian out of his comfort zone, and onto the canvas where he does his best work.

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UFC 294: Kamaru Usman vs. Khamzat Chimaev odds

Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 6:11 p.m. ET.

  • Fight result (2-way line): Usman +265 (bet $100 to win $265) | Chimaev -330 (bet $330 to win $100)
  • Over/Under: 2.5 rounds (Over +126 | Under -160)
  • Will the fight go the distance? (Yes +154 | No -200)

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UFC 294: Kamaru Usman vs. Khamzat Chimaev picks and predictions

Fight result (2-way line or moneyline)

Chimaev (-330) is a heavy favorite, and he’ll have a pro-Chimaev crowd fighting under the UAE flag.

But don’t discount Usman (+265), who is a former champ, and who hasn’t lost to anyone other than Edwards in the past decade. He has the heart of a champion, and will leave it all on the octagon canvas Saturday night one way or the other.

The only time Usman has lost to someone other than Edwards was when Jose Caceres picked up a submission win via a rear-naked choke at CFA 11 back on May 24, 2013. That’s the only submission loss of Usman’s career. Obviously he has changed dramatically in a decade, but that sticks out.

Working on the ground is Chimaev’s specialty, and that’s where “Borz” will want to get this fight as quickly as possible, as he won’t want to go toe-to-toe, letting the former champ tee off and stay in the fight.

CHIMAEV BY SUBMISSION (+310) for a chance to more than triple up is your best bet here. It’s risky, as again, it’s been more than 10 years since Usman has lost via this method. But that’s the hole in his game, if he has one, and it’s Chimaev’s strength.

The “Double Chance” prop is a little more safe for more conservative bettors, playing CHIMAEV BY KO/TKO OR SUBMISSION (-120), but it obviously doesn’t pay nearly as well, either.

Over/Under (O/U)

UNDER 2.5 ROUNDS (-160) is worth playing lightly, although it’s certainly possible this fight needs the judges to decide a winner. It will be tough. Usman is a power puncher, while Chimaev is tremendous in the ground game. We should see a finish, but it won’t be a super early one, either.

Visit MMA Junkie for more fight news and analysis.

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter/X. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and us on Facebook.

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UFC 294: Islam Makhachev vs. Alexander Volkanovski 2 odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s UFC 294 odds between Islam Makhachev vs. Alexander Volkanovski, with MMA picks and predictions.

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In a 5-round lightweight championship bout in the main event, Islam Makhachev and Alexander Volkanovski meet Saturday at UFC 294 at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Let’s analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s around the UFC 294: Makhachev vs. Volkanovski odds, and make our expert picks and predictions.

The prelims can be viewed on ESPN+ starting at 10 a.m. ET with the main card following on Pay-Per-View (PPV) at 2 p.m. ET.

Records: Makhachev (24-1-0) | Volkanovski (26-2-0)

Volkanovski moves up once again from the featherweight division to attempt to become a 2-class champion. These 2 fighters met in February, and it was Makhachev posting the unanimous-decision victory at UFC 284 at RAC Arena in Perth, Australia.

In that 1st matchup, Volkanovski recorded a knockdown, and he landed 70 significant strikes to 57 for Makhachev. The current champ, however, posted a control time of 7:37 to just 2:55 for Volkanovski, while the Russian fighter scored 4 takedowns to none for Volkanovski.

Makhachev had 57 significant strikes to 70 for Volkanovski, but the champ was much more surgical, landing 60.0% (57 of 95) of the significant strikes, to just 48.9% (70-of-143).

The win over Volkanovski was Makhachev’s last fight. It was his 1st time going the distance after 4 submission victories and a win via KO/TKO.

For Volkanovski, he stepped back down to featherweight on July 8, dropping Yair Rodriguez in the 3rd round via KO/TKO at UFC 290 to retain his strap.

Overall, Volkanovski holds a 6.25-to-2.35 significant strikes landed per minute advantage, while Makhachev lands 71.94% of those strikes to 60.18% for Volkanovski. The southpaw has a 3.24-to-1.86 takedown average advantage over Volkanovski, too, while holding a 1.05-to-0.19 submission average advantage.

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UFC 294: Islam Makhachev vs. Alexander Volkanovski odds

Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 6:04 p.m. ET.

  • Fight result (2-way line): Makhachev -250 (bet $250 to win $100) | Volkanovski +205 (bet $100 to win $205)
  • Over/Under: 4.5 rounds (Over -120 | Under -106)
  • Will the fight go the distance? (Yes -102 | No -124)

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UFC 294: Islam Makhachev vs. Alexander Volkanovski picks and predictions

Fight result (2-way line or moneyline)

Makhachev (-250) won a classic fight against VOLKANOVSKI (+205) in  February, but this time it’s the Aussie finding a way to sway the judges in his favor, likely setting up a trilogy fight and a dream matchup sometime in 2024.

Volkanovski gives up 10 pounds, and he was overwhelmed at times against Makhachev in the 1st meeting. However, he did a lot of good things, too, and seemed to get stronger as the fight went along, while making the proper adjustments to just nearly pull off the upset. I think he is able to turn the tables, hang around, and hopefully be a little more accurate with his significant strikes than he was in the first go-around.

Over/Under (O/U)

OVER 4.5 ROUNDS (-120) is worth a look, as this one should go the distance again. I like Volkanovski to win, and I don’t see him getting a finish against the heavier fighter. Instead, he’ll need to wow the judges.

In addition, VOLKANOVSKI BY POINTS (+480), for a chance to nearly multiply your initial wager by 5 times, is also worth playing in the “Method of Victory” prop.

Lastly, playing YES (-102): FIGHT TO GO THE DISTANCE is also worth playing at near even-money.

Visit MMA Junkie for more fight news and analysis.

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

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UFC Fight Night 230: Jonathan Martinez vs. Adrian Yanez odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s UFC Fight Night 230 odds between Jonathan Martinez vs. Adrian Yanez, with MMA picks and predictions.

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In a 3-round bantamweight bout on the main card, Jonathan Martinez and Adrian Yanez meet Saturday at UFC Fight Night 230 — also known as UFC Vegas 81 — at UFC Apex. Let’s analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s around the UFC Fight Night 230: Martinez vs. Yanez odds, and make our expert picks and predictions.

The prelims can be viewed on ESPN+ starting at 4 p.m. ET with the main card following on ESPN+ at 7 p.m. ET.

Records: Martinez (18-4-0) | Yanez (16-3-0)

Martinez suffered a 2nd-round KO/TKO loss to Davey Grant back on March 13, 2021 at UFC Vegas 21. He has since rebounded with 5 straight victories, including 4 unanimous-decision wins and a 2nd-round KO/TKO against veteran Cub Swanson. His win last time out against Said Nurmagomedov in March was impressive, too.

Yanez is looking for redemption after getting dropped by Rob Font in a 1st-round knockout at UFC 287. That halted a 5-0 run to begin his UFC career, a rise which was rather meteoric. He can get some respect back with a win over Martinez in a fairly even fight.

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UFC Fight Night 230: Jonathan Martinez vs. Adrian Yanez odds

Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:37 a.m. ET.

  • Fight result (2-way line): Martinez -116 (bet $116 to win $100) | Yanez -102 (bet $102 to win $100)
  • Over/Under: 2.5 rounds (Over +108 | Under -136)
  • Will the fight go the distance? (Yes +132 | No -172)

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UFC Fight Night 230: Jonathan Martinez vs. Adrian Yanez picks and predictions

Fight result (2-way line or moneyline)

YANEZ (-102) is worth a look as the slight underdog in this fight. He has tremendous punching power, registering 6.75 significant strikes landed per minute. While he is a bit of a whirling dervish, landing just 41.04% of those strikes, if he lands them, they’re going to count.

Martinez (-116) will want to try and get in close to use his knees and kicks to tenderize the legs of Yanez and break him down. But that’s a dangerous strategy getting close to those fists.

Yanez has been involved in 6 KO/TKO fights since Dana White’s Contender Series in Aug. 2020, winning 5 of those knockouts, while losing to Font. Martinez is more technical, doing enough to wow the judges. But he won’t get that opportunity here, as YANEZ BY KO/TKO (+230) is worth a look for the chance to double up.

Over/Under (O/U)

UNDER 2.5 ROUNDS (-136) is worth a roll of the dice, and I like it better than No (-172): Will the fight go the distance? The Under is a much better value, as I think Yanez does the work, and gets the KO/TKO sometime in either Round 1 or Round 2.

As a result, play a “KO/TKO Round Combo” prop, rolling with YANEZ TO WIN BY KO/TKO IN ROUNDS 1 OR 2 (+320) for the chance to triple up.

Visit MMA Junkie for more fight news and analysis.

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter/X. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and us on Facebook.

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UFC Fight Night 230: Jennifer Maia vs. Viviane Araujo odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s UFC Fight Night 230 odds between Jennifer Maia vs. Viviane Araujo, with MMA picks and predictions.

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In a 3-round women’s flyweight bout on the main card, Jennifer Maia and Viviane Araujo meet Saturday at UFC Fight Night 230 — also known as UFC Vegas 81 — at UFC Apex. Let’s analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s around the UFC Fight Night 230: Maia vs. Araujo odds, and make our expert picks and predictions.

The prelims can be viewed on ESPN+ starting at 4 p.m. ET with the main card following on ESPN+ at 7 p.m. ET.

Records: Maia (21-9-1) | Araujo (11-5-0)

Maia takes the walk with a pair of unanimous-decision victories in her previous 2 outings. That includes a win over Casey O’Neill last time out at UFC 286. In fact, the Team Chute Boxe fighter has ended up going the distance in 6 consecutive fights, winning 3 and losing 3, including a unanimous-decision setback to Valentina Shevchenko at UFC 255 for the women’s flyweight strap.

Araujo has lost the past 2 fights against Alexa Grasso and Amanda Ribas, although those are 2 of the better fighters in the division, so not a lot of shame in that. Since arriving at the UFC with a KO/TKO over Talita Bernardo at UFC 237, Araujo has had 8 consecutive unanimous-decision fights, with 4 wins and 4 losses dating back to July 27, 2019.

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UFC Fight Night 230: Jennifer Maia vs. Viviane Araujo odds

Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:11 a.m. ET.

  • Fight result (2-way line): Maia -158 (bet $158 to win $100) | Araujo +134 (bet $100 to win $134)
  • Over/Under: 2.5 rounds (Over -450 | Under +300)
  • Will the fight go the distance? (Yes -380 | No +270)

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UFC Fight Night 230: Jennifer Maia vs. Viviane Araujo picks and predictions

Fight result (2-way line or moneyline)

MAIA (-158) is a decent play as a moderate favorite on the 2-way line. She has been far more consistent, and has fought against a better class of fighters, too.

There is concern, as Maia gives up 4 inches in reach to Araujo (+134), but her experience and stamina is a huge plus. We should see a bout that is upright, with the fighters exchanging blows, trying to wow the judges. I also like MAIA BY POINTS (-110) for a little bit better of a value.

Over/Under (O/U)

Over 2.5 Rounds (-450) and Yes: Will the fight go the distance? (-380) are both way overpriced. There is just no value laying that kind of money for such a small reward.

AVOID, and focus on the 2-way line and/or the method of victory instead.

Visit MMA Junkie for more fight news and analysis.

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter/X. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and us on Facebook.

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