Tag: UFC odds lines picks predictions best bets MMA odds

UFC 308: Robert Whittaker vs. Khamzat Chimaev odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s UFC 308 odds between Robert Whittaker vs. Khamzat Chimaev, with MMA picks and predictions.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”4141″ ]

In a 5-round middleweight bout on the main card, Robert Whittaker and Khamzat Chimaev meet Saturday at UFC 308 at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s UFC odds around the UFC 308: Whittaker vs. Chimaev odds, and make our expert picks and predictions.

The prelims begin at 10 a.m. ET on ESPN+, and the main card begins at 2 p.m. ET on pay-per-view.

Records: Whittaker (27-7-0) | Chimaev (13-0-0)

The former champ Whittaker is looking to position himself for another title shot. Since losing to Israel Adesanya at UFC 271 for the title, he has rebounded with 3 wins in the past 4 fights, with only a 2nd-round KO/TKO against current champ Dricus du Plessis at UFC 290.

Whittaker has ended up going the distance in 6 of his past 8 fights since July 25, 2020, while going the distance 8 times in the previous 11 outings.

Chimaev is a perfect 7-for-7 since arriving at the UFC level, posting a majority-decision win against Kamaru Usman at UFC 294 last time out over a calendar year ago Oct. 21, 2023. He has finished inside the distance in 5 of the past 7 fights with the company.

Chimaev holds a 1.5-inch reach advantage, while posting a 5.72-to-4.58 significant strikes landed per minute lead. Chimaev is way more accurate on those strikes, posting a 70.43% mark to just 45.96% for Whittaker. Chimaev is also much better in the ground game, posting a 3.99 takedown average and 2.66 submission average. On the flip side, Whittaker has a 0.80 takedown average and just a 38.10% takedown accuracy percentage.

Watch this card with ESPN+ by signing up here.

UFC 308: Whittaker vs. Chimaev odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of UFC odds. Lines last updated at 10:05 a.m. ET.

  • Fight result (2-way line): Whittaker +185 (bet $100 to win $185) | Chimaev -225 (bet $225 to win $100)
  • Over/Under: 2.5 rounds (Over -110 | Under -120)
  • Will the fight go the distance? (Yes +250 | No -375)

[gambcom-standard rankid=”4132″ ]

UFC 308: Whittaker vs. Chimaev picks and predictions

Fight result (2-way line or moneyline)

Chimaev (-225) seems like an unstoppable force, but Whittaker (+185) is a tough customer. However, it’s all about the unbeaten fighter who is representing the host nation of United Arab Emirates. You can’t risk more than 2 times your potential return on the 2-way line, as it is just too expensive for a standalone wager.

This is a titanic battle, and Chimaev has ended up going the distance in 2 of the past 3 fights. Whittaker has needed the help of the judges in 6 of the previous 8 outings.

CHIMAEV BY DECISION (+600) is worth a roll of the dice for the chance to multiply your initial return by 6 times.

Over/Under (O/U)

YES: FIGHT TO GO THE DISTANCE (+250) is a strong play for the chance to win 2½ times your money, especially if you want action on the fight and you’d prefer not to declare a winner.

In 10 of the past 15 fights for Whittaker, he has ended up going the distance dating back to Nov. 14, 2015. Chimaev has ended up needing the help of the judges twice in the past 3 outings.

Visit MMA Junkie for more fight news and analysis.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”6305″ ]

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.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=2559]

UFC 308: Ilia Topuria vs. Max Holloway odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s UFC 308 odds between Ilia Topuria vs. Max Holloway, with MMA picks and predictions.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”4141″ ]

In a 5-round featherweight championship bout in the main event, Ilia Topuria and Max Holloway meet Saturday at UFC 308 at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s UFC odds around the UFC 308: Topuria vs. Holloway odds, and make our expert picks and predictions.

The prelims begin at 10 a.m. ET on ESPN+, and the main card begins at 2 p.m. ET on pay-per-view.

Records: Topuria (15-0-0) | Holloway (26-7-0)

Topuria puts his strap on the line for the 1st time after claiming the featherweight championship against Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298. He has won all 7 fights at the UFC level, with just 2 of those bouts going the distance. He has 4 KO/TKO wins, including the title bout against Volkanovski, while submitting Bryce Mitchell at UFC 282.

Holloway has won 3 straight fights since a unanimous-decision loss to Volkanovski in a title fight at UFC 276. He has back-to-back KO/TKO wins over Justin Gaethje and Chan Sung Jung, but prior to that he had 8 consecutive decisions, going 4-4 in those fights.

The Georgian champ is 5 years younger than “Blessed”, although the latter has a 7.17-to-4.40 significant strikes landed per minute advantage over Topuria. The significant strikes accuracy percentage is basically even, with Holloway at 49.64% and Topuria at 49.40%.

In the ground game, Topuria is very good, posting a 1.92 takedown average, while he is 56.25% in takedown accuracy percentage. The champ has a sparkling 1.28 submission average, to just 0.32 for Holloway.

Watch this card with ESPN+ by signing up here.

UFC 308: Topuria vs. Holloway odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of UFC odds. Lines last updated at 9:44 a.m. ET.

  • Fight result (2-way line): Topuria -275 (bet $275 to win $100) | Holloway +225 (bet $100 to win $225)
  • Over/Under: 4.5 rounds (Over +100 | Under -130)
  • Will the fight go the distance? (Yes +120 | No -165)

[gambcom-standard rankid=”4132″ ]

UFC 308: Topuria vs. Holloway picks and predictions

Fight result (2-way line or moneyline)

Topuria (-275) will set you back nearly 3 times your potential return, and there is no way to justify betting that straight up. If you were to toss the Georgian champ into a multi-leg parlay, it could be excused betting such a high number.

However, let’s get a little more specific. Holloway (+225) has ended up going the distance in 8 of the past 10 fights. While Topuria has had just 1 fight go the distance in the past 6 outings, this is a huge step up in opponent.

Look for TOPURIA BY POINTS (+250) to get the job done in a knockdown, drag-out fight.

Over/Under (O/U)

YES: FIGHT TO GO THE DISTANCE (+120) is worth a look at plus-money.

Topuria has ended up fighting into the 2nd round in each of the past 4 outings, while winning via unanimous decision against Josh Emmett in the main event June 24, 2023, in a Fight Night.

For Holloway, he has ended up going the distance 8 times in the past 10 outings, and the Gaethje knockout at UFC 300 came at 4:59 of Round 5, just a single second short of going the distance.

Visit MMA Junkie for more fight news and analysis.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”6305″ ]

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.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=2559]

UFC Fight Night 245: Charles Johnson vs. Sumudaerji odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s UFC Fight Night 245 odds between Charles Johnson vs. Sumudaerji, with MMA picks and predictions.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”4141″ ]

In a 3-round flyweight bout on the main card, Charles Johnson and Sumudaerji meet Saturday at UFC Fight Night 245 — also known as UFC Vegas 99 and UFC on ESPN+ 103 — at the UFC Apex. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s UFC odds around the UFC Fight Night 245: Johnson vs. Sumudaerji odds, and make our expert picks and predictions.

The prelims begin at 4 p.m. ET on ESPN+, and the main card begins at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN+.

Records: Johnson (16-6-0) | Sumudaerji (16-6-0)

Johnson has picked up 3 straight victories after a 3-bout losing skid from Feb. 24-Nov. 18, 2023. All 3 of the losses came via decision, too. He has ended up going the distance in 5 of his previous 6 fights. Last time out, he stopped Joshua Van in a 3rd-round KO/TKO on July 13, however.

Sumudaerji has dropped the past 2 bouts, each by submission, including a 1st-round loss to Tim Elliott. His last victory came in a unanimous decision against Zarrukh Adashev Jan. 20, 2021.

The 33-year-old Johnson has a slight 4.83-to-4.64 significant strikes landed per minute advantage, while he is also slightly more accurate than the Chinese southpaw at 56.79% to 55.94%.

In the ground game, neither is particularly strong, with Johnson posting a 0.38 takedown average, with Sumudaerji checking in at 0.29. The southpaw has a slight 0.59-to-0.50 lead in submission average.

Watch this card with ESPN+ by signing up here.

UFC Fight Night 245: Johnson vs. Sumudaerji odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of UFC odds. Lines last updated at 12:50 p.m. ET.

  • Fight result (2-way line): Johnson -250 (bet $250 to win $100) | Sumudaerji +195 (bet $100 to win $195)
  • Will the fight go the distance? (Yes -185 | No +135)

[gambcom-standard rankid=”4132″ ]

UFC Fight Night 245: Johnson vs. Sumudaerji picks and predictions

Fight result (2-way line or moneyline)

Johnson (-250) will cost you 2 1/2 times your potential return, and that’s way too expensive straight up. If you were to toss him into a multi-leg parlay, it could be excused.

Instead of playing Johnson on the 2-way line, look to the method of victory. JOHNSON BY DECISION/TECHNICAL DECISION (+100) at even-money is a much better play. He has ended up needing the help of the judges to determine a winner in 5 of his past 6 fights, and 7 of his 9 outings since joining the UFC.

Over/Under (O/U)

YES: FIGHT TO GO THE DISTANCE (-185) is a little on the pricey side, but if you’re wavering on the overall winner, and still want action the fight, this is the way to go.

Again, Johnson has ended up going the distance in 7 of his 9 fights at the UFC level, while Sumudaerji has had 2 decisions in the past 5 bouts.

Visit MMA Junkie for more fight news and analysis.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”6305″ ]

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.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=2559]

UFC Fight Night 245: Rob Font vs. Kyler Phillips odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s UFC Fight Night 245 odds between Rob Font vs. Kyler Phillips, with MMA picks and predictions.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”4141″ ]

In a 3-round bantamweight bout on the main card, Rob Font and Kyler Phillips meet Saturday at UFC Fight Night 245 — also known as UFC Vegas 99 and UFC on ESPN+ 103 — at the UFC Apex. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s UFC odds around the UFC Fight Night 245: Font vs. Phillips odds, and make our expert picks and predictions.

The prelims begin at 4 p.m. ET on ESPN+, and the main card begins at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN+.

Records: Font (20-8-0) | Phillips (12-2-0)

The 37-year-old veteran Font is looking to snap a 2-bout skid. He also has dropped 4 of his past 5 outings, although losses to the likes of Jose Aldo, Deiveson Figueiredo, Cory Sandhagen and Marlon Vera is nothing to be ashamed about. Those aren’t exactly tomato cans.

Font has ended up going the distance in each of his past 2 losses, and 5 of the past 6 bouts. He has finished inside the distance in just 2 of his past 10 fights since July 7, 2018, too.

For Phillips, he takes the walk with 3 consecutive victories, including a unanimous-decision win over Pedro Munhoz last time out at UFC 299. He has ended up going the distance in 2 in a row, and 4 of the past 5 outings.

Phillips has an ever-so-slight half-inch reach advantage, while he has a slight 5.72-to-5.53 significant strikes landed per minute lead. Phillips is also just a little more accurate at 48.53%, to just 47.81% for Font.

On takedowns, Phillips is well ahead with a 2.41 mark, to just 0.89 for Font. Phillips is way more accurate on takedowns, too, posting a 46.88% takedown accuracy percentage, to just 35.14% for the veteran Font. Phillips also leads in submission average, posting a 0.48-to-0.34 lead.

Watch this card with ESPN+ by signing up here.

UFC Fight Night 245: Font vs. Phillips odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of UFC odds. Lines last updated at 12:45 p.m. ET.

  • Fight result (2-way line): Font +400 (bet $100 to win $400) | Phillips -550 (bet $550 to win $100)
  • Will the fight go the distance? (Yes -190 | No +140)

[gambcom-standard rankid=”4132″ ]

UFC Fight Night 245: Font vs. Phillips picks and predictions

Fight result (2-way line or moneyline)

Phillips (-550) is an overwhelming favorite, as he looks to take down the veteran Font (+400) and position himself for a run at the bantamweight championship. If he is to realize that, he can’t lose to a veteran that is struggling lately.

Phillips does so many things well, and he is the more well-rounded fighter at this point of his career.

Still, you can’t risk 5 times your potential return. Let’s get more specific instead. PHILLIPS ON POINTS (-140) is the best play, as he has gone the distance in 4 of his past 5 outings, with 3 wins via the method.

Over/Under (O/U)

Yes: Fight to go the distance (-190) is quite pricey, and this bet comes with a disclaimer. You cannot make this play straight up, but if you incorporate it onto a ticket with several other legs of an MMA parlay, or a mixed sport ticket, then it isn’t that bad.

Visit MMA Junkie for more fight news and analysis.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”6305″ ]

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.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=2559]

UFC Fight Night 245: Anthony Hernandez vs. Michel Pereira odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s UFC Fight Night 245 odds between Anthony Hernandez vs. Michel Pereira, with MMA picks and predictions.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”4141″ ]

In a 5-round middleweight bout in the main event, Anthony Hernandez and Michel Pereira meet Saturday at UFC Fight Night 245 — also known as UFC Vegas 99 and UFC on ESPN+ 103 — at the UFC Apex. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s UFC odds around the UFC Fight Night 245: Hernandez vs. Pereira odds, and make our expert picks and predictions.

The prelims begin at 4 p.m. ET on ESPN+, and the main card begins at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN+.

Records: Hernandez (12-2-0) | Pereira (31-11-0)

Hernandez streaks into this main event with 5 consecutive victories dating back to UFC 258. That includes a 2nd-round submission of Roman Kopylov at UFC 298 back on Feb. 17. He has finished inside the distance in 4 of his 5 victories during the win streak, and he has had just 1 decision in his 8 fights at the UFC level since Feb. 2, 2019.

For Pereira, he enters on an 8-bout win streak since being DQ’d against Diego Sanchez Feb. 15, 2020 in New Mexico. He has finished inside the distance in each of his past 3 outings, including a pair of 1st-round submission wins over Ihor Potieria and Michal Oleksiejczuk. Each of his past 3 wins have been finished in Round 1.

Hernandez holds a 2-inch reach advantage, while Pereira has a slight 5.16-to-4.30 significant strikes landed per minute advantage. Hernandez is much more accurate with those strikes at 64.32%, while the Brazilian fighter has a 56.14% mark.

Hernandez is a lot more efficient on takedowns, too, posting a 6.62 takedown average, to 1.53 mark for Pereira. Hernandez has posted an impressive 2.99 submission average, to just 0.84 for Pereira.

Watch this card with ESPN+ by signing up here.

UFC Fight Night 245: Hernandez vs. Pereira odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of UFC odds. Lines last updated at 12:30 p.m. ET.

  • Fight result (2-way line): Hernandez -135 (bet $135 to win $100) | Pereira +110 (bet $100 to win $110)
  • Over/under: 2.5 Rounds (Over +120 | Under -160)
  • Will the fight go the distance? (Yes +400 | No -700)

[gambcom-standard rankid=”4132″ ]

UFC Fight Night 245: Hernandez vs. Pereira picks and predictions

Fight result (2-way line or moneyline)

HERNANDEZ (-135) is a strong play on the 2-way line, as he does much more right than Pereira (+110).

It’s Hernandez’s work in the ground-and-pound that sets him apart, and as long as he avoids the big shot for a knockout, he’ll get the job done.

Hernandez has won 3 of his past 5 fights by way of submission, and 5 of his past 8 fights have finished via the method, with 4 victories.

In fact, if you wanted to roll the dice on the 7-way line, playing HERNANDEZ BY SUBMISSION (+150), that’s a solid value at plus-money.

Over/Under (O/U)

UNDER 2.5 ROUNDS (-160) is a nice play at this price.

This fight isn likely to end before the middle of Round 3. Hernandez has gone past 2:30 of Round 3 just once in the past 9 pro bouts, while Pereira hasn’t even seen Round 2 in the past 3 outings.

Visit MMA Junkie for more fight news and analysis.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”6305″ ]

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.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=2559]

UFC Fight Night 244: Chidi Njokuani vs. Jared Gooden odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s UFC Fight Night 244 odds between Chidi Njokuani vs. Jared Gooden, with MMA picks and predictions.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”4141″ ]

In a 3-round welterweight bout on the main card, Chidi Njokuani and Jared Gooden meet Saturday at UFC Fight Night 244 — also known as UFC Vegas 98 and UFC on ESPN+ 102 — at the UFC Apex. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s UFC odds around the UFC Night Night 244: Njokuani vs. Gooden odds, and make our expert picks and predictions.

The prelims begin at 4 p.m. ET on ESPN+, and the main card begins at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN+.

Records: Njokuani (23-10-0) | Gooden (23-9-0)

The 35-year-old Njokuani halted a 3-bout losing skid, all at the middleweight division, with a split-decision win over Rhys McKee last time out in late March in his return to welterweight. It was just his 2nd fight to go the distance in 6 bouts at the UFC, with the other 4 resulting in KO/TKOs. He is 2-2 in those 4 fights which ended in knockout.

For Gooden, he is making his 2nd tour in the UFC. He was 1-3 with the promotion back from Nov. 21, 2020 to Oct. 9, 2021 before being dismissed. He returned with a unanimous-decision loss to Carlston Harris on March 11, 2023, before choking out Wellington Turman in the 2nd round on Dec. 2.

Njokuani has a 3-inch reach advantage, while Gooden holds a 5.08-to-4.09 significant strikes landed per minute advantage. Both fighters aren’t terrible gifted in the ground game, and the difference in negligible in submission average.

Watch this card with ESPN+ by signing up here.

UFC Fight Night 244: Njokuani vs. Gooden odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of UFC odds. Lines last updated at 11:15 a.m. ET.

  • Fight result (2-way line): Njokuani -165 (bet $165 to win $100) | Gooden +135 (bet $100 to win $135)
  • Over/Under: 1.5 rounds (Over -165 | Under +135)
  • Will the fight go the distance? (Yes +150 | No -210)

[gambcom-standard rankid=”4132″ ]

UFC Fight Night 244: Njokuani vs. Gooden picks and predictions

Fight result (2-way line or moneyline)

NJOKUANI (-165) is worth a look as a moderate favorite, as he will use his 3-inch reach advantage to pull Gooden (+135) in and out at his discretion.

The favorite won’t want to play around with the challenger too much in close quarters, but he will be able to push and pull him out, choosing the right time to strike and go for the kill. He is much better at welterweight than middleweight, when he was in over his head.

If you’re looking for a method of victory, NJOKUANI BY KO/TKO OR DQ (+150) at plus-money is worth a look, too.

Over/Under (O/U)

OVER 1.5 ROUNDS (-165) is worth playing, although it’s a bit on the expensive side.

Njokuani has ended up going the distance in 2 of his past 3 fights, while Gooden has gone the distance in 4 of his 6 bouts at the UFC level.

However, No (-210): Will the fight go the distance? is just a little too expensive. Stick with the Over/Under or the method, for much better results.

Visit MMA Junkie for more fight news and analysis.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”6305″ ]

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.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=2559]

UFC Fight Night 244: Brad Tavares vs. Junyong Park odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s UFC Fight Night 244 odds between Brad Tavares vs. Junyong Park, with MMA picks and predictions.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”4141″ ]

In a 3-round middleweight bout on the main card, Brad Tavares and Junyon Park meet Saturday at UFC Fight Night 244 — also known as UFC Vegas 98 and UFC on ESPN+ 102 — at the UFC Apex. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s UFC odds around the UFC Night Night 244: Tavares vs. Park odds, and make our expert picks and predictions.

The prelims begin at 4 p.m. ET on ESPN+, and the main card begins at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN+.

Records: Tavares (20-10-0) | Park (17-6-0)

Tavares heads into this bout looking to bounce back from a 3rd-round KO/TKO against Gregory Rodrigues in mid-February, and he is just 1-3 in the past 4 bouts.

The 36-year-old fighter for Team Xtreme Couture has been with the promotion since making his debut at UFC 125 on New Year’s Day 2011. In the past 22 bouts since July 2, 2011, including TUF Finale fights, he has ended up going the distance in 16 of those outings.

Park is looking to rebound after a split-decision setback to Andre Muniz in early December. That halted a 4-fight win streak, including 3 straight submission victories from Oct. 2022 to July 2023.

Tavares holds a slight 1-inch reach advantage, while Park is ahead with a 4.53-to-3.38 significant strikes landed per minute. Park is much more accurate with those strikes at 58.77%, while Tavares checks in at 48.21%. Park is better in the takedown game, too, posting a 1.83 takedown average and 50.0% takedown accuracy percentage, while posting a 1.05 submission average.

Watch this card with ESPN+ by signing up here.

UFC Fight Night 244: Tavares vs. Park odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of UFC odds. Lines last updated at 10:45 a.m. ET.

  • Fight result (2-way line): Tavares +160 (bet $100 to win $160) | Park -190 (bet $190 to win $100)
  • Will the fight go the distance? (Yes -200 | No +150)

[gambcom-standard rankid=”4132″ ]

UFC Fight Night 244: Tavares vs. Park picks and predictions

Fight result (2-way line or moneyline)

PARK (-190) is a little on the expensive side, but he isn’t a bad play if you were to include him in part of a multi-leg parlay.

While Tavares (+160) holds a slight lead in reach advantage, that’s about the only area he is ahead. He’ll want to avoid going down to the canvas with Park, or this will be a short outing. He has been involved in 3 submissions in his entire career, with a rear-naked choke loss to Court McGee June 16, 2010 at the TUF 11 Semifinal in his most recent bout via submission.

PARK BY SUBMISSION (+800), for the chance to multiply up by 8 times, is a tremendous value, and you need to make that part of wagers.

Over/Under (O/U)

NO (+150): WILL THE FIGHT GO THE DISTANCE is a great idea.

Park by submission is certainly worth a roll of the dice, and if that happens, both of these wagers go hand in hand.

Yes, Tavares has gone the distance in 16 of his past 22 professional bouts, but he has finished inside the distance in 2 of the past 3 outings.

Visit MMA Junkie for more fight news and analysis.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”6305″ ]

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.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=2559]

UFC Fight Night 244: Brandon Royval vs. Tatsuro Taira odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s UFC Fight Night 244 odds between Brandon Royval vs. Tatsuro Taira, with MMA picks and predictions.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”4141″ ]

In a 5-round flyweight bout in the main event, Brandon Royval and Tatsuro Taira meet Saturday at UFC Fight Night 244 — also known as UFC Vegas 98 and UFC on ESPN+ 102 — at the UFC Apex. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s UFC odds around the UFC Night Night 244: Royval vs. Taira odds, and make our expert picks and predictions.

The prelims begin at 4 p.m. ET on ESPN+, and the main card begins at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN+.

Records: Royval (16-7-0) | Taira (16-0-0)

Royval got a crack at the championship at UFC 296, but he lost via unanimous decision to Alexandre Pantoja in mid-December. He bounced back with a split-decision win over Brandon Moreno, as he looks to position himself for another title chance. He has ended up going the distance in 2 straight, and 3 of the past 5 fights, while going 4-1 in the span.

If Royval wants to get back to a championship fight, he needs to take care of the rising prospect Taira, who has never lost in 16 career bouts, including 6 at the UFC level. Taira knocked out Alex Perez in the 2nd round in mid-June, and he has 4 finishes inside the distance in the past 5 outings.

Taira has a 2-inch reach advantage over Royval, while the southpaw has a 4.33-to-3.56 significant strikes landed per minute advantage over Taira. The Japanese fighter has a 2.35 takedown average, and a 2.09 submission average.

Watch this card with ESPN+ by signing up here.

UFC Fight Night 244: Royval vs. Taira odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of UFC odds. Lines last updated at 10:30 a.m. ET.

  • Fight result (2-way line): Royval +240 (bet $100 to win $240) | Taira -300 (bet $300 to win $100)
  • Over/Under: 3.5 rounds (Over -140 | Under +105)
  • Will the fight go the distance? (Yes +120 | No -165)

[gambcom-standard rankid=”4132″ ]

UFC Fight Night 244: Royval vs. Taira picks and predictions

Fight result (2-way line or moneyline)

ROYVAL (+240) is hungry to get back to a championship fight, and the quickest way for the veteran to do that is to get past an unbeaten Taira (-300).

This is going to be a good fight, as Taira has been a punching machine in his time with the company, and he has really developed a good clinch game.

However, Royval can get the job done in a number of ways, either with the knockout, or submission. He’ll be looking to work the legs of Taira, trying to wow the judges.

ROYVAL ON POINTS (+400) is worth a roll of the dice for the chance to multiply up by 4 times.

Over/Under (O/U)

YES (+120): WILL THE FIGHT GO THE DISTANCE? is a strong play at plus-money.

Royval has ended up going the distance in 2 in a row, and 3 of the past 5 fights since Jan. 2022.

For Taira, while he has gone the distance just once in the past 5 fights, Royval has the tools to take him all the way, similar to the Edgar Chairez fight back at UFC 290.

If you’re not quite feeling a distance fight, OVER 3.5 ROUNDS (-140) is an alternative that isn’t too costly.

Visit MMA Junkie for more fight news and analysis.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”6305″ ]

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.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=2559]

UFC 307: Roman Dolidze vs. Kevin Holland odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s UFC 307 odds between Roman Dolidze vs. Kevin Holland, with MMA picks and predictions.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”4141″ ]

In a 3-round middleweight bout on the main card, Roman Dolidze and Kevin Holland meet Saturday at UFC 307 at Delta Center in Salt Lake City. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s UFC odds around the UFC 307: Dolidze vs. Holland odds, and make our expert picks and predictions.

The early prelims begin at 6:30 p.m. ET, and can be viewed on ESPN+. The prelims begin at 8 p.m. ET on ESPNews/ESPN+, and the main card begins at 10 p.m. ET on Pay-Per-View.

Records: Dolidze (13-3-0) | Holland (26-11-0)

The Georgian fighter Dolidze stopped a 2-bout losing skid with a unanimous-decision win over Anthony Smith last time out at UFC 303 in late June. His previous setbacks were by majority decision to Nassourdine Imavov, and unanimous decision against Marvin Vettori. That means 3 straight fights have gone the distance, and 6 of his past 9 fights.

For Holland, he stopped Michal Oleksiejczuk via submission in 94 seconds at UFC 302 in early June. He also snapped a 2-bout losing streak which included a unanimous-decision loss to Michael Page and a split-decision loss to Jack Della Maddalena.

The 36-year-old Dolidze is 5 years older, and Holland holds a 5-inch reach advantage. Holland also has a 4.25-to-3.13 significant strikes landed per minute advantage, while landing 61.22% of those strikes, while Dolidze lands 50.31% of those strikes.

In the ground game, Dolidze is a little better, posting a 1.26-to-0.84 takedown average advantage, while he is slightly more accurate on those takedowns at 40.0%. He also has a 1.14-to-0.60 submission average advantage.

Watch this card with ESPN+ by signing up here.

UFC 307: Dolidze vs. Holland odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of UFC odds. Lines last updated at 1:20 p.m. ET.

  • Fight result (2-way line): Dolidze +125 (bet $100 to win $125) | Holland -150 (bet $150 to win $100)
  • Over/Under: 2.5 rounds (Over -225 | Under +170)
  • Will the fight go the distance? (Yes -185 | No +140)

[gambcom-standard rankid=”4132″ ]

UFC 307: Dolidze vs. Holland picks and predictions

Fight result (2-way line or moneyline)

HOLLAND (-150) is a strong bet straight up as a moderate favorite against Dolidze (+125).

The young fighter will use his tremendous reach advantage to push and pull Dolidze away at his discretion, picking and choosing his spots to get close when he needs to.

With the recent history of these 2 fighters, it’s very unlikely we end up getting a finish. Holland has needed the judges to determine a winner in 3 straight fights, while Dolidze has gone the distance in 2 of the past 3 bouts.

As such, playing HOLLAND BY DECISION (+175) at plus-money for the method of victory is also a very good wager.

Over/Under (O/U)

As far as the round betting is concerned, Yes (-185): Will the fight go the distance? is a little too costly. It will cost you nearly 2 times your potential return, and that’s too much.

In addition, Over 2.5 Rounds (-225) will set you back more than 2 times your potential return, and that’s too pricey as well.

Stick to the 2-way line, and the method of victory.

PASS.

Visit MMA Junkie for more fight news and analysis.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”6305″ ]

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.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=2559]

UFC 307: Raquel Pennington vs. Julianna Pena odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s UFC 307 odds between Raquel Pennington vs. Julianna Pena, with MMA picks and predictions.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”4141″ ]

In a 5-round women’s bantamweight championship bout in the co-main event, Raquel Pennington and Julianna Pena meet Saturday at UFC 307 at Delta Center in Salt Lake City. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s UFC odds around the UFC 307: Pennington vs. Pena odds, and make our expert picks and predictions.

The early prelims begin at 6:30 p.m. ET, and can be viewed on ESPN+. The prelims begin at 8 p.m. ET on ESPNews/ESPN+, and the main card begins at 10 p.m. ET on Pay-Per-View.

Records: Pennington (16-9-0) | Pena (12-5-0)

Pennington lost her 1st championship attempt against Amanda Nunes back in May 2018 at UFC 224. She fought hard to position herself for another chance at a strap, and she topped Mayra Bueno Silva via unanimous decision at UFC 297 in late January to finally become a champion. Now, she faces her 1st title defense.

Pennington has won 6 consecutive bouts, with 5 of those victories coming by way of decision. The lone finish was a 2nd-round submission against Macy Chiasson in Dec. 2021.

Pena steps into the octagon for the 1st time since suffering a unanimous-decision setback to Nunes back at UFC 277 in a title bout. She was trying to defend her belt after submitting Nunes at UFC 269 for her 1st title. Pena was supposed to fight a 3rd and deciding fight with Nunes at UFC 289, but Pena had to pull out due to broken ribs suffered in training camp.

Pena holds a 1.5-inch reach advantage over the champ, while Pennington has a 4.14-to-3.16 significant strikes landed per minute advantage. Pena is slightly more accurate at 65.0%, to 60.24% for the champ. Pena’s ground game has been much better, too, and he dominates in takedown average (1.94) and takedown accuracy percentage (55.17%).

Watch this card with ESPN+ by signing up here.

UFC 307: Pennington vs. Pena odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of UFC odds. Lines last updated at 1:15 p.m. ET.

  • Fight result (2-way line): Pennington -165 (bet $165 to win $100) | Pena +135 (bet $100 to win $135)
  • Will the fight go the distance? (Yes -250 | No +175)

[gambcom-standard rankid=”4132″ ]

UFC 307: Pennington vs. Pena picks and predictions

Fight result (2-way line or moneyline)

PENNINGTON (-165) is a solid bet to get the job done on the 2-way line.

While Pena (+135) has a slight reach advantage, and she is a little more accurate on her significant strikes, she hasn’t fought in over 26 months. It remains to be seen how her cardio will be after not having been involved in a meaningful fight since July 30, 2022.

In addition, Pennington is likely to take this the distance. She has ended up going the distance in 3 consecutive bouts, 8 of the past 9 fights, and 11 of the previous 13 outings since UFC 202. She wins regularly, but she just doesn’t get finishes.

As a result, also look to PENNINGTON BY DECISION (+100) at even-money for the method of victory.

Over/Under (O/U)

Yes (-250): Will the fight go the distance? will set you back 2 1/2 times your potential return, and that’s way too much risk for not nearly enough reward.

Again, 11 of the past 13 fights have gone the distance for Pennington, while Pena has ended up needing the assistance of the judges to determine a winner in 4 of her previous 8 outings.

PASS.

Visit MMA Junkie for more fight news and analysis.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”6305″ ]

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.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=2559]