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UFC 282: Jan Blachowicz vs. Magomed Ankalaev odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s UFC 282 odds and lines between Jan Blachowicz vs. Magomed Ankalaev, with MMA picks, tips and predictions.

In a light heavyweight bout in the main event, Jan Blachowicz and Magomed Ankalaev meet Saturday at UFC 282 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Let’s analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the UFC 282: Blachowicz vs. Ankalaev odds, and make our expert picks and predictions.

The early prelims begin at 6:30 p.m. ET on ESPN+, with the prelims set to begin at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN2/ESPN+ and the main card starting at 10 p.m. ET on Pay-Per-View (PPV).

Blachowicz bounced back after losing his strap to Glover Teixeira in Oct. 2021 with a 3rd-round KO/TKO win over Aleksandar Rakic in May. Just 1 of his past 5 fights has gone the distance.

Blachowicz steps into the octagon with a 3.55 significant strikes landed per minute rate while posting a 53.33% takedown accuracy percentage.

Ankalaev will be looking to avoid the canvas. He has a 1-inch height advantage in his one, but he gives up 3 inches in the reach department.

The Team Gorets veteran has won 9 straight fights at the UFC level since losing to Paul Craig via submission in his debut in March 2018. He knocked out Anthony Smith at UFC 277 in his most recent showing in July, although his 3 previous fights went the distance.

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UFC 282: Blachowicz vs. Ankalaev odds

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:08 a.m. ET.

  • Fight result (2-way line): Blachowicz +265 (bet $100 to win $265) | Ankalaev -340 (bet $340 to win $100)
  • Over/Under: 3.5 rounds (Over -120 | Under -113)
  • Fight to go the distance: Yes (+140) | No (-200)

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UFC 282: Blachowicz vs. Ankalaev picks and predictions

Records: Blachowicz (29-9-0) | Ankalaev (18-1-0)

Fight result (2-way line or moneyline)

BLACHOWICZ (+265) has been a belt holder before, and he wants to get there again. I think he is able to pull off the shocker in the main event, using a 3-inch reach advantage to keep Ankalaev at a distance, picking and choosing his spots to go for the big blow.

He will frustrate Ankalaev in this one, handing him his first setback since March 17, 2018.

I don’t think Blachowicz will be able to get the finish, however, and he’ll be looking to wow the judges and win on points. BLACHOWICZ ON POINTS (+670) is worth a roll of the dice, however unlikely it seems.

Over/Under (O/U)

OVER 3.5 ROUNDS (-120) is a solid value. Blachowicz is a proud veteran looking to get another title shot. I think he has the experience to make this a very long evening for Ankalaev and slow the Russian’s upward trajectory inside the light heavyweight division.

Three of Ankalaev’s past four fights have gone to the judges’ scorecards, and this one will be no different.

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UFC 282: Paddy Pimblett vs. Jared Gordon odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s UFC 282 odds and lines between Paddy Pimblett vs. Jared Gordon, with MMA picks, tips and predictions.

In a lightweight bout on the main card, Paddy Pimblett and Jared Gordon meet Saturday at UFC 282 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Let’s analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the UFC 282: Pimblett vs. Gordon odds, and make our expert picks and predictions.

The early prelims begin at 6:30 p.m. ET on ESPN+, with the prelims set to begin at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN2/ESPN+ and the main card starting at 10 p.m. ET on Pay-Per-View (PPV).

Paddy “The Baddy” looks to push his record to a perfect 4-0 at the UFC level. He has 3 wins — all 3 finishes — including a submission win over Jordan Leavitt last time out in late July.

He has won in Round 1 wins in 2 of his 3 fights at UFC level, including a KO/TKO against Luigi Vendramini in his UFC debut in Sept. 2021. Baddy has managed 4.19 significant strikes landed per minute in his 3 UFC bouts, and he looks to use a 5-inch reach advantage to hold Gordon at a distance.

Gordon has been very accurate in his UFC time, delivering 70.83% of his significant strikes in an accurate fashion and landing 5.53 significant strikes per minute. He also has a slight 1.97-to-1.88 takedown average advantage.

Gordon picked up a unanimous decision win over Leonardo Santos at UFC 278 last time out, with 4 of his past 5 fights going the distance. He hasn’t won via KO/TKO since June 2017, a win over Michael Quinones in his UFC debut. However, he has been knocked out three times since Feb. 2018, and another might be coming.

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UFC 282: Pimblett vs. Gordon odds

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:45 a.m. ET.

  • Fight result (2-way line): Pimblett -260 (bet $260 to win $100) | Gordon +210 (bet $100 to win $210)
  • Over/Under: 2.5 rounds (Over +115 | Under -160)
  • Fight to go the distance: Yes (+140) | No (-200)

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UFC 282: Pimblett vs. Gordon picks and predictions

Records: Pimblett (19-3-0) | Gordon (19-5-0)

Fight result (2-way line or moneyline)

Pimblett (-260) will cost you more than 2 1/2 times your potential return, and that’s just too expensive.

Instead, you’ll have to get a little more specific with the method of victory. The best bet is to take PIMBLETT BY KO/TKO (+255) for a nice payout. Gordon has been knocked out three times at the UFC level, and that’s what Baddy does best. In 24 career professional bouts, Gordon has been knocked out 4 times.

Over/Under (O/U)

UNDER 2.5 ROUNDS (-160) is moderately priced, but it isn’t terribly out of line. It’s a better value than No (-200): Fight to go the distance.

Pimblett is going to get the victory, so playing a 2-round block is also a recommended course of action. If you were to bet PIMBLETT TO WIN IN ROUND 2 (+390) and PIMBLETT TO WIN IN ROUND 3 (+1100), you would obviously lose one end if he wins in Rounds 2-3. However, you’ll still be well ahead, especially if the KO comes in Round 3.

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UFC 282: Santiago Ponzinibbio vs. Alex Morono odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s UFC 282 odds and lines between Santiago Ponzinibbio vs. Alex Morono, with MMA picks, tips and predictions.

In a catch weight bout on the main card, Santiago Ponzinibbio and Alex Morono meet Saturday at UFC 282 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Let’s analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the UFC 282: Ponzinibbio vs. Morono odds, and make our expert picks and predictions.

The early prelims begin at 6:30 p.m. ET on ESPN+, with the prelims set to begin at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN2/ESPN+ and the main card starting at 10 p.m. ET on Pay-Per-View (PPV).

Ponzinibbio was scheduled to fight “Ruthless” Robbie Lawler, but the veteran was forced to withdraw from the event due to an undisclosed injury. Morono steps in on short notice, and might actually put up a little more resistance than the aging Lawler.

Ponzinibbio, a.k.a. the “Argentine Dagger”, has dropped a pair of split-decision results against Geoff Neal and Michel Pereira in his previous 2 outings. He has gone the distance in 3 bouts in a row, and 6 of his past 9 fights overall.

The 36-year-old veteran has 5.00 significant strikes landed per minute while recording just a 42.54% accuracy rate in the category.

Morono is on a 4-bout win streak, with the past 3 fights resulting in unanimous decisions, with victories over Matthew Semelsberger, Mickey Gall and David Zawada. His last finish was a Round 1 KO/TKO over the now-retired Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone in early May 2021.

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UFC 282: Ponzinibbio vs. Morono odds

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:25 a.m. ET.

  • Fight result (2-way line): Ponzinibbio -170 (bet $170 to win $100) | Morono +145 (bet $100 to win $145)
  • Over/Under: 2.5 rounds (Over -175 | Under +125)
  • Fight to go the distance: Off the board (OTB)

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UFC 282:Ponzinibbio vs. Morono picks and predictions

Records: Ponzinibbio (29-6-0) | Morono (22-7-0)

Fight result (2-way line or moneyline)

PONZINIBBIO (-170) will be challenged in this catch-weight bout by the 32-year-old Morono.

The Argentine fighter holds a slight 1-inch advantage in both height and reach, and the significant strikes landed per minute are relatively close, too.

Morono’s opponent list isn’t as impressive as Ponzinibbio, however, as the Argentine fighter is certainly more battle-tested.

Over/Under (O/U)

OVER 2.5 ROUNDS (-175) might be the best play on the board.

We’ve seen the past 3 fights for Ponzinibbio go the distance and he has needed the help of the judges in 6 of his past 9 fights to determine a winner.

Morono has gone the distance in each of his past 3 fights, and 5 of the past 6 outings. Even on short notice, there shouldn’t be a lot of concern about his cardio. He’ll hang in there and make the heavy favorite work for this win, which will likely be via decision.

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If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW, or try out our USA TODAY Parlay Calculator. Please gamble responsibly.

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UFC 282: Jairzinho Rozenstruik vs. Chris Daukaus odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s UFC 282 odds and lines between Jairzinho Rozenstruik vs. Chris Daukaus, with MMA picks, tips and predictions.

In a heavyweight bout in the prelims, Jairzinho Rozenstruik and Chris Daukaus meet Saturday at UFC 282 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Let’s analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the UFC 282: Rozenstruik vs. Daukaus odds, and make our expert picks and predictions.

The early prelims begin at 6:30 p.m. ET on ESPN+, with the prelims set to begin at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN2/ESPN+ and the main card starting at 10 p.m. ET on Pay-Per-View (PPV).

Rozenstruik takes the walk to the octagon on a 2-bout losing streak. He was knocked out by Alexander Volkov last time out in a fight night main event in early June, following up a unanimous-decision loss to Curtis Blaydes at UFC 266 in Sept. 2021.

Since arriving at the UFC level, Rozenstruik has had just 2 fights go the distance — both losses — and he is 1-3 across his last 4 bouts overall.

Daukaus is looking to add to the woes of the Suriname fighter, but he has issues of his own, dropping the past 2 bouts by KO/TKO. He was dropped just 17 seconds into the 2nd round by Blaydes in a fight night main event in late March and was dropped by Derrick Lewis last December in the 1st round.

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UFC 282: Rozenstruik vs. Daukaus odds

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 8 a.m. ET.

  • Fight result (2-way line): Rozenstruik -170 (bet $170 to win $100) | Daukaus +145 (bet $100 to win $145)
  • Over/Under: 1.5 rounds (Over +122 | Under -170)
  • Fight to go the distance: Yes (+320) | No (-540)

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UFC 282: Rozenstruik vs. Daukaus picks and predictions

Records: Rozenstruik (12-4-0) | Daukaus (12-5-0)

Fight result (2-way line or moneyline)

ROZENSTRUIK (-170) is just a few fights removed from a narrow loss to Ciryl Gane in the main event in late Feb. 2021. He was on pace for a potential title shot, knocking out some big names, including Alistair Overeem and Andrei Arlovski.

He hit a speed bump recently and needs to bounce back from the Volkov loss. He gets it done here, as Daukaus has been equally unimpressive and his defense has been terrible lately.

Rozenstruik holds a 2-inch reach advantage over Daukaus, although the latter has an impressive 6.47-to-2.80 significant strikes landed per minute advantage. Still, look for the bigger Rozenstruik to hold his own, and perhaps use the reach advantage to hold Daukaus at a distance, picking and choosing his spots for the big blow.

Over/Under (O/U)

OVER 1.5 ROUNDS (+120) at plus money is a good play here. Daukaus is a punching machine, who will fire out and look to take it to Rozenstruik. The latter is a little more calculating and tends to try and his opponent in the clinch, slowing things down.

I don’t think this fight goes the distance, but we should at least see the second half of the 2nd round.

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Want action on this UFC fight or any other sports matchup? Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, SportsbookWire’s official sportsbook partner in CO and NJ. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW, or try out our USA TODAY Parlay Calculator. Please gamble responsibly.

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UFC on ESPN 42: Bryan Barberena vs. Rafael dos Anjos odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s UFC on ESPN 42 odds and lines between Bryan Barberena vs. Rafael dos Anjos, with MMA picks, tips and predictions.

In a welterweight bout on the main card, Bryan Barberena and Rafael dos Anjos meet Saturday at UFC on ESPN 42 at Amway Center in Orlando, Fla. Let’s analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the UFC on ESPN 42: Barberena vs. dos Anjos odds, and make our expert picks and predictions.

The prelims begin at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN/ESPN+, and the main card starts at 10 p.m. ET on ESPN+.

Barberena has picked up 3 consecutive victories, including a Round 2 KO/TKO victory over Robbie Lawler last time out in early July at UFC 276.

Barberena had gone the distance in the 4 consecutive fights prior, going 3-1 in those outings. It’s been a nice rebound after getting knocked out in the 3rd round in consecutive fights against Randy Brown and Vicente Luque in 2019.

Dos Anjos has knocked out in the 5th round last time out in the main event in early July by Rafael Fiziev, snapping a 2-bout win streak, both by decision.  dos Anjos had also gone the distance in 4 consecutive outings from July 2019 to March 2022 before his last outing, and 8 of his last 11 fights went the distance.

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UFC on ESPN 42: Barberena vs. Dos Anjos odds

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:20 a.m. ET.

  • Fight result (2-way line): Barberena +425 (bet $100 to win $425) | Dos Anjos -575 (bet $575 to win $100)
  • Over/Under: 2.5 rounds (Over -200 | Under +140)
  • Fight to go the distance: Yes (-180) | No (+130)

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UFC on ESPN 42: Barberena vs. Dos Anjos picks and predictions

Records: Barberena (18-8-0) | Dos Anjos (31-14-0)

Fight result (2-way line or moneyline)

Take a flyer on BARBERENA (+425), who enters on a 3-fight win streak, including impressive wins over Lawler, Matt Brown and Darian Weeks.

Neither of these guys is a threat to win via submission, and a KO/TKO seems unlikely. Barberena has gone the distance in 4 of his last 5 fights, and Dos Anjos has needed the assistance of the judges to determine a winner in 9 of his past 12 outings.

The fact Barberena has a 4-inch height advantage, and, more importantly, a 2.5-inch reach advantage, is key here. He’ll be able to use his physical advantages to keep the heavily-favorited dos Anjos at a distance.

Barberena also has a 6.11-to-3.58 significant strikes landed per minute advantage, so that will help to wow the judges. As long as he can avoid the takedown, Barberena is a very attractive underdog play.

Over/Under (O/U)

Over 2.5 Rounds (-200) is a little on the expensive side, costing you 2 times your potential return.

However, YES (-180): FIGHT TO GO THE DISTANCE is a slightly better play. Both of these fighters have had a lot of bouts go the distance, and this one will be no different.

If you believe in the underdog you can also take BARBERENA BY POINTS (+800) in the method of victory with a small-unit play, as this is a tremendous value.

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Want action on this UFC fight or any other sports matchup? Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, SportsbookWire’s official sportsbook partner in CO and NJ. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW, or try out our USA TODAY Parlay Calculator. Please gamble responsibly.

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UFC on ESPN 42: Stephen Thompson vs. Kevin Holland odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s UFC on ESPN 42 odds and lines between Stephen Thompson vs. Kevin Holland, with MMA picks, tips and predictions.

In a welterweight bout in the main event, Stephen Thompson and Kevin Holland meet Saturday at UFC on ESPN 42 at Amway Center in Orlando, Fla. Let’s analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the UFC on ESPN 42: Thompson vs. Holland odds, and make our expert picks and predictions.

The prelims begin at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN/ESPN+, and the main card starts at 10 p.m. ET on ESPN+.

Thompson, a.k.a. “Wonderboy”, has dropped a pair of unanimous-decision fights to Gilbert Burns and Belal Muhammad. His last fight was nearly a year ago on Dec. 18, 2021. One of the best technical strikers in MMA history, Thompson has lost a step recently. He was taken down a combined 10 times in those 2 defeats.

The good news for Wonderboy is that Holland isn’t known for being a tremendous wrestler, and this one likely isn’t going to be decided on the mat. He does have 4 wins via submission at the UFC and Bellator levels, however.

If this is a fight that goes toe-to-toe, that’s good and bad news for Thompson. However, he hasn’t had a submission or KO/TKO win since Feb. 2016, a 1st-round knockout of Jonny Hendricks. So, if Thompson wins, it will be via decision.

Holland was choked out by Khamzat Chimaev in the first round last time out at UFC 279 in Sept., snapping a mini 2-fight win streak. Each of his past 4 fights has ended via stoppage.

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UFC on ESPN 42: Thompson vs. Holland odds

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 7 a.m. ET.

  • Fight result (2-way line): Thompson +155 (bet $100 to win $155) | Holland -180 (bet $180 to win $100)
  • Over/Under: 4.5 rounds (Over +125 | Under -175)
  • Fight to go the distance: Yes (+140) | No (-200)

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UFC on ESPN 42: Thompson vs. Holland picks and predictions

Records: Thompson (16-6-1) | Holland (23-8-0)

Fight result (2-way line or moneyline)

Holland (-180) will cost you nearly 2 times your potential return, and that’s quite expensive after he was tapped out in Round 1 last time out. But Thompson won’t look to go to the ground.

This one could go either way, and it is a bit of a coin flip. Thompson hasn’t been submitted in his professional career and has won just once via submission (in his pre-UFC years). You can avoid that in the method of victory section.

Holland has managed 4 wins in the past 11 fights at the UFC level via KO/TKO. Instead, HOLLAND BY TKO/KO (+155) is the much better value here, especially at plus money.

Over/Under (O/U)

UNDER 4.5 ROUNDS (-175) is a little on the expensive side, but this one isn’t going the distance.

If Holland gets the expected knockout, it won’t go past 3 rounds. There are concerns about his cardio too, so if he doesn’t get the knockout there is doubt he can go the distance. It’s a win-win taking the Under here, especially if you don’t bet the 2- or 3-way line, or pick a winner via method of victory.

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If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW, or try out our USA TODAY Parlay Calculator. Please gamble responsibly.

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UFC Fight Night 215: Chase Sherman vs. Waldo Cortes-Acosta odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s UFC Fight Night 215 odds and lines between Chase Sherman vs. Waldo Cortes-Acosta, with MMA picks, tips and predictions.

In a heavyweight bout on the main card, Chase Sherman and Waldo Cortes-Acosta meet Saturday at UFC Fight Night 215 at the UFC’s APEX Facility in Las Vegas. Let’s analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the UFC Fight Night 215: Sherman vs. Cortes-Acosta odds, and make our expert picks and predictions.

The prelims begin at 1 p.m. ET on ESPN+, and the main card starts at 4 p.m. ET on ESPN+.

Sherman was supposed to fight Josh Parisian on the last UFC Fight Night card at the APEX, but Parisian was forced out due to chest pains and an emergency room visit the night before the bout.

The American fighter is looking to build on his 3rd-round KO/TKO win over veteran Jared Vanderaa last time out, snapping a 4-bout skid. He had been submitted in 2 straight by Alexandr Romanov and Jake Collier prior to his win over Vanderaa in July.

Cortes-Acosta is coming back on short notice, as he actually fought on that UFC Fight Night 214 card against Vanderaa, winning via unanimous decision in his UFC debut. He is 8-0 in his pro career, winning 4 times via KO/TKO, once by way of submission and 3 times via unanimous-decision victories.

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UFC Fight Night 215: Sherman vs. Cortes-Acosta odds

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:48 a.m. ET.

  • Fight result (2-way line): Sherman +200 (bet $100 to win $200) | Cortes-Acosta -250 (bet $250 to win $100)
  • Over/Under: 1.5 rounds (Over -165 | Under +120)
  • Fight to go distance: Yes (+180) | No (-260)

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UFC Fight Night 215: Sherman vs. Cortes-Acosta picks and predictions

Records: Sherman (16-10-0) | Cortes-Waldo (8-0-0)

Fight result (2-way line or moneyline)

SHERMAN (+200) is worth a roll of the dice for the chance to double up.

Cortes-Acosta has never lost in his 8 career professional bouts, but he has also never fought on just 2 weeks of rest, either. And it isn’t like WCA had a short fight last time out, he went the distance against a veteran, and it remains to be seen how his cardio is, and whether or not he is 100 percent, or simply taking this fight on short notice to make a name for himself.

I am dubious that he can bounce back and be effective, and Sherman is champing at the bit to fight after getting stood up at the alter after a long camp leading up to the Parisian fight.

Over/Under (O/U)

OVER 1.5 ROUNDS (-165) is still worth a play, even though I have doubts about Cortes-Acosta’s ability to win.

Sherman has never been one to mess around, and each of his past 3 fights has been stoppages, while he has just 2 fights go the distance in 6 bouts at the UFC level. Still, WCA will make him work for it, and this one will at least get to the second half of Round 2 before Sherman is able to end things.

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Want action on this UFC fight or any other sports matchup? Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, SportsbookWire’s official sportsbook partner in CO and NJ. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW, or try out our USA TODAY Parlay Calculator. Please gamble responsibly.

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UFC Fight Night 215: Kennedy Nzechukwu vs. Ion Cutelaba odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s UFC Fight Night 215 odds and lines between Kennedy Nzechukwu and Ion Cutelaba, with MMA picks, tips and predictions.

In a light heavyweight bout on the main card, Kennedy Nzechukwu and Ion Cutelaba meet Saturday at UFC Fight Night 215 at the UFC’s APEX Facility in Las Vegas. Let’s analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the UFC Fight Night 215: Nzechukwu vs. Cutelaba odds, and make our expert picks and predictions.

The prelims begin at 1 p.m. ET on ESPN+, and the main card starts at 4 p.m. ET on ESPN+.

Nzechukwu lost 2 in a row against Da-Un Jung and Nicolae Negumereanu, but he picked up the Round 2 KO/TKO win over Karl Roberson last time out in July. He has finished inside the distance in 4 of the past 5 fights, all via KO/TKO, with 3 wins. His only fight to go the distance was a split-decision loss at UFC 272 to Negumereanu.

Cutelaba limps in on a 2-bout losing streak, getting submitted in the 1st round in each fight. His last victory was against Devin Clark via unanimous decision in mid-Sept. 2021.

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UFC Fight Night 215: Nzechukwu vs. Cutelaba odds

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 3:59 a.m. ET.

  • Fight result (2-way line): Nzechukwu -175 (bet $175 to win $100) | Cutelaba +150 (bet $100 to win $150)
  • Over/Under: 1.5 rounds (Over -140 | Under -102)
  • Fight to go distance: Yes (+210) | No (-320)

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UFC Fight Night 215: Nzechukwu vs. Cutelaba picks and predictions

Records: Nzechukwu (10-3-0) | Cutelaba (18-6-1)

Fight result (2-way line or moneyline)

NZECHUKWU (-175) is a moderate favorite, and a little pricey, but he is a strong play on the 2-way line since Cutelaba has struggled lately.

Cutelaba heads into this bout on a 1-4-1 skid across his past 6 fights, including 2 submission losses and 2 KO/TKO setbacks. His only win was against Clark, with a draw against Justin Jacoby.

The 30-year-old Nzechukwu has been a little more consistent, going 4-2 across the past 6 fights. He holds an 8-inch reach advantage, so he’ll be able to hold Cutelaba at a distance, moving in and out at his leisure, picking and choosing his spots, while avoiding the big shots from the challenger.

NZECHUKWU BY KO/TKO (+120) at plus money is also a good value, as Cutelaba just cannot be trusted to pull out of his nosedive.

Over/Under (O/U)

No (-320): Fight to go the distance will cost you more than 3 times your potential return. That’s terribly costly.

I do like OVER 1.5 ROUNDS (-140), as I think Cutelaba is veteran enough to where he’ll be able to hang around and make Nzechukwu work for it. Eventually, though, this fight ends with Cutelaba on his back, shaking off the cobwebs after another knockout loss.

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UFC Fight Night 215: Derrick Lewis vs. Serghei Spivac odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s UFC Fight Night 215 odds and lines between Derrick Lewis and Serghei Spivac, with MMA picks, tips and predictions.

In a heavyweight bout in the main event, Derrick Lewis and Serghei Spivac meet Saturday at UFC Fight Night 215 at the UFC’s APEX Facility in Las Vegas. Let’s analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the UFC Fight Night 215: Lewis vs. Spivac odds, and make our expert picks and predictions.

The prelims begin at 1 p.m. ET on ESPN+, and the main card starts at 4 p.m. ET on ESPN+.

Lewis, a.k.a. “The Black Beast”, has dropped 3 of the past 4 fights, all via KO/TKO, starting with a tight fight loss at UFC 265 against Ciryl Gane. Each of his past 6 fights has ended via KO/TKO, in fact, with Lewis winning 3 of the outings.

Lewis has a slight 1-inch reach advantage, but Spivac has a 3.79-to-2.57 significant strikes landed per minute lead, while landing 63.61% of his significant strikes. Spivac also has an impressive 4.09 takedown average in his 9 fights since arriving at the UFC level.

Spivac has posted KO/TKO wins against Greg Hardy and Augusto Sakai, bouncing back from a 1st-round KO/TKO loss against Tom Aspinall in Sept. 2021. He has won 5 of the past 6 fights, with just 1 of his last 5 bouts going the distance.

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UFC Fight Night 215: Lewis vs. Spivac odds

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9 a.m. ET.

  • Fight result (2-way line): Lewis +165 (bet $100 to win $165) | Spivac -200 (bet $200 to win $100)
  • Over/Under: 1.5 rounds (Over -113 | Under -120)
  • Fight to go distance: Yes (+470) | No (-900)

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UFC Fight Night 215: Lewis vs. Spivac picks and predictions

Records: Lewis (26-10-0) | Spivac (15-3-0)

Fight result (2-way line or moneyline)

Spivac, a.k.a. the “Polar Bear” from Moldova, is a takedown machine. He’ll be looking to get this fight to the mat as quickly as possible. Spivac is 6-0 via submission in his 18 career pro fights, while posting 9 TKO/KO results, winning 7 of them.

However, Spivac (-200) is too expensive on the 2-way line. I don’t think he gets it done via submission, but SPIVAC BY TKO/KO (+145) is a much better play due to his punching ability. He has 4 finishes in the past 5 outings, going 3-1 via KO/TKO during the span. That makes him a good value at this price point.

Over/Under (O/U)

No (-900): Fight to go the distance is obviously way too expensive, costing you 9 times your potential return.

UNDER 1.5 ROUNDS (-120) is a good play here. Lewis is a proud veteran, but each of his past 3 fights has finished Under 1.5 rounds, and Spivac has the punching ability to make that 4 straight.

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UFC 281: Israel Adesanya vs. Alex Pereira odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s UFC 281 odds and lines between Israel Adesanya and Alex Pereira, with MMA picks, tips and predictions.

In a middleweight championship bout in the co-main event, Israel Adesanya and Alex Pereira meet Saturday at UFC 281 at Madison Square Garden in New York. Let’s analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the UFC 281: Adesanya vs. Pereira odds, and make our expert picks and predictions.

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

Adesanya defended his middleweight title with a unanimous-decision (UD) win over Jared Cannonier last time out at UFC 276 in July. It’s his third straight UD victory, with wins over Robert Whittaker and Marvin Vettori, too.

Since arriving at the UFC level, “The Last Stylebender” has managed an 11-1 record, with a lone defeat coming via UD to Jan Blachowicz when he scooted up a weight class trying to become a 2-class champ.

The 33-year-old switch-stance fighter looks to drop Pereira, who has been on the fast track for a title shot.

Pereira is 3-0 since arriving at the UFC level, recording two KO/TKO wins and a UD over fellow Brazilian Bruno Silva. Last time out, Pereira destroyed Sean Strickland via 1st-round KO/TKO at UFC 276.

Adesanya has a 1-inch reach advantage, while Pereira has a 6.29-to-3.93 significant strikes landed per minute advantage in his brief time at the UFC level.

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UFC 281: Adesanya vs. Pereira odds

Odds provided by Tipico 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): Adesanya -230 (bet $230 to win $100) | Pereira +175 (bet $100 to win $175)
  • Over/Under: 4.5 rounds (Over -127 | Under -107)
  • Fight to go distance: Yes (-125) | No (-110)

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UFC 281: Adesanya vs. Pereira picks and predictions

Records: Adesanya (23-1-0) | Pereira (6-1-0)

Fight result (2-way line or moneyline)

Adesanya (-230) puts his strap on the line here, and Pereira (+175) has a chance to make history in the main event. But it isn’t happening. Not this time.

Adesanya knows what it takes to wow the judges with the technical aspects. His fights can be somewhat boring — he is like the Floyd Mayweather of the middleweight class. Adesanya doesn’t get a lot of finishes, but he outpoints fighters. He doesn’t take a lot of risks, doesn’t take a lot of unnecessary punches, and knows how to play it safe.

Look for this to be a distance-striking fight with few takedown attempts, as neither of these fighters will be eager to get to the canvas or walk into punches while upright. Pereira will play it just as safe as Adesanya here.

The best play on the board is not Adesanya on the 2-way line, but ADESANYA BY POINTS (+110) at plus money.

Over/Under (O/U)

YES: FIGHT TO GO THE DISTANCE (-125) is the play in all Adesanya fights, regardless of opponents. Neither of these fighters will be super aggressive for the knockout, or even less likely, the submission attempt.

The good news with Adesanya fights when buying a Pay-Per-View card is that you will get your money’s worth in terms of time spent watching.

Visit MMA Junkie for more fight news and analysis.

Want action on this UFC fight or any other sports matchup? Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, SportsbookWire’s official sportsbook partner in CO and NJ. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW, or try out our USA TODAY Parlay Calculator. Please gamble responsibly.

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

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