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UFC 281: Carla Esparza vs. Zhang Weili odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s UFC 281 odds and lines between Carla Esparza and Zhang Weili, with MMA picks, tips and predictions.

In a women’s strawweight championship bout in the co-main event, Carla Esparza and Zhang Weili meet Saturday at UFC 281 at Madison Square Garden in New York. Let’s analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the UFC 281: Esparza vs. Zhang 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.

Esparza has picked up victories in 6 straight fights, including a split-decision victory over Rose Namajunas at UFC 274 as “Cookie Monster” earned the women’s strawweight strap for the first time.

In the past 6 fights, Esparza has just 1 finish, a KO/TKO win over Yan Xiaonan in late May 2021. Oddly enough, 3 of the wins were via split decision, including the win over Namajunas, with one majority decision and a unanimous decision against Virna Jandiroba in April 2019.

Zhang knocked out Joanna Jedrzejczyk with a Round 2 KO/TKO at UFC 275 in June, bouncing back after a pair of losses to Namajunas. The knockout prompted Joanna to lay down her gloves and retire in the octagon.

Zhang went the distance in 3 of the past 7 fights, with a split-decision loss to Namajunas as the most recent decision.

The Chinese fighter has the punching power to cut Esparza’s night very short. Zhang has a 5.78-to-2.20 significant strikes landed per minute advantage, while Esparza has the advantage in the takedown average lead. Zhang will look to keep this an upright brawl, while Esparza’s best chance is to get this to the canvas.

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UFC 281: Esparza vs. Zhang odds

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:38 a.m. ET.

  • Fight result (2-way line): Esparza +270 (bet $100 to win $270) | Zhang -380 (bet $380 to win $100)
  • Over/Under: 4.5 rounds (Over +102 | Under -140)
  • Fight to go distance: Yes (+105) | No (-145)

Claim your risk-free bet up to $350. Catch the excitement and start betting with Tipico Sportsbook! New customer offer in CO and NJ. 21+, see Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. Bet now!

UFC 281: Esparza vs. Zhang picks and predictions

Records: Esparza (20-6-0) | Zhang (22-3-0)

Fight result (2-way line or moneyline)

Zhang (-380) will cost you over 3 1/2 times your potential return if you believe she is going to snag the title strap from Esparza. While I agree Zhang is going to pick up the win here, betting the 2-way line straight up is too risky.

Esparza isn’t going to give up her belt easily. She makes everyone work for it, going the distance in 5 of the past 6 fights and 10 of the past 12.

ZHANG BY POINTS (+210) for the chance to double up is the best play on the board in this fight as long as Esparza can avoid the big punch knockout.

Over/Under (O/U)

OVER 4.5 ROUNDS (+102) is a decent play at plus money, and better than Yes (+105): Fight to go the distance if you don’t want to declare a winner, and want a little wiggle room. Either of these wagers is good, though, as Esparza goes the distance frequently and this will be no exception.

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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 281: Dustin Poirier vs. Michael Chandler odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s UFC 281 odds and lines between Dustin Poirier and Michael Chandler, with MMA picks, tips and predictions.

In a lightweight bout on the main card, Dustin Poirier and Michael Chandler meet Saturday at UFC 281 at Madison Square Garden in New York. Let’s analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the UFC 281: Poirier vs. Chandler 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.

Poirier is looking to bounce back after getting submitted by Charles Oliveira in a tight fight at UFC 269 in mid-Dec last time out. Each of his past 3 fights has finished inside the distance, and he has 8 stoppages in his last 10 outings overall.

Poirier has a slight 1-inch height advantage and a half-inch reach advantage. It’s fairly even in the significant strikes department, with Poirier holding a small 5.61-to-5.17 significant strikes landed per minute advantage.

Chandler knocked out Tony Ferguson early in Round 2 at UFC 274 in May, and 3 of his 4 fights at the UFC level ended via knockout, with 2 wins and 1 loss. He also has a unanimous-decision loss by Justin Gaethje at UFC 268 last Nov. during the span.

The former Bellator title holder is looking to position himself for another title shot, but he has work to do. Chandler has a slight advantage with a 1.83-to-1.44 takedown average lead, while the 2 fighters are identical with a 36.84% takedown accuracy percentage.

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UFC 281: Poirier vs. Chandler odds

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:25 a.m. ET.

  • Fight result (2-way line): Poirier -230 (bet $230 to win $100) | Chandler +175 (bet $100 to win $175)
  • Over/Under: 1.5 rounds (Over -165 | Under +120)
  • Fight to go distance: Yes (+200) | No (-290)

Claim your risk-free bet up to $350. Catch the excitement and start betting with Tipico Sportsbook! New customer offer in CO and NJ. 21+, see Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. Bet now!

UFC 281: Poirier vs. Chandler picks and predictions

Records: Poirier (28-7-0) | Chandler (23-7-0)

Fight result (2-way line or moneyline)

CHANDLER (+175) is the value play here on the 2-way line.

The former Bellator champ is a punching machine, and win or lose, his fights are must-see TV. He has been a little sloppy during his time with the UFC, stepping into the fist of Oliveira at UFC 262 and losing by unanimous-decision against Gaethje. However, Dan Hooker and Ferguson know about the punching power, with both fighters on the end of a TKO/KO loss.

The 33-year-old Poirier is going to be locked in a war, and he is going to be on the short end of yet another Chandler knockout. CHANDLER BY TKO/KO (+430) is worth a look in the method of victory section for a chance to multiply your initial wager by more than 4 times.

Over/Under (O/U)

OVER 1.5 ROUNDS (-165) is worth a roll of the dice here, despite the temptation of playing Under at plus-money.

Yes, in 3 of Chandler’s 4 fights at the UFC level, Under 1.5 Rounds has cashed. However, Poirier has managed to go Over 1.5 Rounds in 10 of his previous 11 fights. He has championship potential, and he isn’t going to go quietly into the night.

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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UFC 281: Dominick Reyes vs. Ryan Spann odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s UFC 281 odds and lines between Dominick Reyes and Ryan Spann, with MMA picks, tips and predictions.

In a light heavyweight bout on the preliminary card, Dominick Reyes and Ryan Spann meet Saturday at UFC 281 at Madison Square Garden in New York. Let’s analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the UFC 281: Reyes vs. Spann 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.

Reyes takes the walk looking to halt a 3-bout losing streak. He was knocked out in the 2nd round in the main event in May 2021 against Jiri Prochazka in his most recent appearance.

In that fight against Prochazka at UFC Vegas 25, Reyes suffered multiple injuries, including bilateral nasal bone fractures, a right displaced orbital medial wall fracture and a left displaced orbital zygomatic arch fracture.

Spann has alternated wins and losses in each of his past 5 fights, topping Ion Cutelaba last time out with a Round 1 submission. Each of his previous 4 outings has ended in the 1st round, with a win and loss by submission, and a win and loss via KO/TKO.

Spann hasn’t gone the distance since a split-decision win over “Smilin” Sam Alvey at UFC 249 on May 9, 2020. It’s his only fight in the past 7 bouts to need the judges.

Watch this card with ESPN+ by signing up here.

UFC 281: Reyes vs. Spann odds

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

  • Fight result (2-way line): Reyes -230 (bet $230 to win $100) | Spann +175 (bet $100 to win $175)
  • Over/Under: 1.5 rounds (Over -103 | Under -133)
  • Fight to go distance: Yes (+255) | No (-400)

Claim your risk-free bet up to $350. Catch the excitement and start betting with Tipico Sportsbook! New customer offer in CO and NJ. 21+, see Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. Bet now!

UFC 281: Reyes vs. Spann picks and predictions

Records: Reyes (12-3-0) | Spann (20-7-0)

Fight result (2-way line or moneyline)

The southpaw Reyes (-230) steps into the octagon with a 4.77-to-3.35 significant strikes landed per minute advantage, and he is more accurate at 51.64% to just 45.95% for Spann.

Risking more than 2 times your potential return on Reyes is a little on the expensive side. He will snap a 3-bout losing skid in this one, and he is a much better value playing REYES BY TKO/KO (+100) at even money for the method of victory.

Over/Under (O/U)

UNDER 1.5 ROUNDS (-133) is worth a look here, mainly due to the Spann factor. His past 4 fights haven’t even made it into Round 2, and 6 of his past 7 fights have cashed Under 1.5 Rounds.

Reyes will be looking to add to Spann’s misery, and he has the punching power to do so.

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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UFC 281: Brad Riddell vs. Renato Moicano odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s UFC 281 odds and lines between Brad Riddell and Renato Moicano, with MMA picks, tips and predictions.

It a lightweight bout on the preliminary card, Brad Riddell takes on Renato Moicano Saturday at UFC 281 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Let’s analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the UFC 281: Brad Riddell vs. Renato Moicano odds, and make our expert picks and predictions.

The early prelims and prelims are available on ESPN+ with the early prelims at 6 p.m. ET and the prelims at 8 p.m. ET. The main card is available via pay-per-view at 10 p.m. ET.

Riddell is coming off 2 straight losses over the last 12 months — a 3rd round knockout by Rafael Fiziev in Dec. and a 1st round guillotine choke by Jalin Turner in July. “Quake” was on a 7-fight win streak before that, including his first 4 fights in the UFC. All 4 of those UFC victories were via decision and lasted all 3 rounds.

Moicano has won 2 of his last 3 fights but is coming off a 5-round unanimous decision loss to Rafael dos Anjos at UFC 272 in March. However, it was a catchweight bout at 160 pounds that Moicano agreed to just days before the event. Moicano boasts much more experience heading into this fight, with an 8-5 record in the UFC to Riddell’s 4-2 UFC record.

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UFC 281: Riddell vs. Moicano odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:36 a.m. ET.

  • Fight result (2-way line): Riddell +102 (bet $100 to win $102) | Moicano -130 (bet $130 to win $100)
  • Over/Under: 2.5 rounds (Over -110 | Under -125)
  • Will the fight go the distance? Yes (-110) | No (-125)

Claim your risk-free bet up to $350. Catch the excitement and start betting with Tipico Sportsbook! New customer offer in CO and NJ. 21+, see Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. Bet now!

UFC 281: Riddell vs. Moicano picks and predictions

Records: Brad Riddell (10-3) | Renato Moicano (16-5-1)

Fight result (2-way line or moneyline)

The line is close as these fighters are quite evenly matched. They hold similar averages of significant strikes per minute (Riddell: 4.73; Moicano: 4.80) and takedowns per 15 minutes (Riddell: 1.85; Moicano: 1.70). The eye test shows that Riddell is more of a well-rounded striker while Moicano is a better grappler and more aggressive with shots to the head.

Riddell should try to keep this fight off the ground so he can land some technically-sound strikes and kicks on Moicano who is susceptible to eating a lot of hits. Moicano should try to out-wrestle Riddell and lock in a submission — that’s how Riddell has lost 2 of his 3 fights.

The problem for Moicano is that Riddell does have a solid takedown defense (62%) and should be able to earn the judges’ favor by landing more strikes and staying disciplined. Ultimately, I see this as a win for RIDDELL (+102) who could take this bout all 3 rounds and pick up a unanimous decision win.

Over/Under (O/U)

Five of Riddell’s last 7 fights went the distance and were all decision victories — 4 of them were unanimous. With Riddell looking to stand up and avoid submissions and Moicano never winning a fight by knockout, it seems likely this will last all 3 rounds.

Bet OVER 2.5 ROUNDS (-110).

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 Wesley Roesch on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and us on Facebook.

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UFC 281: Dan Hooker vs. Claudio Puelles odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s UFC 281 odds and lines between Dan Hooker and Claudio Puelles, with MMA picks, tips and predictions.

It a lightweight bout on the main card, Dan Hooker will face Claudio Puelles on Saturday at UFC 281 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Let’s analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the UFC 281: Dan Hooker vs. Claudio Puelles odds, and make our expert picks and predictions.

The early prelims and prelims are available on ESPN+ with the early prelims at 6 p.m. ET and the prelims at 8 p.m. ET. The main card is available via pay-per-view at 10 p.m. ET.

Hooker looks to get back on track after dropping 4 of his last 5 fights. He’s bounced between featherweight and lightweight in his career and lost his last fight by 1st round TKO to Arnold Allen in March. Hooker’s last 3 losses all came in the 1st round.

Puelles is coming off a 1st-round submission victory over Clay Guida which earned him Performance of the Night at UFC Fight Night 205 in April. Puelles is currently on a 5-bout win streak, with 4 of those victories coming in the 3rd round. Seven of Puelles’ wins have been by submission — he’s won with his deadly kneebar in 3 of his 6 fights in the UFC.

Watch this card with ESPN+ by signing up here.

UFC 281: Hooker vs. Puelles odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 4 p.m. ET.

  • Fight result (2-way line): Hooker -165 (bet $165 to win $100) | Puelles +130 (bet $100 to win $130)
  • Over/Under: 2.5 rounds (Over +110 | Under -150)
  • Will the fight go the distance? Yes (+135) | No (-190)

Claim your risk-free bet up to $350. Catch the excitement and start betting with Tipico Sportsbook! New customer offer in CO and NJ. 21+, see Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. Bet now!

UFC 281: Hooker vs. Puelles picks and predictions

Records: Dan Hooker (21-12) | Claudio Puelles (13-2)

Fight result (2-way line or moneyline)

This is a tough matchup because Hooker’s recent string of losses came against a higher level of competition than Puelles’ recent wins. Hooker’s experience and striking ability (4.91 strikes landed per minute to 1.99 by Puelles) give him an edge over Puelles in the striking game, while Puelles’ quickness and aptitude for squeezing in submissions make him a wild card that’s tough to bet against.

This fight will come down to whether Puelles can get Hooker on the ground and keep him off guard with strikes and sneaky submission attempts. The last 4.5 years have shown us that Puelles can do that, so I’d lean toward PUELLES (+130) to capture the win by submission and climb the UFC’s lightweight ranks.

Over/Under (O/U)

Puelles has a tendency to struggle early before catching his opponents in a submission for the win. With that in mind, it’s difficult to say in which round he’ll pull that off against Hooker. That’s why it’s best to AVOID the Over/Under for this bout.

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 Wesley Roesch on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and us on Facebook.

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UFC 281: Frankie Edgar vs. Chris Gutierrez odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s UFC 281 odds and lines between Frankie Edgar and Chris Gutierrez, with MMA picks, tips and predictions.

In a bantamweight bout on the main card, Frankie Edgar will take on Chris Gutierrez on Saturday at UFC 281 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Let’s analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the UFC 281: Frankie Edgar vs. Chris Gutierrez odds, and make our expert picks and predictions.

The early prelims and prelims are available on ESPN+ with the early prelims at 6 p.m. ET and the prelims at 8 p.m. ET. The main card is available via pay-per-view at 10 p.m. ET.

This will be Edgar’s big sendoff as he announced that he will retire from MMA after Saturday’s fight. The 41-year-old former UFC Lightweight Champion has made quite a name for himself since joining the company in 2007. “The Answer” has dropped 4 of his last 5 fights, losing his last 2 by KO/TKO, including a 3rd round defeat to Marlon Vera at UFC 268 on Nov. 6, 2021, in his last bout. Edgar is 1-2 since making his bantamweight debut in August 2020.

Gutierrez is hitting his prime at 31 years old. “El Guapo” is 6-0-1 in his last 7 fights, winning his last bout against Danaa Batgerel by KO/TKO in March, finishing things in the 2nd round with a spinning back fist and a flurry of elbows. That win earned Gutierrez Performance of the Night accolades.

Watch this card with ESPN+ by signing up here.

UFC 281: Edgar vs. Gutierrez odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 3:30 p.m. ET.

  • Fight result (2-way line): Edgar +190 (bet $100 to win $190) | Gutierrez -250 (bet $250 to win $100)
  • Over/Under: 2.5 rounds (Over -190 | Under +135)
  • Will the fight go the distance? Yes (-145) | No (+105)

Claim your risk-free bet up to $350. Catch the excitement and start betting with Tipico Sportsbook! New customer offer in CO and NJ. 21+, see Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. Bet now!

UFC 281: Edgar vs. Gutierrez picks and predictions

Records: Edgar (23-10-1) | Gutierrez (18-3-2)

Fight result (2-way line or moneyline)

Gutierrez is 10 years younger and 3 inches taller but Edgar has much more fight experience and will give his all in his final fight. Edgar should lean on his grappling experience and try to take this fight to the mat. He boasts a takedown average of 2.3 to Gutierrez’s 0.44 average.

Gutierrez is much more refined as a striker with an impressive 59% significant striking accuracy compared to Edgar’s 41%. Gutierrez will try to keep this fight off the ground and look for holes in Edgar’s striking game to land a couple of nice blows.

In the end, Gutierrez is on a tremendous run and climbing the ranks of the UFC’s bantamweight division. While Edgar is the better grappler, Gutierrez has a pretty good takedown defense (73%) so he should be able to keep this fight standing up and control the striking game, maybe notching a TKO or KO in the process.

However, the moneyline payout on Gutierrez (-230) isn’t great, so PASS on this straight up but feel free to include it in a parlay.

Over/Under (O/U)

Four of Edgar’s last 6 fights went over 2.5 rounds while 5 of Gutierrez’s last 7 have gone over as well. Edgar’s cardio is great for his age and he’ll use that to his advantage, so it seems likely that this one will hit the 3rd round.

LEAN OVER 2.5 ROUNDS (-190).

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 Wesley Roesch on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and us on Facebook.

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