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UFC on ABC 6: Robert Whittaker vs. Ikram Aliskerov odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s UFC on ABC 6 odds between Robert Whittaker vs. Ikram Aliskerov, with MMA picks and predictions.

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In a 5-round middleweight bout in the main event, Robert Whittaker and Ikram Aliskerov meet Saturday at UFC on ABC 6 — also known as UFC Saudi Arabia — at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the UFC on ABC 6: Pavlovich vs. Volkov odds, and make our expert picks and predictions.

The prelims begin at noon ET and can be viewed on ESPN/ESPN+, while the main card starts at 3 p.m. ET on ABC/ESPN+.

Records: Whittaker (26-7-0) | Aliskerov (15-1-0)

Khamzat Chimaev was expected to face Whittaker in this main event, but Chimaev was forced to pull out due to an undisclosed health issue. In steps Aliskerov on short notice to face the former middleweight champion.

Whittaker suffered a unanimous-decision loss to Israel Adesanya at UFC 271 in Feb. 2022. It was a rematch of their fight in Oct. 2019, which resulted in a 2nd-round KO/TKO setback in another title bout.

Whittaker is just 2-2 in his past 4 bouts, with a KO/TKO loss to Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 290. He has ended up going the distance in 6 of his past 7 fights since July 25, 2020, and 8 of his past 10 bouts have needed the assistance of the judges to choose a winner.

The southpaw Aliskerov has made 2 appearances at the UFC level, winning via 1st-round KO/TKO against Phil Hawes and Warlley Alves to get on the fast track in the middleweight division. However, facing Whittaker is a huge step up in competition.

Aliskerov has a 2.5-inch reach advantage, but the former champ has tons more experience. Whittaker lands 4.57 significant strikes per minute and posts a 45.83% accuracy percentage on these strikes. He has a 38.10% takedown accuracy percentage, too, while posting a 0.81 takedown average.

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UFC on ABC 6: Whittaker vs. Aliskerov odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 3:20 a.m. ET.

  • Fight result (2-way line): Whittaker -150 (bet $150 to win $100) | Aliskerov +125 (bet $100 to win $125)
  • Over/Under: 2.5 rounds (Over -150 | Under +115)
  • Will the fight go the distance? (Yes +165 | No -225)

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UFC on ABC 6: Whittaker vs. Aliskerov picks and predictions

Fight result (2-way line or moneyline)

WHITTAKER (-150) will be able tap into his experience and wisdom at the UFC level to get the job done against Aliskerov (+125). The Russian challenger is an up-and-comer who has a bright future, but facing Whittaker will easily be his biggest challenge, and he is not quite ready.

Whittaker is not a punching machine, but he is technically superior, and he does all of the little things to keep all eyes on him, wowing the judges.

While playing Whittaker on the 2-way line is not priced out of line, going with WHITTAKER BY DECISION/TECHNICAL DECISION (+250) on the 5-way line makes for a tidy little profit if he can go the distance and win.

Over/Under (O/U)

OVER 2.5 ROUNDS (-150) is worth a look, as it is expected the favorite will win via the distance.

If you’re a little more adventurous, want some action on the fight, and do not want to declare a winner, take YES (+165): WILL FIGHT GO THE DISTANCE? at plus-money.

Visit MMA Junkie for more fight news and analysis.

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

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UFC on ABC 6: Kelvin Gastelum vs. Daniel Rodriguez odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s UFC on ABC 6 odds between Kelvin Gastelum vs. Daniel Rodriguez, with MMA picks and predictions.

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In a 3-round middleweight bout on the main card, Kelvin Gastelum and Daniel Rodriguez meet Saturday at UFC on ABC 6 — also known as UFC Saudi Arabia — at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the UFC on ABC 6: Gastelum vs. Rodriguez odds, and make our expert picks and predictions.

The prelims begin at noon ET and can be viewed on ESPN/ESPN+, while the main card starts at 3 p.m. ET on ABC/ESPN+.

Records: Gastelum (18-9-0) | Rodriguez (17-4-0)

The 32-year-old veteran Gastelum is looking to bounce back after a 3rd-round submission loss to Sean Brady last time out in early December. Prior to that, he had 4 straight unanimous decisions, with 2 wins and 2 losses in those outings. He has ended up going the distance in 7 of his past 9 bouts.

Gastelum fought Israel Adesanya for the middleweight strap in April 2019 at UFC 236, but he lost that fight, and he is now 2-6 in his past 8 fights, and simply looking to hang on with the company.

Rodriguez has dropped his past 2 fights, losing via 1st-round KO/TKO to Ian Machado Garry in May 2023 and suffering a submission loss to Neil Magny in Nov. 2022. His most recent win came via split decision against Li Jingliang at UFC 279, and he has ended up going the distance in 4 of his past 7 events.

The 37-year-old southpaw Rodriguez has an impressive 7.30 significant strikes landed per minute mark, with Gastelum checking in at just 3.55 per minute. Rodriguez is much more accurate, too, landing 51.72% of those strikes, to just 46.44% for Gastelum.

Gastelum has a 0.96-to-0.62 takedown average advantage, while Rodriguez is more accurate in that department, too, posting a 50.00% takedown accuracy percentage, to just 30.65% for the veteran Gastelum. The difference in submission average is rather negligible.

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UFC on ABC 6: Gastelum vs. Rodriguez odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 2:50 a.m. ET.

  • Fight result (2-way line): Gastelum -210 (bet $210 to win $100) | Rodriguez +175 (bet $100 to win $175)
  • Will the fight go the distance? (Yes -225 | No +165)

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UFC on ABC 6: Gastelum vs. Rodriguez picks and predictions

Fight result (2-way line or moneyline)

Backing Gastelum (-210) straight up will set you back more than 2 times your potential return. That’s risky because it is so expensive, and because the veteran has won just 2 times in the past 8 bouts.

Rodriguez (+175) is tempting at this price based on his tremendous significant strikes advantage, both in frequency and accuracy. However, he has fought a lot of tomato cans in his UFC career, and he has wilted against some of the better competition.

With both of these fighters going the distance so frequently, GASTELUM BY DECISION (+100) on the 5-way or 7-way line at even-money is a much better value. Of course, if he scores a KO/TKO or submission win, you do not cash, so be careful.

Over/Under (O/U)

Yes (-225): Will the fight go the distance? sets your back more than 2 times. That’s super expensive, so PASS on that as a straight up wager.

However, it isn’t a bad idea to toss in YES (-225) as part of a multi-leg parlay.

Visit MMA Junkie for more fight news and analysis.

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

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UFC on ABC 6: Sergei Pavlovich vs. Alexander Volkov odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s UFC on ABC 6 odds between Sergei Pavlovich vs. Alexander Volkov, with MMA picks and predictions.

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In a 3-round heavyweight bout on the main card, Sergei Pavlovich and Alexander Volkov meet Saturday at UFC on ABC 6 — also known as UFC Saudi Arabia — at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the UFC on ABC 6: Pavlovich vs. Volkov odds, and make our expert picks and predictions.

The prelims begin at noon ET and can be viewed on ESPN/ESPN+, while the main card starts at 3 p.m. ET on ABC/ESPN+.

Records: Pavlovich (18-2-0) | Volkov (37-10-0)

The 32-year-old Pavlovich made his first attempt for the heavyweight championship belt against Tom Aspinall at UFC 295 in mid-November 2023, but he was knocked out in Round 1 by the Englishman. In fact, all 8 of his fights at the UFC level have resulted in KO/TKO, each in Round 1, with 6 victories and 2 setbacks.

The veteran Volkov streaks in with 3 straight victories, all with a finish. He submitted Tai Tuivasa in Round 2 at UFC 293 last time out in Sept. 2023, while posting a pair of Round 1 KO/TKO wins over Alexandr Romanov and Jairzinho Rozenstruik since June 2022. His last loss came against Aspinall in the main event March 19, 2022.

Each of Volkov’s past 4 fights have finished inside the distance, while Pavlovich hasn’t had a decision since winning the belt at FNG: Fight Nights Global 68 against Mikhail Mokhnatkin in June 2017.

Pavlovich holds a 4-inch reach advantage, and the southpaw has an 8.21-to-5.10 significant strikes landed per minute advantage. Volkov is much more accurate with those strikes at 62.16%, while Pavlovich lands just 49.51% of those strikes.

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UFC on ABC 6: Pavlovich vs. Volkov odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 2:22 a.m. ET.

  • Fight result (2-way line): Pavlovich -250 (bet $250 to win $100) | Volkov +195 (bet $100 to win $195)
  • Over/Under: 1.5 rounds (Over +120 | Under -160)
  • Will the fight go the distance? (Yes -225 | No +165)

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UFC on ABC 6: Pavlovich vs. Volkov picks and predictions

Fight result (2-way line or moneyline)

Pavlovich (-250) will set you back 2½ times your potential return, and that’s too much risk for not enough reward in this battle of Russian fighters.

The veteran Volkov (+195) is tempting at this price for the chance to nearly double up. However, in this battle of Russian fighters, Pavlovich should use his tremendous reach advantage to push and pull Volkov out at his leisure, picking and choosing his spots to deliver blows, before backing it out and keeping himself from incurring a lot of unnecessary damage.

Let’s get a little more specific. PAVLOVICH IN ROUND 1 (+100) at even-money is a strong play in the round betting department. He hasn’t been past the 4:21 mark of Round 1 in any of his 8 bouts, and that happened in his UFC debut back in Nov. 2018 against veteran Alistair Overeem.

Over/Under (O/U)

UNDER 1.5 ROUNDS (-160) has a rather moderate price tag, but it’s worth playing. Pavlovich has never been to Round 2 at the UFC level, and this bet could see this fight end at 2:30 of Round 2 or earlier and still cash.

No (-450): Will the fight go the distance? is not a recommended play, as you must risk 4½ times your potential return. That’s way too much risk, and you likely won’t be able to fold it into a multi-leg parlay to mitigate the risk.

Visit MMA Junkie for more fight news and analysis.

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

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

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UFC on ESPN 58: Timmy Cuamba vs. Lucas Almeida odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s UFC on ESPN 58 odds between Timmy Cuamba vs. Lucas Almeida, with MMA picks and predictions.

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In a 3-round featherweight bout on the main card, Timmy Cuamba and Lucas Almeida meet Saturday at UFC on ESPN 58 — also known as UFC Vegas 93 — at the UFC’s Apex Facility in Las Vegas. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the UFC on ESPN 58: Cuamba vs. Almeida odds, and make our expert picks and predictions.

The prelims begin at 7 p.m. ET and can be viewed on ESPN2/ESPN+, while the main card starts at 10 p.m. ET on ESPN2/ESPN+.

Records: Cuamba (8-2-0) | Almeida (14-3-0)

The 25-year-old prospect Cuamba made his UFC debut with a split-decision loss Feb. 10 against Bolaji Oki, so he is still looking for his first company win.

Team Kioshi fighter Almeida has dropped the past 2 fights, with Andre Fili getting knocked out in Round 1 at UFC 296 last time out and a Round 2 submission setback to Pat Sabatini prior to that. Almeida’s most recent win came via KO/TKO against Michael Trizano in June 2022, so it’s been a minute.

Almeida has managed a 5.05 significant strikes landed per minute mark while landing 52.33% of those strikes.

Cuamba ended up with just 2.53 significant strikes landed per minute in his fight against Oki while posting a dismal 35.43% accuracy on those strikes, so he has plenty of work to do.

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UFC on ESPN 58: Cuamba vs. Almeida odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:33 a.m. ET.

  • Fight result (2-way line): Cuamba -200 (bet $200 to win $100) | Almeida +165 (bet $100 to win $165)
  • Over/Under: 2.5 rounds (Over +110 | Under -145)
  • Will the fight go the distance? (Yes +150 | No -210)

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UFC on ESPN 58: Cuamba vs. Almeida picks and predictions

Fight result (2-way line or moneyline)

Cuamba (-200) will cost you 2 times your potential return, and that’s too much risk for not enough reward. While Almeida (+165) has dropped 2 fights in a row, and he has just 1 win at the UFC level, Cuamba is still too risky of a play straight up.

Instead, let’s consider CUAMBA BY POINTS (+200) for the chance to double up. We have 2 young fighters in desperate need of a victory. Cuamba cannot afford going 0-2 in his first 2 UFC fights, while Almeida is staring at a 3-bout losing skid and short stay with the company. Both fighters will be desperate, yet they’ll also be playing it rather close to the vest, too.

Over/Under (O/U)

YES (+150): WILL THE FIGHT GO THE DISTANCE? is a strong play at plus-money.

OVER 2.5 ROUNDS (+110) is also a value play if you’d like a little wiggle room in the event of a late Round 3 finish.

Cuamba went the distance in his only UFC fight to date, and he has ended up going the distance 5 times in his past 9 pro bouts across all formats.

Almeida hasn’t gone the distance in 3 fights at the UFC level; he did need 3 rounds against Trizano.

Visit MMA Junkie for more fight news and analysis.

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

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

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UFC on ESPN 58: Douglas Silva de Andrade vs. Miles Johns odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s UFC on ESPN 58 odds between Alex Perez and Tatsuro Taira, with MMA picks and predictions.

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In a 3-round bantamweight bout on the main card, Douglas Silva de Andrade and Miles Johns meet Saturday at UFC on ESPN 58 — also known as UFC Vegas 93 — at the UFC’s Apex Facility in Las Vegas. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the UFC on ESPN 58: Silva de Andrade vs. Johns odds, and make our expert picks and predictions.

The prelims begin at 7 p.m. ET and can be viewed on ESPN2/ESPN+, while the main card starts at 10 p.m. ET on ESPN2/ESPN+.

Records: Silva de Andrade (29-5-0) | Johns (14-2-0)

Silva de Andrade picked up a unanimous-decision win over Cody Stamann last time out May 13, 2023. He has ended up going the distance in 4 of his past 6 bouts, with the exception being a submission win over Sergey Morozov at UFC 271 in Feb. 2022, and a 1st-round KO/TKO against Gaetano Pirrello in Oct. 2021.

The 30-year-old Johns, fighting for Team Marathon MMA, has 2 unanimous-decisions wins sandwiching a no contest against Dan Argueta in the past 3 bouts. He had a UD win against Cody Gibson in his most recent showing in late March.

The 38-year-old Brazilian fighter, Silva de Andrade holds a 2.5-inch reach advantage over Johns. He also has a slight 3.66-to-3.28 significant strikes landed per minute advantage. Johns is much more accurate on those strikes, however, posting a 52.92% mark, while Silva de Andrade lands at just 42.63%.

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UFC on ESPN 58: Silva de Andrade vs. Johns odds

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

  • Fight result (2-way line): Silva de Andrade +120 (bet $100 to win $120) | Johns -145 (bet $145 to win $100)
  • Will the fight go the distance? (Yes -150 | No +110)

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UFC on ESPN 58: Silva de Andrade vs. Johns picks and predictions

Fight result (2-way line or moneyline)

There is concern backing SILVA DE ANDRADE (+120) as the slight underdog. There could be some rust, as he makes his return after a 13-month layoff, and there are concerns about his cardio. But the good news is that this is just a 3-round bout, and not one of the 5-round variety.

Johns (-145) has won via unanimous decision in his past 2 victories, and he hasn’t lost since Feb. 5, 2022. However, Silva de Andrade is a big step up in competition, and Johns could find himself overwhelmed against the wily veteran.

Over/Under (O/U)

YES (-150): WILL THE FIGHT GO THE DISTANCE? is the recommended play.

Johns has gone the distance in each of his past 3 fights, with 2 unanimous-decision wins and the no contest against Argueta.

For Silva de Andrade, he has gone the distance in 2 in a row and 4 of the past 6 fights.

Since we’re picking the Brazilian veteran, it’s a good idea to also go with SILVA DE ANDRADE BY DECISION (+325) for a chance to more than triple up.

Visit MMA Junkie for more fight news and analysis.

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

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

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UFC on ESPN 58: Alex Perez vs. Tatsuro Taira odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s UFC on ESPN 58 odds between Alex Perez and Tatsuro Taira, with MMA picks and predictions.

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In a 5-round flyweight bout in the main event, Alex Perez and Tatsuro Taira meet Saturday at UFC on ESPN 58 — also known as UFC Vegas 93 — at the UFC’s Apex Facility in Las Vegas. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the UFC on ESPN 58: Perez vs. Tatsuro odds, and make our expert picks and predictions.

The prelims begin at 7 p.m. ET and can be viewed on ESPN2/ESPN+, while the main card starts at 10 p.m. ET on ESPN2/ESPN+.

Records: Perez (25-8-0) | Tatsuro (15-0-0)

The 32-year-old Perez fights in his 2nd consecutive main event since battling for the flyweight title against Deiveson Figueiredo at UFC 255. Perez lost that fight in Round 1 via submission, and he has dropped 3 of the past 4 fights total. He did snap a 3-bout skid with a 2nd-round KO/TKO last time out in a main event against Matheus Nicolau in late April.

Taira has won all 5 of his fights since arriving at the UFC level in May 2022. That includes a 2nd-round KO/TKO win over Carlos Hernandez last time out. He has had finishes in 3 of his past 4 fights, with the KO/TKO and 2 submission victories, while posting a unanimous-decision win over Edgar Chairez at UFC 290.

Taira holds a 4.5-inch reach advantage, while Perez has a slight 4.10-to-3.51 significant strikes landed per minute advantage. Taira is far more accurate at 74.17% with those strikes, while Perez checks in at just 54.41%. Both are decent on the takedown, posting similar numbers, but Taira has a 2.42 submission average, so it might behoove Perez to avoid going to the mat.

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UFC on ESPN 58: Perez vs. Taira odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:40 a.m. ET.

  • Fight result (2-way line): Perez +165 (bet $100 to win $165) | Taira -200 (bet $200 to win $100)
  • Over/Under: 2.5 rounds (Over -145 | Under +110)
  • Will the fight go the distance? (Yes +180 | No -250)

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UFC on ESPN 58: Perez vs. Taira picks and predictions

Fight result (2-way line or moneyline)

Taira (-200) heads into this one having already cracked the top 15 among flyweights, and he has designs of much bigger things. The prospect is on the fast track, and a win over a previous contender like Perez would be a nice resume builder. However, risking 2 times your potential return is not a recommended wager.

Perez (+165) is a tempting play, as he is ranked No. 5 among the flyweights and still a very dangerous fighter. The key for Perez will be to avoid going to the canvas, where Taira is a beast in the submission game. Perez has an 82% takedown defense, so he’ll do his best to remain upright. He also has a 59% striking defense, and he has the experience to deal Taira his 1st loss at the UFC level.

However, Perez has lost via submission twice in the past 4 fights, while the favorite has 2 wins via submission in the past 4 outings. It might not be quick, but TAIRA BY KO/TKO, DQ OR SUBMISSION (+100) on the 5-way line at even-money is a strong play.

Over/Under (O/U)

OVER 2.5 ROUNDS (-145) is a strong play. The wily veteran Perez won’t let Taira catch him with a knockout blow, and the only way this fight ends earlier than the middle of Round 3 is if Perez ends up going to the canvas, falling into the dangerous web of Taira, who is tremendous in the rear-naked choke and triangle choke.

Taira has ended up going the distance twice in 5 fights since arriving at the UFC level, while Perez went the distance in early March in a unanimous-decision loss to Muhammad Mokaev.

However, while I think this fight can go past the midway point of Round 3, it isn’t likely to go the distance.

Visit MMA Junkie for more fight news and analysis.

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

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UFC on ESPN 57: Dominick Reyes vs. Dustin Jacoby odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s UFC on ESPN 57 odds between Dominick Reyes and Dustin Jacoby, with MMA picks and predictions.

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In a 3-round light heavyweight bout on the main card, Dominick Reyes and Dustin Jacoby meet Saturday at UFC on ESPN 57 — also known as UFC Louisville — at the KFC Yum! Center in Louisville. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the UFC on ESPN 57: Reyes vs. Jacoby odds, and make our expert picks and predictions.

The prelims begin at 5 p.m. ET and can be viewed on ESPN+, while the main card starts at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN/ESPN+.

Records: Reyes (12-4-0) | Jacoby (19-8-1)

These 2 fighters are both skidding hard and in need of a victory. Reyes enters with 3 consecutive KO/TKO losses since a unanimous-decision setback to Jon Jones at UFC 247 in Feb. 2020. His last win came Oct. 18, 2019, against Chris Weidman in a Fight Night main event, so, yeah, it’s been a minute.

Reyes has ended up going the distance just once in the past 5 fights, and he hasn’t been out of the 2nd round in 3 straight outings.

Jacoby hasn’t been much better, as he has lost 3 of his past 4 fights, with only an 82-second KO/TKO of Kennedy Nzechukwu to show for his efforts. He has ended up going the distance in 3 of his past 4 fights and 5 of his previous 7 outings.

Reyes has a slight 1-inch height advantage and a 1-inch reach advantage. The southpaw Reyes has a 51.49% mark in significant strikes accuracy percentage, but Jacoby has 5.53 significant strikes landed per minute to just 4.75 for the veteran Reyes.

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UFC on ESPN 57: Reyes vs. Jacoby odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:36 a.m. ET.

  • Fight result (2-way line): Reyes +200 (bet $100 to win $200) | Jacoby -250 (bet $250 to win $100)
  • Over/Under: 1.5 rounds (Over -175 | Under +130)
  • Will the fight go the distance? (Yes +160 | No -225)

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UFC on ESPN 57: Reyes vs. Jacoby picks and predictions

Fight result (2-way line or moneyline)

Both of these fighters need a win to get back on track. Jacoby (-250) is a good bet to get it done, but not if you have to risk 2½ times your potential return. Let’s get a little more specific.

Reyes (+200) can’t be trusted. He has lost 4 straight fights, including 3 via KO/TKO. A spinning backfist against Jiri Prochazka earned Reyes a 6-month medical suspension. He just hasn’t been the same since his loss to Bones.

With 3 straight KO/TKO losses, JACOBY BY KO/TKO OR DQ (+100) at even-money on the 7-way Method of Victory is your best bet.

Over/Under (O/U)

Over 1.5 Rounds (-175) isn’t necessarily priced out of line, but Reyes made it just 80 seconds last time out, and that raises a red flag. And Jacoby has had a pair of 1st-round KO/TKO wins in his previous 5 outings, so it could easily finish well ahead of the middle of Round 2.

No (-225): Will the fight go the distance? is too much risk for not enough reward, either.

If you want to take a chance on a big pay day, JACOBY TO WIN IN 60 SECONDS OR LESS (+1100) is worth a look. Heck, just put $5 or $10 on it, and it is still a nice little chunk of change.

Visit MMA Junkie for more fight news and analysis.

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

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

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UFC on ESPN 57: Jared Cannonier vs. Nassourdine Imavov odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s UFC on ESPN 57 odds between Jared Cannonier vs. Nassourdine Imavov, with MMA picks and predictions.

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In a 5-round middleweight bout in the main event, Jared Cannonier and Nassourdine Imavov meet Saturday at UFC on ESPN 57 — also known as UFC Louisville — at the KFC Yum! Center in Louisville, Ky. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the UFC on ESPN 57: Cannonier vs. Imavov odds, and make our expert picks and predictions.

The prelims begin at 5 p.m. ET and can be viewed on ESPN+, while the main card starts at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN/ESPN+.

Records: Cannonier (17-6-0) | Imavov (13-4-0)

The 40-year-old Cannonier isn’t going quietly out to pasture. Since losing via unanimous decision to Israel Adesanya for the title at UFC 276, he stopped Sean Strickland via split-decision in a mid-December main event, and he posted a unanimous-decision win over Marvin Vettori in another main event in mid-June. If “The Killa Gorilla” can get the win here, he might position himself for one final title shot before he rides off into the sunset.

Imavov might have other plans, though. He posted a majority-decision win over Roman Dolidze last time out in a main event, making up for a no contest against Chris Curtis at UFC 289, and a unanimous-decision loss to Sean Strickland in his first-ever main event Jan. 14, 2023.

Imavov stands 4 inches taller than the underdog, while Cannonier has a 2.5-inch reach advantage. The difference in significant strikes landed per minute is rather negligible, as Cannonier holds a slight 4.68-to-4.53 advantage. Imavov is a little more accurate at 57.84%, to 55.31% for the veteran.

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UFC on ESPN 57: Cannonier vs. Imavov odds

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

  • Fight result (2-way line): Cannonier +100 (bet $100 to win $100) | Imavov -120 (bet $120 to win $100)
  • Over/Under: 3.5 rounds (Over -200 | Under +150)
  • Will the fight go the distance? (Yes -135 | No +100)

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UFC on ESPN 57: Cannonier vs. Imavov picks and predictions

Fight result (2-way line or moneyline)

CANNONIER (+100) is not quite done yet. He heads into this one on a roll, showing he can still take down the top talent in the division.

Imavov (-120) was topped by Strickland, losing via unanimous decision, while Cannonier picked up the split-decision victory against him. That’s a recent common opponent, and it’s important.

Cannonier has ended up going the distance in each of his past 3 fights, too, while needing the judges in 5 of the past 6. Imavov has had just the no contest to Curtis at UFC 289 surrounded by 3 decisions.

If you agree, and like the slight underdog to win, you should also like CANNONIER BY DECISION (+225) for a chance to more than double up.

Over/Under (O/U)

Over 3.5 Rounds (-200) is a little on the pricey side, costing you twice as much as your potential return. If you toss that into a multi-leg parlay, it isn’t so bad, but as a standalone wager, it isn’t recommended.

Instead, simply play YES: WILL THE FIGHT GO THE DISTANCE? (-135) for a much better price.

Again, Cannonier has ended up going the distance in 5 of his past 6 fights, while Imavov has gone the distance 3 times in the past 4 outings.

Visit MMA Junkie for more fight news and analysis.

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

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

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UFC 302: Kevin Holland vs. Michal Oleksiejczuk odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s UFC 302 odds between Kevin Holland vs. Michal Oleksiejczuk, with MMA picks and predictions.

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In a 3-round middleweight bout on the main card, Kevin Holland and Michal Oleksiejczuk meet Saturday at UFC 302 at the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the UFC 302: Holland vs. Oleksiejczuk odds, and make our expert picks and predictions.

The early prelims begin at 6 p.m. ET and can be viewed or streamed on ESPN+. The prelims begin at 8 p.m. ET and can be viewed or streamed on ESPN2/ESPN+, while the main card starts at 10 p.m. ET on Pay-Per-View.

Records: Holland (25-11-0) | Oleksiejczuk (19-7-0)

Holland heads into this bout with 2 straight losses via decision, falling by unanimous decision to Michael Page at UFC 299 in his most recent fight. He also dropped a split-decision bout against Jack Della Maddalena at Noche UFC in Sept. 2023. Holland’s last victory came when he submitted Michael Chiesa at UFC 291 in July 2023.

Oleksiejczuk suffered a Round 1 submission loss to Michel Pereira at UFC 299, losing in just 61 seconds. He has dropped 2 of his past 3 fights, getting submitted in each of those setbacks.

The favorite, Holland, takes the walk to the octagon while holding a 7-inch reach advantage. While Oleksiejczuk has a slight 5.06-to-4.24 significant strikes landed per minute advantage, Holland is much more accurate on those strikes at 61.31%, to just 55.71% for the Polish challenger.

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UFC 302: Holland vs. Oleksiejczuk odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:47 a.m. ET.

  • Fight result (2-way line): Holland -300 (bet $300 to win $100) | Oleksiejczuk +240 (bet $100 to win $240)
  • Over/Under: 1.5 rounds (Over -150 | Under +110)
  • Will the fight go the distance? (Yes +180 | No -250)

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UFC 302: Holland vs. Oleksiejczuk picks and predictions

Fight result (2-way line or moneyline)

Holland (-300) is a little too pricey, costing you 3 times your potential return on the 2-way line. Instead, let’s get a little more specific.

If you simply want to take HOLLAND BY KO/TKO, DQ OR SUBMISSION (-125), getting the finish via any method possible, it isn’t a terrible play. However, he tapped Chiesa at UFC 291, while Oleksiejczuk (+240) has lost via submission in his past 2 setbacks.

If you’re a little more adventurous, HOLLAND BY SUBMISSION (+250) on the 7-way method of victory line is a tempting play for the chance to multiply up by 2½ times.

Over/Under (O/U)

No: Will the fight go the distance? (-250) will cost you 2½ times your potential return, which is way too much risk and not nearly enough value.

UNDER 1.5 ROUNDS (+110) at plus-money is a strong play, though. Oleksiejczuk has managed to get out of Round 1 just once in the past 5 fights, a 2nd-round submission loss to Caio Borralho in April 2023.

In Oleksiejczuk’s past 12 fights, he has failed to get to Round 2 on 8 separate occasions.

Visit MMA Junkie for more fight news and analysis.

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

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

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UFC 302: Sean Strickland vs. Paulo Costa odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s UFC 302 odds between Sean Strickland vs. Paulo Costa, with MMA picks and predictions.

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In a 5-round middleweight bout on the main card, Sean Strickland and Paulo Costa meet Saturday at UFC 302 at the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the UFC 302: Strickland vs. Costa odds, and make our expert picks and predictions.

The early prelims begin at 6 p.m. ET and can be viewed or streamed on ESPN+. The prelims begin at 8 p.m. ET and can be viewed or streamed on ESPN2/ESPN+, while the main card starts at 10 p.m. ET on Pay-Per-View.

Records: Strickland (28-6-0) | Costa (14-3-0)

Strickland was on the short end in a split-decision title bout loss at UFC 297 against Dricus Du Plessis in late January. It was his first title defense after topping Israel Adesanya via unanimous decision at UFC 293 to secure the strap for the first time in his career.

He is still 3-3 in the past 6 fights with a 1-1 mark via KO/TKO, 2 wins via decision, and 2 losses by decision. He hasn’t been involved in a submission since winning his company debut back in March 2014 against Bubba McDaniel at UFC 171.

Costa suffered a unanimous-decision loss to Robert Whittaker at UFC 298, and he has dropped 3 of the past 4 fights.

Since arriving at the UFC level in March 2017, he has 4 wins and a loss via KO/TKO while going 2-2 in 4 decisions. Like his counterpart, Costa hasn’t been involved in a submission since topping Eduardo Ramon at JF: Jungle Fight 87 in May 2016.

Strickland holds a 4-inch reach advantage over Costa. The latter has a slight 6.20-to-5.91 significant strikes landed per minute advantage while he is much more accurate at 59.88%, to just 43.77% on those strikes for Strickland.

However, Strickland does have a 0.85 takedown average and 64.29% takedown accuracy percentage.

Watch this card with ESPN+ by signing up here.

UFC 302: Strickland vs. Costa odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:32 a.m. ET.

  • Fight result (2-way line): Strickland -250 (bet $250 to win $100) | Costa +200 (bet $100 to win $200)
  • Over/Under: 3.5 rounds (Over -155 | Under +115)
  • Will the fight go the distance? (Yes +110 | No -150)

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UFC 302: Strickland vs. Costa picks and predictions

Fight result (2-way line or moneyline)

Strickland (-250) is quite expensive straight up, costing you 2½ times your potential return. That’s way too much risk for not nearly enough reward.

Instead, let’s get a little more specific. Strickland has ended up going the distance in 3 of his past 4 fights and 7 of his past 9 bouts since May 2021.

Looking to STRICKLAND BY DECISION (+150) at plus-money is a much stronger play.

Over/Under (O/U)

If you don’t want to declare a winner but want action on the fight, playing DECISION (+110) for the “How Fight Will End” prop is the way to go, or simply the YES (+110): WILL FIGHT GO THE DISTANCE? prop.

If you’re a little more on the conservative side and you’d like some wiggle room, take a look at OVER 3.5 ROUNDS (-155). If there is a finish in the 2nd half of Round 4, or into Round 5, you’d still have a winning ticket.

Visit MMA Junkie for more fight news and analysis.

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

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

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