In a welterweight bout on the main card, Nick Diaz faces Robbie Lawler at UFC 266 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Below, we analyze the UFC 266: Diaz vs. Lawler odds and lines, with picks and predictions.
The card can be viewed on ESPN+ with the early prelims at 6 p.m. ET, the prelims start at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN/ESPN+ and the main card at 10 p.m. ET on Pay-Per-View.
“Ruthless” Robbie Lawler has dropped four consecutive fights, including three by unanimous-decision and one submission loss to Ben Askren, who is now fighting YouTubers. Lawler’s last victory came in July 2017 against Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone at UFC 214. Yeah, it’s been a while.
Speaking of “been a while”, Diaz last fought Jan. 31, 2015, when he faced Anderson Silva in a no-contest at UFC 183. The 38-year-old fighter, who beat Lawler via KO/TKO at UFC 47 in 2004, was suspended in 2015 for testing positive for traces of marijuana. He was eligible to return after a year and a half but chose to stay away.
UFC 266 Diaz vs. Lawler: Odds and lines
Odds via Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:45 a.m. ET.
- Fight result (2-way line): Diaz +130 (bet $100 to win $130) | Lawler -165 (bet $165 to win $100)
- Over/Under: 3.5 rounds (Over -170 | Under +122)
- Will the fight go the distance? (Yes -140 | No +102)
Play our new free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!
UFC 266 Diaz vs. Lawler: Odds, lines, predictions and picks
Records: Diaz (26-9-0) | Lawler (28-15-0)
Fight result (2-way line or money line)
LAWLER (-165) is the play here, even though that four-bout losing streak sticks out. Still, he is fighting a guy who hasn’t taken the walk to the octagon in six years, and there are reports Diaz wasn’t terribly interested in returning, but here he is.
I am a little concerned about the cardio of Diaz after such a long layoff, and even though it’s been 17 years since they previously met you know Lawler wants to even the score.
Over/Under (O/U)
NO (+102): WILL THE FIGHT GO THE DISTANCE? is the play, as I just don’t see Diaz being able to go five rounds in his return. Yes, Lawler has seen four of his past five fights go the distance, but those bouts weren’t against an aging fighter coming back after a lengthy hiatus.
In addition, playing UNDER 3.5 ROUNDS (+122) seems like a pretty strong value, too. If you want to get specific on the method of victory, playing LAWLER BY TKO/KO (+205) for a chance to double up is also worth a light bet.
Watch this card with ESPN+ by signing up here.
Visit MMA Junkie for more fight news and analysis.
For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.
Follow @WinWithJoe on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and us on Facebook.
Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage. This information is for entertainment purposes only. We make no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any content.
[lawrence-newsletter]
[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=2559]