In a middleweight fight on the main card, Jared Cannonier and Derek Brunson meet Saturday at UFC 271 at the Toyota Center in Houston. Below, we analyze the UFC 271: Cannonier vs. Brunson odds and lines, with picks and predictions.
The early prelims can be viewed on ESPN+ starting at 6 p.m. ET, followed by the prelims on ESPN/ESPN+ at 8 p.m., and then the main card on Pay-Per-View at 10 p.m. ET.
Cannonier heads into this one looking to build upon his unanimous-decision victory over Kelvin Gastelum last time out (Aug. 21, 2021). After four straight fights ended via KO/TKO for Cannonier, including three victories, the past two fights have been unanimous decisions. He has seen a big improvement in quality of opponent, and that has led to longer fights lately.
The switch-hitter Cannonier has posted 3.60 significant strikes landed per minute, while posting a 53.41 significant strikes-accuracy percentage.
Brunson will be looking to get this fight to the mat quickly, as he does his best work on the canvas. He has a 3.15 takedown average, and 34.26 takedown-accuracy percentage. In addition, he has a 0.51 submission average.
Brunson has rattled off five consecutive victories, including a submission against Darren Till in the main event Sept. 4, 2021. Three of his past five fights have ended up going the distance, however, including a unanimous-decision win over Kevin Holland March 20, 2021 in the main event.
UFC 271 Cannonier vs. Brunson: Odds and lines
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 10:36 a.m. ET.
- Fight result (2-way line): Cannonier -175 (bet $175 to win $100) | Brunson +135 (bet $100 to win $135)
- Will the fight go the distance? (Yes +122 | No -170)
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UFC 271 Cannonier vs. Brunson: Odds, lines, predictions and picks
Records: Cannonier (14-5-0) | Brunson (23-7-0)
Fight result (2-way line or money line)
BRUNSON (+135) is a good value as he looks to use the ground game to pick up the mild upset. In his past two fights against Till and Holland, he used the ground and pound to impress.
You can bet that will be the game plan from the jump here.
Cannonier is quite expensive, but if he cannot stay on his feet he’ll be in trouble. I don’t think Cannonier ends up getting choked out, but I think BRUNSON BY POINTS (+250) is the play here as he does enough technically to wow the judges and get his arm raised.
Over/Under (O/U)
Take YES (+122): FIGHT TO GO THE DISTANCE.
He’ll likely impress the judges with several takedowns and his work on the ground to get the victory.
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