UFC 254 Betting Predictions
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Khabib Nurmagomedov vs Justin Gaethje
Breakdown: Khabib is coming in as the favourite and rightfully so. No one has been able to stop his gameplan. Khabib does not just shoot for one takedown and gives up, he goes over, and over, and over again until he sinks his opponents. Justin Gaethje is a threat for sure and he has a punchers chance in this fight but for him to win he would have to avoid the pressure from Khabib and to do that for five rounds is a tall task.
Pick: Khabib Nurmagomedov (-380) Bonus: 4th round Rear Naked Choke (+1200)
Robert Whittaker vs Jared Cannonier
Breakdown: Jared is coming in undefeated at middleweight. After starting his career at heavyweight, he’s found his groove in this division. He has the power and chin of a heavyweight so he’s coming in with the physical advantage. Rob comes in with a great fight IQ and the ability to survive heavy hitters such as Romero. Jared will come in imposing his will in this fight and Rob will do a good job to avoid most but I do see this fight becoming a war with the power and durability of Jared Cannonier to come out on top.
Pick: Jared Cannonier (-115) Bonus: By Decision (+450)
Alexander Volkov vs Walt Harris
Breakdown: Walt is coming in as the slight underdog in this fight and it makes sense why he would. He has all his wins by KO so for him it’s KO or a loss. Walt is coming off a tough loss where he got taken down and took the L that way. He will come in with improved takedown defense and will be able to withstand anything Volkov throws at him.
Pick: Walt Harris (+145) Bonus: By 2nd round KO (+900)
Jacob Malkoun vs Phil Hawes
Breakdown: Both fighters are coming in making their UFC Debut. This is going to be an eliminator to see who makes it in the UFC. Hawes is coming off an impressive win on Dana White Contender Series where he put his opponent out. His power is off he charts and because of that, we are going to take him against the less experienced fighter in Jacob Malkoun.
Pick: Phil Hawes (-275) Bonus: By KO 1st Round (+225)
Lauren Murphy vs Liliya Shakirova
Breakdown: Murphy was supposed to fight #1 ranked Cynthia Calvillo, but she got pulled from the fight so making her UFC debut is Liliya Shakirova. She’s coming in undefeated but when you put her up against someone who was maybe one fight away from a title shot, it’s very tough for her debut to go well.
Pick: Lauren Murphy (-210) Bonus: By Decision (-125)
Magomed Ankalaev vs Ion Cutelaba
Breakdown: Now being booked for the 5th time is Ankalaev vs Cutelaba. The first fight ended with a controversial stoppage where Cutelaba was seemingly playing possum. These guys don’t like each other and after being across each other for so long, how could they? This is the final chapter in these guys rivalry. Ankalaev comes in the much more polished striker and Ion is shown to gas out.
Pick: Magomed Ankalaev (-350) Bonus: By 2nd round TKO (+450)
-- by Three Piece Combo
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Headline Photo Credit: www.foxsports.au.com
