MOTO betting

Even a bombshell dropped on the MMA world late Friday evening, when ESPN’s Brett Okamoto disclosed that UFC president Dana White affirmed to him that there’ll be an interim lightweight title at stake at UFC 236. In 1 corner will probably be top lightweight competitor Dustin Poirier, while in the other corner UFC featherweight champion Max Holloway will stand, looking to join the select few UFC fighters that have won straps in two weight classes. Below, I will give my initial thoughts on the fight, and what it implies for the lightweight division.
Dustin Poirier vs. Max Holloway, UFC 236
Poirier and Holloway will fulfill in the main event of UFC 236 for the interim lightweight name. The card takes place April 13 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. The co-main event of this card is an interim middleweight title bout between Israel Adesanya and Kelvin Gastelum, meaning two new UFC champions will be crowned that night.
Before I get into the actual matchup between Poirier and Holloway, I have to talk about what this implies for the remaining lightweight division. Obviously, the decision to make an interim title means that the promotion expects UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov to be outside on the sidelines for some time. Indeed, he is scheduled to return at the earliest in November due to his suspension coming out of the post-fight brawl in UFC 226. It is possible the UFC doesn’t even believe he will return before the close of the year is up, along with the branch obviously needs to keep moving around.
The fighter who has hurt the most by this news is clearly Tony Ferguson, who’s on an 11-fight win streak and who was the former interim name holder last year until he slipped on a TV cable and blew out his knee. Ferguson returned last year at UFC 226 having a TKO win over Anthony Pettis and most figured he’d be the next competitor for Nurmagomedov. However, according to White, Ferguson turned down an interim title fight with Holloway, and Poirier jumped in and took his own place instead. What this means for Ferguson moving forward remains to be seen, but considering what happened to Colby Covington along with the welterweight division, it appears the UFC has moved on.
So far as the Poirier vs. Holloway fight goes, it’s an awesome matchup, and actually a rematch since the two previously fought UFC 143 back in 2012, with Poirier beating Holloway by entry. Of course, that has been Holloway’s UFC debut and he’s a very different fighter today. So is Poirier. They’re both are the very best of their various games and this rematch should be amazing. Poirier (24-5, 1 NC) is unbeaten over his last five fights and will be coming from a TKO win over Eddie Alvarez. Holloway (20-3) is really on a 13-fight win streak and hauled out Brian Ortega in his final struggle. Both men are really at the top of the game at this time and this ought to be an wonderful battle.
The offshore sportsbooks dropped the launching betting odds for the fight, with Holloway opening as a -230 gaming preferred, together with the comeback on Poirier at +170. The first betting action has arrived in on Holloway, though given Poirier’s past win over him I expect some actions to come from his way at some point or another. In any event, the sportsbooks can expect a large deal with this battle, which claims to become among the most-anticipated bouts of the year.
Along with Poirier vs. Holloway, UFC 236 additionally features an interim middleweight title bout between Israel Adesanya and Kelvin Gastelum. You may check out my thoughts on the opening line for that bout here.
Launching Betting Odds
UFC 236:
April 13, 2019
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
Main Event — Interim Lightweight Title
Max Holloway -230
Dustin Poirier +170
CLICK BELOW TO BET ON UFC 236

The UFC has been extremely busy over the last week, announcing several new bouts for upcoming fight cards. One of those cards is UFC 236, which takes place April 13 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. Check out my thoughts on the primary event between Max Holloway and Dustin Poirier here, and my ideas on another newly-announced bouts are below.
Eryk Anders vs. Khalil Rountree, UFC 236
Added to UFC 236 is a fascinating light heavyweight bout between Eryk Anders and Khalil Rountree. Anders (11-3) is just 3-3 from the UFC and is coming from a decision loss to Elias Theodorou. He’s decided to make the move up to light heavyweight forever rather than cutting all that burden should help . Rountree (7-3, 1 NC) is 3-3, 1 NC in the UFC and is coming off of a KO loss to Johnny Walker. While Rountree has more expertise fighting as a light hearted and is a known knockout artist, I still believe in Anders and think he has more potential than that which he is revealed in the UFC up to now. The opening line ought to be close to a Select ’em, but my ancient lean is towards Anders.
Paige VanZant vs. Poliana Botelho, UFC 236
Women’s flyweights Paige VanZant and Poliana Botelho will battle at this function. VanZant (8-4) is currently 5-3 in the UFC and is coming off of a submission win over Rachael Ostovich. Botelho (7-2) is 2-1 at the UFC but dropped by entry to Cynthia Calvillo in her final struggle. I would definitely prefer VanZant to get the win here and based on her fame that I would not be surprised if the line was hugely skewed in her favor.
Wilson Reis vs. Alexandre Pantoja, UFC 236
In a rare flyweight fight, Wilson Reis takes on Alexandre Pantoja. Reis (23-9) is 7-5 at the UFC and defeated Ben Nguyen by choice in his last bout. Pantoja (20-3) is 4-1 in the UFC and is coming off of two straight wins over Brandon Moreno and Ulka Sasaki. Reis is a good veteran but all the upside here is using Pantoja and I expect him to be a small favorite at open. Anticipate the failure of this struggle to be published as the UFC cuts almost every flyweight coming off of a loss.
Ovince Saint-Preux vs. Nikita Krylov, UFC 236
In a rematch nobody asked for, Ovince Saint-Preux takes on Nikita Krylov in a light heavyweight bout. St-Preux (23-12) is 11-7 at the UFC and is coming from a decision loss to Dominick Reyes. He’s a gatekeeper in 205lbs and is no longer a real title contender. Krylov (24-6) is 6-4 in the UFC and has been filed by Jan Blachowicz in his last bout. OSP and Krylov previously met at UFC 171 in 2014, with OSP winning by entry. I am not exactly certain why the UFC felt this rematch was essential, but given their initial fight went and how awful Krylov’s entry defense is, I would prefer OSP to overcome him again.
Montel Jackson vs. Andre Soukhamthath, UFC 236
And finally, bantamweights Montel Jackson and Andre Soukhamthath match. Jackson (7-1) chose to Ricky Simon in his UFC debut but bounced back well with a submission win over Brian Kelleher. Soukhamthath (13-6) is only 2-3 in the UFC but beat Jonathan Martinez by choice in his last fight. Soukhamthath is too inconsistent to trust, and I expect Jackson to be favored here.
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The UFC recently demonstrated the initial lineup for UFC on ESPN 3, which takes place April 27 in BB&T Center in Sunrise, Florida. The rumored primary event between middleweight sluggers Yoel Romero and Paulo Costa was not officially announced, but the UFC did confirm a previously-reported light heavyweight bout between Glover Teixeira and Ion Cutelaba, in addition to a bantamweight bout between John Lineker and Cory Sandhagen. You can find my recently-posted thoughts on these bouts via the links. As for my thoughts on the other newly-announced bouts, you can read them under.
Carla Esparza vs. Livia Renato Souza, UFC on ESPN 3
The most noteworthy of the new matchups announced is a women’s strawweight bout between Carla Esparza and Livia Renata Souza. Esparza (13-6) is 4-4 in the UFC and is a former winner, but she is coming from a beatdown TKO loss to Tatiana Suarez. Souza (13-1) is 2-0 in the UFC and is a former Invicta winner himself, currently riding a four-fight win streak in general. This is a winnable struggle for Esparza but I don’t know how anyone can have faith in her at this point. She is a tiny popular here, but all the upside down is with Souza.
Andrei Arlovski vs. Augusto Sakai, UFC on ESPN 3
Heavyweights Andrei Arlovski and Augusto Sakai will meet with this card. Arlovski (27-18, 1 NC) is 6-8 in his most recent stint in the UFC and is now riding a three-fight losing skid with a decision loss to Walt Harris his out time. Sakai (12-1-1) is coming off of a TKO win over Chase Sherman in his UFC debut and can be on a three-fight win streak overall. Arlovski is an easy fade at this point and I expect Sakai to wager a good favorite here.
Jim Miller vs. Jason Gonzalez, UFC on ESPN 3
Lightweights Jim Miller and Jason Gonzalez are set to do battle. Miller (29-13, 1 NC) is 18-12, 1 NC all time in the UFC but has fallen on hard times as of late with losses in five of his last six bouts. Gonzalez (11-4) is only 1-2 in the UFC and has been completed in both his losses. Miller is going to be the favored here based on name worth but I don’t know if you can trust him at this point.
Dhiego Lima vs. Court McGee, UFC on ESPN 3
There is also a welterweight bout between Dhiego Lima and Court McGee. Lima (13-7) is only 2-6 in the UFC but is coming from a brutal KO win over Chad Laprise at UFC 231. McGee (19-7) is 8-6 in the UFC and conquered Alex Garcia via decision in his final struggle. I could see this one going either way, possibly Lima tests McGee’s fading chin or McGee takes him down and smothers him. Look for a close betting line , with maybe a small lean to McGee.
Jessica Penne vs. Jodie Esquibel, UFC on ESPN 3
And finally, women’s strawweights Jessica Penne and Jodie Esquibel have been re-booked for this particular occasion as their bout at UFC on ESPN 1 recently fell through after Penne hurt her ankle in warmups. Clearly, it was not a super-serious harm as she is going to be battling just over a month later. Penne was a tiny favorite before the struggle was pulled only hours before it was scheduled to happen, and I’d presume the new line will be set right where it left off.
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UFC 237 happens May 11 at Jeunesse Arena in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and numerous new spells for this card have been shown from the past week. We already knew the most important event is that a women’s UFC strawweight title fight between champion Rose Namajunas and challenger Jessica Andrade, but now we understand some of the undercard bouts as well. They are listed below, along with my initial thoughts.
Anderson Silva vs. Jared Cannonier, UFC 237
An intriguing middleweight bout sees Anderson Silva take on Jared Cannonier. ESPN broke the information. Silva (34-9, 1 NC) is 17-5, 1 NC in the UFC and in his final fight lost a hard-fought choice to No. 1 rival Israel Adesanya. Cannonier (11-4) is 4-4 in the UFC and in his middleweight introduction scored an upset KO win over David Branch. As good as Cannonier looked at 185lbs as poor as Silva has appeared in the previous five years, I still think Silva can win this battle. I am expecting a near fight , and when for whatever reason Silva is an underdog I’d seriously think about taking a shot .
Antonio Rogerio Nogueira vs. Ryan Spann, UFC 237
Light heavyweights Antonio Rogerio Nogueira and Ryan Spann are set to clash. Combate revealed the news. Nogueira (23-8) is 6-5 in the UFC and in his final fight upset Sam Alvey through KO. Spann (15-5) is on a five-fight win streak including a decision win over Luis Henrique in his UFC debut. Despite Rogerio’s triumph over Alvey, I think he’s fade material because of being 42-years old, and I would have to favor Spann to win this fight just based on him 27-years older.
Bethe Correia vs. Irene Aldana, UFC 237
A women’s bantamweight bout will visit Bethe Correia take on Irene Aldana. Combate broke the news. Correia (10-3-1) is 4-3-1 at the UFC but hasn’t fought because a brutal head kick KO loss to Holly Holm in June 2017. Aldana (9-4) is 2-2 in the UFC and has won back-to-back decisions over Lucie Pudilova and Talita Bernardo heading into this match. Correia has to be faded coming from a long layoff, particularly against a technical striker such as Aldana. I am hoping for a near line here because of Correia’s popularity, but I think Aldana by decision is the most-likely consequence of this particular bout.
Jessica-Rose Clark vs. Talita Bernardo, UFC 237
Women’s flyweights Jessica-Rose Clark and Talita Bernardo will fulfill at this function. Combate broke the news. Clark (9-5, 1 NC) is 2-1 in the UFC but fell a choice to Jessica Eye in her final bout. Bernardo (6-3) is currently 1-2 at the UFC and is coming off of a decision win over Sarah Moras. This should be an aggressive bout but Clark is the more proven and experienced fighter and should be marginally favored here.
Wu Yanan vs. Luana Carolina, UFC 237
And finally, flyweights Wu Yanan and Luana Carolina will clash. Agfight had the information. Yana (10-2) is 1-1 in the UFC for example a choice win over Lauren Mueller in her final outing. Carolina (5-1) has not lost since her pro debut in 2015, also earned a UFC contract with a triumph on the Brazilian Contender Series. Both fighters are lacking in experience, but Carolina is your Brazilian fighting her home turf here and I’d assume she would be a decent-sized favorite at open.
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The UFC has been occupied announcing bouts for upcoming fight cards lately, and under are my ideas on some of those newly-announced bouts for UFC Philadelphia and UFC Russia.
Josh Emmett vs. Michael Johnson, UFC on ESPN 2 Featherweight contender Josh Emmett will return from a lengthy layoff when he takes on Michael Johnson in UFC on ESPN two, which takes place March 30 at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. ESPN broke news of this struggle. Emmett (13-2) is currently 4-2 at the UFC but hasn’t fought since a brutal KO loss to Jeremy Stephens in February 2018. He rocketed up the ranks with a knockout win over Ricardo Lamas however, the loss to Stephens where he broke his nose was a significant setback. Johnson (19-13) is 11-9 in the UFC and is coming off of back-to-back decision wins over Andre Fili and Artem Lobov. But he had lost three consecutive fights prior to that. Though Johnson is inconsistent, we know how great he is when he’s at his best, as well as Emmett coming from such a long layoff you need to fade him here and favor Johnson to win this battle.
Ray Borg vs. Pingyuan Liu, UFC on ESPN two Ray Borg will proceed up to bantamweight if he takes on Pingyuan Liu in UFC on ESPN 2. The Philly Voice broke news. Borg (11-3) is currently 5-3 at the UFC but has not fought as a submission loss to Demetrious Johnson in October 2017. He was one of the best flyweights from the UFC but will soon be moving up to bantamweight today and it will be intriguing to see whether he could make a run in his new weight class. Liu (13-5) is riding a nine-fight win series including a 2-0 mark at the Octagon with wins over Damian Stasiak and Martin Day. Though he is going up to bantamweight, there’s no doubt Borg is going to be a big favorite here only based on his UFC expertise and level of competition.
Marcin Tybura vs. Shamil Abdurakhimov, UFC Fight Night 149
Heavyweights Marcin Tybura and Shamil Abdurakhimov will square off UFC Fight Night 149, set for April 20 in Yubileyny Sports Palace at St. Petersburg, Russia. Tybura (17-4) is 4-3 at the UFC and won a decision over Stefan Struve in his last outing. Abdurakhimov (19-4) is 4-2 in the UFC and is coming off of back-to-back wins over Andrei Arlovski and Chase Sherman. It is heavyweight MMA so that you can’t ever be sure of the result, but I think Tybura is the better fighter and ought to be favored here.
Emil Weber Meek vs. Sultan Aliev, UFC Fight Night 149
Welterweights Emil Weber Meek and Sultan Aliev will even fulfill at UFC Fight Night 149. Meek (9-4, 1 NC) is 1-2 in the UFC and is coming off of successive losses to Kamaru Usman and Bartosz Fabinski. Aliev (14-3) is 1-2 in the UFC and is coming off of a TKO loss to Warlley Alves. Both men are disappointments in the UFC, but Meek usually gets more respect from bettors and I assume he will be preferred here.
Krzysztof Jotko vs. Roman Kopylov, UFC Fight Night 149
And lastly, a middleweight bout will visit Krzysztof Jotko take on UFC newcomer Roman Kopylov in UFC Fight Night 149. Jotko (19-4) is 6-4 in the UFC however is riding a three-fight losing skid including back-to-back KO declines to Uriah Hall and Brad Tavares. Kopylov (8-0) is making his UFC debut after going undefeated on the Russian regional arena. It’s difficult to back Jotko after his current win series, and I anticipate the undefeated Kopylov are the favorite here.
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When fighters are given their launch (or elect to sign elsewhere) from a major North American MMA advertising like the UFC or Bellator — unless they’re a major star — they frequently fall to obscurity on the regional/overseas circuit unless they rack up a few wins and wind up signing with one of the above promotions. In this regular feature for MMAOddsBreaker.com, I take a peek at some regional/overseas MMA matchups for the month of March and instead of listing off the best fights outside these major organizations, I emphasize some familiar names that you may recognize on upcoming struggle cards.
Unified MMA 36: Mayhem (Enoch, Alberta) — Mar. 1
Dominique Steele (18-11) vs. Teddy Ash (12-4) — Middleweight Title
UFC veteran Steele seems to close the chapter on his rivalry with Ash since the pair face off in a rematch. Steele is coming off a first-round TKO win over Ash in Unified 35 in December. Ash meanwhile looks to prevent back-to-back losses for the first time since May 2014.
Jake Lindsay (13-8) vs. Pat Pytlik (7-0) — Welterweight Title
Former UFC lightweight Lindsay seems to create it two-straight wins for the first time since Feb. 2014 when he faces undefeated Canadian Pytlik. Lindsay is coming off a submission win over Dawond Pickney at EFC 10, while Pytlik has won all seven of his struggles by stoppage.
Shane Campbell (14-7) vs. Menad Abella (5-1) — Lightweight Title
UFC veteran Campbell seems to get back on the winning track when he battles prospect Abella for the lightweight title. Campbell is coming off a a unanimous decision loss to Magomedsaygid Alibekov in RCC 5 which snapped his four-fight win streak. Abella meanwhile is coming off a unanimous decision loss to UFC veteran Jonathan Meunier in TKO 43.
Cage Warriors 102 — (London, England) — Mar. 2
Craig White (14-9) vs. Jolton Santos (28-7)
Former UFC welterweight White looks to snap a two-fight losing streak if he meets Brazil’s Santos on the primary card. White won four-straight struggles before enrolling with the UFC last year, then dropped back-to-back fights against Neil Magny and Diego Sanchez. Santos meanwhile heads into this matchup onto a four-fight win streak.
John Maguire (26-11) vs. Brad Wheeler (17-13)
UFC veteran Maguire has alternated between wins and losses in his last five fights while Wheeler has dropped three of his last four fights.
Destiny MMA: Throwdown (Waipahu, Hawaii) — Mar 2
Russell Doane (15-8) vs. Diego Silva (11-4)
Doane competes outside the UFC for the first time since Nov. 2013 when he faces Silva at a bantamweight bout. The 32-year-old has dropped five of the last six fights. Silva meanwhile is 2-2 in his past four fights and will be making his promotional introduction.
CFFC 73: (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) — Mar. 2
Azunna Anyanwu (14-5) vs. Christopher Daukaus (7-2) — Heavyweight Title
Former UFC heavyweight Anyanwu asserts for the first time since Sept. 2017 when he faces Daukaus for the promotions heavyweight title. “Zu” is coming from a spit decision loss to Justin Ledit at UFC Fight Night 116 which snapped his five-fight win series. Daukaus meanwhile heads right into this matchup onto a five-fight win streak.
RCC Launch 3 (Ekaterinburg, Russia) — Mar. 9
Godofredo Pepey (14-6) vs. Pavel Gordeev (13-1)
UFC veteran Pepey looks to create it two-straight wins when he strikes Gordeev who is riding a six-fight win series.
Cage Warriors 103 (Copenhagen, Denmark) — Mar. 9
Nicolas Dalby (16-3-1) vs. Alex Lohore (17-3)
Former UFC welterweight Dalby looks to push his winning streak to three-straight if he faces Lohore who’s completed his last two opponents.
Mads Burnell (10-3) vs. Ahmed Vila (7-1)
UFC veteran Burnell looks for back-t0-back wins when he faces Vila at a featherweight competition.
Complete Warrior Combat (Lansing, Michigan) — Mar. 9
Jarred Novels (14-2) vs. Josh Robinson (12-12) — Flyweight Title
Former UFC flyweight Brooks looks for his second straight when when he faces Robinson who’s lost three in a row.
Fight Hard MMA (St Louis, Missouri) — Mar. 9
Charles Bennett (30-40-2) vs. Chuka Willis (9-5)
PRIDE veteran Bennett seems to snap a 10-fight losing streak when he faces Willis who is seeking to bounce back by a two-fight slide himself.
BRAVE CF 22 (Pasay, Philippines) — Mar. 15
Jose Torres (8-1) vs. Amir Albazi (11-0)
Former UFC flyweight Torres appears to bounce back from the sole loss of his livelihood as he faces Albazi who has won back-to-back fights below the Bellator MMA bannerads. Rolando Dy (10-7) vs. Mehmosh Raza (9-3)
UFC veteran Dy looks for back-to-back wins for the first time since Nov. 2016 while Raza looks for his third consecutive victory.
ACA 93 (St. Petersburg, Russia) — Mar. 16
Rob Emerson (20-13) vs. Mikhail Malyutin (36-15)
Former UFC/Bellator fighter Emerson seems to prevent back-to-back losses for the first time since Sept. 2009 while Malyutin seems to bounce back from his reduction in Apr. 2018 which snapped his nine-fight win series.
Hacran Dias (24-6-1) vs. U. Gadzhidaudov (10-4)
UFC veteran Dias aims to make it 2 wins in a row while Gadzhidadov seems to Prevent back-to-back losses for the second time in his career Chris Camozzi (24-13) vs. Muslim Magomedov (4-0)
UFC veteran Camozzi looks to snap a 3 fight skid and await the first time in MMA since May. 2015. Magomedov made his pro-debut at Mar. 2017 and has completed two of the four career opponents.
Dominate FC 3 (Tacoma, Washington) — Mar. 23
Anthony Hamilton (18-9) vs. Kyle Keenay (19-24)
Former UFC heavyweight Hamilton looks for his fourth win in a row when he faces 36-year-old Keeney who has dropped three-fights in a row.
Eternal MMA 42 (Southport, Queensland, Australia) — Mar. 23
Ben Wall (9-7-1) vs. Mike Wilkinson (9-4)
A pair of UFC veterans struggle as Wall seems for back-to-back wins for the first time because Mar. 2013 when he faces Wilkinson who’s lost three-straight.
KSW 47 (Lodz, Poland) — Mar. 23
Phil De Fries (16-6) vs. Tomasz Narkun (16-2) — Heavyweight Title
UFC veteran De Fries aims to make it five-wins in row when he faces Narkun who is riding a seven-fight win streak.
Caged Aggression 24 (Davenport, Iowa) — Mar 23
Mike Santiago (21-12) vs. Eric Wisely (32-9-1)
Contender Series winner Santiago seems to snap a three-fight skid if he faces Bellator/UFC vet Wisley. Santiago went 0-3 in the UFC losing to Zabit Magomedsharipov, Mads Burnell and most recently Dan Ige at UFC 225. Wisley meanwhile heads into this battle on a eight-fight win streak.
Dan Hornbuckle (24-9) vs. Jason Louck (19-13)
Former Bellator name challenger Hornbuckle fights for the very first time since Aug. 2014 when he faces Louck in a welterweight bout. The 38-year-old has dropped four-straight struggles and will be looking for his first win since Apr. 2013.
ACA 94 (Krasnodar, Russia) — Mar. 30
Albert Tumenov (18-5) vs. Murad Abdulaev (18-6) — Welterweight Title
UFC veteran Tumenov looks for his fourth consecutive win when he faces Abdulaev, who directs to this title fight on a three-fight win streak.
ONE Championship: A New Era (Tokyo, Japan) — Mar. 31
Demetrious Johnson (27-3-1) vs. Yuya Wakamatsu (10-3)
Former UFC flyweight champion Johnson appears to prevent back-to-back losses for the first time in his career when he faces Wakamatsu, who has lost two of his last 3 fights.
Eddie Alvarez (29-6) vs. Timofey Nastyukhin (12-4)
Former UFC and Bellator lightweight champion Alvarez makes his promotional debut from Nastyukin who is 2-2 in his past four fights.
Is there a notable MMA veteran rival this month which I missed? Or is there a matchup that has been altered? Hit me up on Twitter @LynchOnSports, and I will add it in or fix this up. Thanks.
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The UFC is planning on booking a fascinating lightweight bout between top-15 wrestlers. My thoughts on that brand new matchup plus a couple new bouts inserted to Nashville in the current MMA odds and ends.
Kevin Lee vs. Gregor Gillespie, May UFC Event
The UFC is targeting a lightweight bout between Kevin Lee and Gregor Gillespie to headline a yet-to-be-announced occasion in May, according to ESPN’s Ariel Helwani. The battle is not finalized yet but is very likely to be made soon. Lee (17-4) is 10-4 in the UFC and in his last fight lost a five-round choice to Al Iaquinta. Before the Iaquinta loss, Lee had put to a beatdown on Edson Barboza and despite a entry loss to Tony Ferguson earlier that, he remains among the best lightweights in the sport today. Gillespie (13-0) is a perfect 6-0 in the UFC and in his last fight picked up a TKO win over Yancy Medeiros. Lee is among the top-ranked lightweights in the UFC and is actually the younger fighter in this matchup, but I really think in Gillespie and believe that he has the capability to be a champion in this sport. It’s likely to be a hard-fought struggle, but one I think Gillespie can win. I am curious to see what the betting line will be with this one, however when Gillespie is a puppy there will surely be value betting on him plus money.
Chris Gruetzemacher vs. Jesus Pinedo, UFC Fight Night 148
A fun lightweight bout between Chris Gruetzemacher and Jesus Pinedo will take place at UFC Fight Night 148, set for March 23 in Bridgestone Arena at Nashville, Tennessee. Gruetzemacher (12-4) is currently 2-2 at the UFC and is coming off of a brutal TKO win over Joe Lauzon. Pinedo (16-4-1) is riding a seven-fight win series and defeated Devin Powell by decision within his UFC debut. Pinedo is a really wonderful prospect but Gruetzemacher has significantly more experience against a high level of competition and based on the win over Lauzon he needs to be at least slightly favored here.
Eric Shelton vs. Jordan Espinosa, UFC Fight Night 148
A rare flyweight bout between Eric Shelton and Jordan Espinosa is place for UFC Fight Night 148. Shelton (12-5) is 2-3 in the UFC and is coming from a split decision win over Joseph Morales. Espinosa (13-5, 1 NC) is riding a four-fight win streak such as a knockout win in Dana White’s Contender Series last summer. Shelton has not been anything special from the UFC while Espinosa seems like he’s some good potential. I’d anticipate a close line , with a little lean to the more dynamic Espinosa.
Chris Gutierrez vs. Ryan MacDonald, UFC Fight Night 148
Additionally at UFC Fight Night 148, bantamweight Chris Gutierrez will meet short-notice replacement Ryan MacDonald. Gutierrez (12-4-1) is coming from a submission reduction to Raoni Barcelos in his UFC debut but had won three straight fights before that. MacDonald (10-0) is a undefeated prospect who’s coming from a submission win in LFA. He is carrying the fight on short notice to get a wounded Martin Day. This ought to be a competitive struggle but despite the brief notice, the simple fact that MacDonald hasn’t lost may make him a little betting favorite at available here.
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The UFC welterweight division was turned upside down on the weekend in UFC 235, as Kamaru Usman absolutely dominated Tyron Woodley to become the new titleholder in 170lbs. The chances had Usman recorded as a significant underdog, but he proved the chances wrong as he absolutely dominated the fight from bell to bell and became the newest UFC welterweight champion. And now, we know exactly what the next challenge will be for the new champ.
In accordance with UFC president Dana White, Usman will not make his initial title defense in a rematch against Woodley. Rather, Usman will take on former interim champ Colby Covington next. Over the weekend video emerged of Covington tracking down White at a Las Vegas casino and demanding a title shot. According to both Covington and White, once the cameras have been switched off they had a good debate as grown men, and made amends for their public spat over Covington not having the title shot against Woodley.
White says that Covington will now take on Usman, and it is likely this fight will take place sometime in the summer, possibly at International Fight Week this July in Las Vegas, or maybe about the UFC’s pay-per-view card at Chicago in August. Usman didn’t take any harm whatsoever from the Woodley struggle, and Covington is healthful as well, therefore the UFC should not have any problem getting this fight booked whenever possible. Contemplating how stagnant the welterweight division was at times when Woodley was the champ, it will be nice to see Usman keep on a hectic schedule as champ. At his current pace, he will hopefully fight three times this past year.
So far as the Usman vs. Covington struggle goes, it claims to have tremendous marketing leading up to it as both men are excellent talkers from the media. As for the matchup itself, it is a struggle between two of the greatest wrestlers in 170lbs. In the event that you had asked me to line this fight one year ago, I would have contributed Covington a small nod. But after seeing what Usman didn’t Woodley, you absolutely have to see Usman recorded as a big favorite. Now, I think that the oddsmakers would have to open up Usman as at least a 2-to-1 favored, or more. What he did to Woodley was pure domination, and as fantastic as Covington has been himself in the UFC,” Usman has appeared even better.
UFC Requires Jones vs. Santos Next
White reported the UFC wants to reserve Jon Jones contrary to Thiago Santos for the UFC light heavyweight title. Jones had a small scare in his fight against Anthony Smith as he lost his belt caused by DQ due to an illegal knee of a downed opponent, but he ended up winning a lopsided decision at the end of the five rounds. If asked by reporters if Jones could struggle Brock Lesnar next, White said the UFC wants to book Santos from Jones. Santos is coming from a dazzling KO over Jan Blachowicz and has gone 3-0 as a light hearted, so he is more than deserving of fighting Jones. Hopefully that struggle is reserved shortly, because Jones took no damage against Smith and it would be wonderful to see him stay on a busy scheduled in 2019 and struggle a couple more times as well.
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Four MMA legends are back in the news , and you’ll be able to read what they’re up to below.
Bellator Books Lyoto Machida vs. Chael Sonnen
Bellator continues to reserve legends fights and now that the advertising has signed a light heavyweight contest between Lyoto Machida and Chael Sonnen. ESPN’s Ariel Helwani affirmed the reservation, though Bellator hasn’t announced a date or place for the contest as of yet. Notably, the contest will occur at 205lbs following Machida last competed at middleweight and Sonnen at heavyweight.
Machida (25-8) defeated Rafael Carvalho via split decision in his Bellator debut and defeat both Eryk Anders and Vitor Belfort earlier that in the Octagon in what was a comeback 2018 to get”The Dragon.” Though he is 40-years-old now, Machida revealed last year that he still has plenty of gas left in the tank. Many thought he had been next in line for a rematch against Bellator middleweight champion Gegard Mousasi, but rather he will move up to light heavyweight for this significant struggle against Sonnen.
Sonnen (31-16-1) is currently 2-2 at Bellator and is coming from a TKO loss to Fedor Emelianenko in the semifinals of the Bellator Heavyweight Grand Prix. Prior to that, Sonnen had defeated Quinton”Rampage” Jackson from the championship quarterfinals and Wanderlei Silva before that. Though he’s 41 now and no longer an elite fighter, Sonnen continues to property big-name matchups due to his entertaining fights and vibrant personality.
So far as the gambling line goes, start looking for Machida to be a large favorite in this one. His solid takedown defense skills combined with vicious knockout power against a chinny fighter like Sonnen makes this a very favorable matchup on paper.
ONE Championship Inks Vitor Belfort
After a year’s signings of Eddie Alvarez, Demetrious Johnson and Sage Northcutt, it seems that ONE Championship is not done signing former UFC fighters just yet. The Singapore-based MMA advertising announced over the weekend it has signed former UFC light heavyweight champion Vitor Belfort into some new, multi-fight contract. Belfort was released from the UFC after declaring his retirement after a KO loss to Machida in May 2018, but ONE gave him an offer that he can not refuse, and he’ll end his short-lived retirement when he struggles for ONE later this year, probably in Brazil because the advertising looks to expand in South America.
ONE has not declared who Belfort’s first opponent will be, but there are plenty of alternatives for him. Most probably Belfort will be ticketed into a heavyweight fight as he won’t have to reduce weight in that circumstance. An individual could easily give Belfort a title fight against their heavyweight champion Brandon Vera, but they may want to provide him an easier fight against a journeyman such as James McSweeney. Roger Gracie is your promotion’s light heavyweight/cruiserweight champion, but he hasn’t fought in a couple of years. Perhaps ONE could reserve that fight in Brazil. As well, Belfort said he’d be interested in boxing and kickboxing fights. I personally believe the 41-year-old Belfort should have stayed retired, but he’ll make some good cash beneath the 1 bannerads. Cro Cop Retires
Legendary heavyweight Mirko Cro Cop has retired, only weeks after a decision win over Roy Nelson in Bellator. According to reports, Cro Cop suffered a stroke and must retire. Cro Cop (38-11-2, 1 NC) will retire at age 44 as one of the greatest heavyweights to ever compete at the sport. He will retire on a 10-fight win streak, one that saw him struggle and compete throughout the world for the best promotions in MMA. We at MMAOB wish Cro Cop the very best of luck in retirement.
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The UFC matchmakers are busy sending out contracts. In the current MMA odds and ends I will present my thoughts on two fresh spells for UFC 237, such as a potential No. 1 competition fight from the featherweight division, and my initial reactions to two new bouts fights for UFC Russia.
Jose Aldo vs. Alexander Volkanovski, UFC 237
Featherweight contenders Jose Aldo and Alexander Volkanovski are set to battle at UFC 237 in a possible title eliminator. The card happens May 11 in Jeunesse Arena in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and information of the bout was first revealed by MMA journalist Farah Hannoun. Aldo (28-4) is 10-3 in the UFC and is coming from back-to-back knockout wins over Renato Moicano and Jeremy Stephens. Following a rough stretch that saw him get pumped three days in four conflicts, Aldo looks better than ever and can be making a late-career run for the belt that he held for years. Volkanovski (19-1) is 6-0 in the UFC and in his final bout brutally knocked out Chad Mendes. Many consider him a prospective featherweight champion, and this fight should tell us a lot about that. This is a tremendous fight, and not a simple one to predict. Aldo will likely be favored because of his title worth and Octagon expertise, but Volkanovski has looked incredible in the UFC and should be a live dog in this bout.
Thiago Alves vs. Laureano Staropoli, UFC 237
Experienced welterweight Thiago Alves returns at UFC 237 when he takes on potential Laureano Staropoli. MMAFighting.com broke the information. Alves (23-13) is 15-10 complete from the UFC and most recently won a controversial split decision over Max Griffin. Staropoli (8-1) is riding a six-fight win series and in his UFC debut won a”Battle of the Night” bonus because of his conclusion win over Hector Aldana. At this point you need to fade Alves and I would favor the 26-year-old Staropoli to win this bout. But considering he’s an unknown, it is possible he will be an underdog in this bout, so keep your eye out for him.
Sultan Aliev vs. Keita Nakamura, UFC Fight Night 149
Welterweights Sultan Aliev and Keita Nakamura are set to battle UFC Fight Night 149, occurring April 20 at Yubileyny Sports Palace at St. Petersburg, Russia. Nakamura replaced the injured Emil Weber Meek on relatively short notice with this bout. Aliev (14-3) is only 1-2 in the UFC and most recently was completed by Warlley Alves. Nakamura (34-9-2, 1 NC) is 4-6 overall in the UFC, including a 4-3 mark in his next stint inside the Octagon. In his last fight, he edged out a split decision over Salim Touahri. Both guys will be on the chopping block with a loss, and this battle resembles a close one. I’d favor Nakamura slightly simply because of his durability, but it could go either way.
Abdul-Kerim Edilov vs. Devin Clark, UFC Fight Night 149
A light heavyweight bout between Abdul Kerim-Edilov and Devin Clark can be slated for UFC Fight Night 149. Edilov (17-4) hasn’t fought since a September 2017 knockout win over Bojan Mihaljovic and contains just one fight since 2015. But he is just 27-years-old and is currently riding an 11-fight win streak dating back to 2013. He is a bit of a wild card in 205lbs, but overall looks like a promising prospect if he can stay healthy and keep out of trouble with USADA. Clark (9-3) is 3-3 in the UFC and is coming off of a brutal TKO loss to Aleksandar Rakic. Now it is just very hard to trust that the chin of Clark, and a hard-hitter such as Edilov will surely be favored to beat him in this fight.
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