The UFC’s extended Yas Island stay is ending the same way it began, with a highly anticipated PPV. The main event will see the undefeated and dominant champion, Khabib Nurmagomedov take on the highlight reel and interim champion, Justin Gaethje. In the co-main event, former middleweight champion, Robert Whittaker takes on the surging, Jared Cannonier, where the winner is all but guaranteed the next title shot. These two fights will cap off what should be a great day of fights. With that being said, let’s take a look at the main event in particular. The odds are provided to us by 5dimes via bestfightodds.com
Please note that for this particular article, I’m going to only focus on the main event. As you know, I normally cover the card in its entirety, but I will begin to focus more on the fights that I’m actually betting on and less on the ones I’m not moving forward.
Odds
Main Card – 2:00 PM ET
Khabib Nurmagomedov (-280) vs. Justin Gaethje (+255)
Robert Whittaker (+100) vs. Jared Cannonier (-110)
Alexander Volkov (-170) vs. Walt Harris (+160)
Jacob Malkoun (+200) vs. Phillip Hawes (-240)
Lauren Murphy (-195) vs. Liliya Shakirova (+180)
Magomed Ankalaev (-305) vs. Ion Cutelaba (+275)
Prelims – 12:00 PM ET
Stefan Struve (+110) vs. Tai Tuivasa (-120)
Alex Oliveira (+120) vs. Shavkat Rakhmonov (-120)
Da-Un Jung (-315) vs. Sam Alvey (+285)
Early Prelims – 10:30 AM ET
Nathaniel Wood (+150) vs. Casey Kenney (-160)
Liana Jojua (+320) vs. Miranda Maverick (-355)
Joel Alvarez (-165) vs. Alexander Yakovlev (+155)
Preview
Khabib Nurmagomedov (-280) vs. Justin Gaethje (+255)
The undisputed lightweight champion, Khabib Nurmagomedov takes on the interim lightweight champion, Justin Gaethje in what should be a spectacular unification bout. These fighters have contrasting fight styles and there is no secret as to what each fighter wants to do once the fight begins.
There is a reason Nurmagomedov is 28-0 and regarded as one of the most dominating champions of all-time…his wrestling. He is relentless when it comes to his takedown attempts. It is not a question of “if” but rather “when” his opponent will be taken down. Once his opponent is on the ground, he does an incredible job of keeping them there for much of the fight. He continuously looks to ground and pound his opponent from the top and threaten submissions. Simply put, the man is relentless.
Gaethje, on the other hand, will look to keep this fight on the feet and show everyone why they call him “The Highlight.” His nine UFC bonuses in only seven fights back up that nickname. For the longest time, he was known for being only a wild man in the cage, but he’s actually evolved in his recent fights. He’s more of a technical striker now who looks to counter his opponents. He’s got a good check hook and an overhand right that will put anyone to sleep. His leg kicks are absolutely devastating. After landing a few kicks, his opponents are often forced to switch their stance. He’ll throw them at range and even in the clinch which is unique.
This is Nurmagomedov’s toughest test to date, but only a fool would bet against him. He’s such a dominant champion, only losing one round in his entire UFC career. One, single round. Crazy! With that being said, I’m going to be the fool who bets against Nurmagomedov. Simply put, I believe that Gaethje’s defensive wrestling will allow him the opportunities to keep the fight standing more than Nurmagomedov’s used to and it’s during those times that Gaethje will be able to inflict some serious damage on Nurmagomedov and ultimately finish him inside the distance.
Plays
1U on Gaethje (+255)
2U on Under 4.5 Rounds (-188)
