UFC in London is always a treat to watch. There will be plenty of short priced prospects on display at UFC 286, and of course we get to witness the third installment of Leon Edwards vs Kamaru Usman in the main event for the Welterweight belt. The co-main is just as intriguing as Justin Gaethje looks to stay in the title hunt against an emerging contender in Rafael Fiziev. Should be plenty of fun, and hopefully plenty of betting value! Let’s get into it
BEST BET #1 | Rafael Fiziev H2H @$1.44
Rafael Fiziev is arguably the best pound-for-pound striker in the promotion, and although he takes a big step up in competition as he squares off against perennial lightweight contender Justin Gaethje, the oddsmakers have Fiziev as a favorite due to the stylistic matchup.
Gaethje has a wrestling background which he never uses offensively, he prefers to stand and bang which always make for a fan-friendly contest. I anticipate we will have a striking war on our hands in this co-main event, with Gaethje looking to close distance to land leg kicks or looping overhands. I see Fiziev catching Justin coming in frequently, and putting on a striking masterclass to win this matchup.
BEST BET #2 | Joanne Wood H2H @$1.48
Joanne Wood is looking to bounce back from her 3 fight losing streak as she faces a step down in competition against Luana Carolina. At 36 years old, losing three consecutive fights would generally concern me. However, those losses have come against high level fighters in the likes of now champion Alexa Grasso, #3 contender Taila Santos and a split decision loss to #7 Lauren Murphy.
Carolina presents some threats with her striking power, but I feel that the technique and experience of Wood will help her drag this fight into the deep waters where she can earn a victory in front of a fired up crowd in London.
BEST BET #3 | Marvin Vettori by Decision @$1.35
Roman Dolidze is a dangerous fighter that I have grown to like. He is a world class grappler who is very strong for the weight class and has power in his striking. I feel like it is too big of a step up in competition as he takes on Marvin Vettori on the main card.
Marvin is a super durable athlete that is very active inside the octagon. I feel like Marvin is always working and showing the judges some activity, and his gas tank will be a primary weapon in this matchup. I believe he can outpace Roman and land some damage in the clinch, but he needs to be wary of the kicks and ground game of Dolidze.
Vettori has high-level experience, and I am confident he can bounce back from his loss against Robert Whittaker where he was outstruck. I can see Roman having some success in certain areas, but as this fight progresses, the pace and volume of Marvin should lead to his hand being raised.
Overs or Unders
We had a nice bounce back week on our over/under table, with a 10-3 record on the card! Hoping for similar success for UFC 286, here are my tips!
Thanks for tuning in once again, I hope you all enjoy the fights this weekend! If you are having a bet this weekend make sure you do your own research and gamble responsibly.
