In a matchup with heavyweight title implications, Stipe Miocic – 13-2, 9 KOs, 1 SUB – will meet Ben Rothwell – 20 KOs, 12 SUBs – at UFC Fight Night 76 in Dublin. Given the power that both men wield, it’s highly likely somebody will be left senseless by the time the fight is over. Isn’t it great when a barnburner between big men has significance?
CURRENT ODDS
Our online UFC odds currently have Miocic as a 3-to-1 favorite with a -300 money line. Big Ben comes in at +250. I’d expect the total in this three-round bout to be set at 1.5 rounds, with the under being the more expensive play. Prop bets like when the fight will end are usually released on fight night, so remember to check back in for the latest updates.
THE HUNT FOR HEAVYWEIGHT GOLD
Miocic has quietly evolved into one of the best heavyweights in the UFC, with a 7-2 octagon record. His most significant fight might have been a loss to longtime No. 1 contender Junior dos Santos. Although Miocic was defeated in a unanimous decision, he gave the Brazilian a brutal fight that could have gone the other way.
Rothwell is in the middle of a surprising run. After alternating wins and losses for the better part of five years, the big man was written off as a mid-level fighter with above-average toughness. However, three straight wins against Brandon Vera, Alistair Overeem and Matt Mitrione has completely flipped the script and vaulted the Wisconsin native into the title picture.
Miocic is currently ranked as the No. 3 contender by the UFC, with Rothwell at No. 6. Though the winner of this fight could be billed as the next title challenger, there are a few other high profile fights in the division that could be labeled as title eliminators.
EARLY BETTING ANALYSIS
Rothwell is a much better fighter than his doughy physique would suggest, with an impressive number of KO and submission victories. However, he’s best known for being durable, which is basically just saying that he eats a bunch of punches and throws back. Not particularly fast or athletic, Rothwell has never really looked the part of a dominant fighter.
The line seems about right, and I don’t see it shifting too much in either direction. Miocic is by far the more diverse and athletic fighter, and possesses a quality wrestling game that Rothwell cannot match. His speed will make a huge difference in this fight, and my early prediction is that he wins easily on rounds.
HOW TO BET
Sign in to get the latest Rothwell vs. Miocic odds. BookMaker Sportsbook offers daily updates to money lines, over/under, prop bets and more, so make sure to lock in your bets should you find a favorable wager. The bout takes place at UFC Fight Night 76 on Saturday, January 2, 2016 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. The main card will be televised live on pay-per-view starting 10 p.m. ET.
Don’t forget to check in during fight night to get live odds. During each fight, BookMaker Sportsbook updates their odds in real-time, so you can keep betting as each fight unfolds on live television. It’s a great way to hedge your bets should you fall behind. With our mobile platform, it’s never been easier to bet on UFC events.
