The Ultimate Fighter 22 Finale sits sandwiched between UFC Fight Night 80 and UFC 194, yet it’s a strong card with a headliner that could easily be a main event on a pay-per-view. We’ve got two of the best featherweights in the world, a lightweight matchup between top-10 fighters, a multiple-time Fight of the Night winner and a bright welterweight prospect - all on free TV. Let’s make some picks.
Please note, the odds listed here may have changed, as BookMaker updates their lines on a daily basis.
The Ultimate Fighter 22 Finale odds at BookMaker.eu
Featherweights
Frankie Edgar -170
Chad Mendes +140
Over/under 4.5 rounds, over -215, under +178
Prediction: Edgar wins by unanimous decision
In terms of all-around MMA skill, both men are elite. But Frankie Edgar fights just a bit smarter and is the more conditioned fighter. It’s going to be extremely close, but the former lightweight champion’s footwork and ability to create angles and hit technical combinations should allow him to score enough points for the win. Mendes, while the more powerful puncher of the two, is not a volume puncher, and that’ll cost him a few points on the scorecards.
Edgar has been promised a title shot with a victory, which would be his fifth in a row.
TUF 22 Finale odds at BookMaker.eu
Lightweights
Tony Ferguson -150
Edson Barboza +120
Over/under at 2.5 rounds, over -135, under +135
Prediction: Ferguson wins by unanimous decision
Tony Ferguson has emerged into a legitimate fighter to watch at 155, racking up six straight wins over over an improving level of competition. His stinging combinations and jitterbug quickness make him an extremely difficult out. Barboza is a real challenge, with explosive athleticism and fight-ending power of his own. However, it’s doubtful he’ll be able to stand up to the pressure that Ferguson applies. “El Cucuy” appears destined for a title challenge sooner or later, and he hasn’t even reached his ceiling yet.
TUF 22 Finale odds at BookMaker.eu
Lightweights
Joe Lauzon -190
Evan Dunham +160
Over/under at 2.5 rounds, over -190, under +160
Prediction: Joe Lauzon wins by submission
While J-Lau has consistently faltered against the division’s elite, he remains perhaps the best gatekeeper in the lightweight division. With 23 stoppages in 24 career victories, his ability to finish fights is second to none. Dunham is a fighter firmly entrenched in the grey area between mid-level and good. He’s solid all around, but beatable in a few ways. Lauzon will find one of those weaknesses and pounce on it.
TUF 22 Finale odds at BookMaker.eu
Welterweights
Ryan LaFlare +175
Mike Pierce -220
Over/under at 2.5 rounds, over -255, under +210
Prediction: LaFlare wins by TKO in the third
Mike Pierce has been out of action since October 2013, suffering a torn MCL, torn ankle ligament and broken hand. Prior to the injuries, he compiled a respectable 9-4 UFC record fighting mid-tier opponents. LaFlare just suffered the first defeat of his career, against Demian Maia - which is nothing to be ashamed about. Given LaFlare’s impressive run that led to his booking against a contender in the first place, I’m inclined to lean his way against an opponent who might suffer from ring rust.
HOW TO BET
Access live betting lines at BookMaker Sportsbook and start wagering now. With our live betting options, you can also wager on sporting events as they unfold on television with BookMaker’s live betting platform. The Ultimate Fighter 22 Finale takes place Friday, December 11, 2015 at The Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas, Nevada. The main card will stream live on FOX Sports 1 starting 9 p.m. ET.
