The wait is almost over, fight fans. One of the year’s biggest cards, UFC 196, is just a day away, meaning you’ve got about 24 hours to lock in your pre-fight picks.
We’ve literally spent months covering your betting options for this card, but just in case you missed any of our fight previews, check out our handy quick picks guide for the main card.
Bet on UFC 196 odds at BookMaker.eu
Please note, the odds at BookMaker are updated on a daily basis, so the odds listed here may have changed since this article was written.
Main Event
Featherweight Championship
Conor McGregor -415
Nate Diaz +330
Over/under 2.5 rounds, over +155, under -180
Prediction: McGregor TKO Diaz R4
McGregor possesses a number of advantages in this matchup, from power to speed to athleticism. The fact that Diaz is taking this fight on 11 days notice has to be accounted for as well. While he’s always been one of the best conditioned athletes on the roster, it’s impossible to think he’s coming into the bout in optimal condition.
Diaz has to deliver the perfect fight, in the biggest fight of his career, on just 11 days. I just don’t see that happening here. His chin and stamina should hold up for a while, but I don’t see the Stockton native making it to the final bell. He’ll succumb to strikes in the championship rounds.
Co-Main Event
Women’s Bantamweight Championship
Holly Holm -360
Miesha Tate +295
Over/under 2.5 rounds, over -205, under +175
Prediction: Holm UD Tate
Despite being one of the most experienced bantamweight fighters in the world, Miesha Tate is not a good striker. And she’s not big enough to take Holly Holm to the ground, where Tate is most comfortable. That leaves us with a projected standup battle, and I’m siding with the most dangerous kickboxer in the division, Holly Holm.
Light Heavyweights
Corey Anderson -275
Tom Lawlor +230
Over/under 2.5 rounds, over -220, under +180
Prediction: Anderson UD Lawlor
26-year old Corey Anderson is a good prospect in a division that sorely needs up-and-coming talent. He’ll have the opportunity to build his resume against Tom Lawlor, who is a respectable 205er. Anderson’s wrestling and athleticism should prove to be the difference-makers in this bout, as he should be able to physically overwhelm the older, slower Lawlor.
Welterweights
Erick Silva -210
Nordine Taleb +180
Over/under 1.5 rounds, over -147, under +127
Prediction: Silva TKO Taleb R1
Maybe one day Erick Silva will put it all together and become the contender worthy of his considerable talent. Or maybe he’ll just be one of those guys that are good enough to be midlevel competition but not quite cut out for the top-10. Nordein Taleb qualifies as a midlevel competitor, and Silva has a habit of looking brilliant against guys like that.
Featherweights
Darren Elkins -150
Chas Skelly +130
Over/under 2.5 rounds, over -240, under +200
Prediction: Skelly UD Elkins
The time has come for Skelly to join the top-15. Elkins is ranked No. 11 by the UFC, but he’s alternated wins and losses in his past four fights. Meanwhile, Skelly has ripped off four straight wins, with three finishes among them. He carries all the momentum going into the fight, and appears to be hitting a career peak.
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Access live betting lines from your mobile device at BookMaker sportsbook! With BookMaker’s quick and easy payout options, your winnings are always close at hand. You can even wager on sporting events as they unfold on television with BookMaker’s live betting platform. Real-time money lines, totals, props and money line are all available now. UFC 196 takes place on Saturday, March 5, 2016 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.The main card will be televised on pay-per-view starting 10 p.m. ET.
