UFC 196 is less than 24 hours away, and it’s the perfect time to hit the sportsbook and take a look at the underdogs for this event. Because when it comes to MMA betting, we all know that there’s no greater feeling than cashing in on an upset.
There are a few intriguing options all over the card, starting with the historic main event.
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DEAD DOGS / STAY AWAY
Conor McGregor -415 vs. Nate Diaz +330
Holly Holm -360 vs. Miesha Tate +295
Brandon Thatch -314 vs. Siyar Bahadurzada +259
There’s just too much for Nate Diaz to overcome to take him seriously as an upset threat. Physically, he’s slower, less athletic and has far less pop than McGregor. He also is taking the fight on just 11 days notice, and no fighter can get into peak fighting condition in that short amount of time.
Holm is far too big, athletic and skilled for Miesha Tate, who tends to win fights with heart, grit and a healthy dose of wrestling. But Holm has made a career out of fending off takedowns and if this becomes a prolonged standup battle it could get very ugly for Tate - who has never been a good striker.
Bahadurzada is a knockout artist who will be facing a taller, longer and more technical striker. Both men will be desperate to halt respective two-fight losing streaks, but Thatch simply has more tools to work with.
LIVE UNDERDOGS
Valentina Shevchenko +100 vs. Amanda Nunes -120
Ilir Latifi -195 vs. Gian Villante +165
Shevchenko is a great value. She is a very good counterpuncher and a strong wrestler facing an opponent who is an aggressive striker with adequate takedown defense. If Shevchenko can bully Olympic freestyle wrestling silver medalist Sara McMann, it’s entirely possible she could do the same to Nunes and take two of three rounds.
Latifi seems to be settling into a groove, with his last three wins coming by way of knockout. The short, stocky fighter will have to fight at a five-inch height disadvantage against Gian Villante, but if he can make his way inside he could easily plant a money shot on Villante’s chin. Plus, Latifi comes from a wrestling background and could always turn the bout into a grind.
RISKY UNDERDOGS
Tom Lawlor +240 vs. Corey Anderson -290
Diego Sanchez +120 vs. Jim Miller -140
In terms of physical tools, Lawlor is outmatched by Corey Anderson, but Lawlor is by no means an easy out. He’s a tough, gritty fighter that has a talent for turning matches into an unforgiving grind, and we have no idea how Anderson will hold up in that type of fight. If Lawlor can make this fight ugly, he has a good chance of walking away with a win.
Sanchez has benefitted from favorable judging on multiple occasions - his willingness to brawl is conducive to scoring points with the judges. Jim Miller is still a very good fighter, but nowhere near the elite contender he was in years past. I could see Sanchez stealing one in a slugfest.
BET ON UFC FIGHTS NOW
Access live betting lines from your mobile device at BookMaker sportsbook! 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.
