You’ve only got a few days to lock in your bets for this Saturday’s UFC 197. It’s a solid card, even without Daniel Cormier defending the light heavyweight title. More importantly, there are some intriguing betting options for you to consider. Let’s run through and make some quick picks.
Bet on UFC 197 odds at BookMaker.eu
Please note, the UFC odds at BookMaker are updated on a daily basis, so the lines listed here may have changed.
MAIN EVENT
LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT INTERIM CHAMPIONSHIP
Jon Jones -471
Ovince St. Preux +376
Over/under 2.5 rounds, over +190, under -225
PREDICTION: Jon Jones TKO Ovince St. Preux, Round 2
If you were gonna bet on Jones, stop waiting. In just one day, the former champion went from -400 to -471. I can only imagine his line will keep trending downward leading up to fight night. If Bones is the same fighter he was before his suspension -- and there’s no reason to think he won’t be -- there simply is no legitimate avenue for OSP to beat him.
Considering how much he wants to get back into the cage and put his legal troubles behind him, look for him to make a statement. That means he’ll probably looking for the finish against an opponent that he’s superior to in all aspects.
FLYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
Demetrious Johnson -400
Henry Cejudo +325
Over/under 4.5 rounds, over -190, under +161
PREDICTION: Johnson UD Cejudo
Although Cejudo has looked impressive in compiling a 10-0 record, nothing in his past fights would suggest he’s ready to dethrone the most dominant champion in the UFC. Physically, both men possess astounding speed and athleticism, but the problem for Cejudo is that Mighty Mouse is far more well-rounded and applies a pace that no one can match.
LIGHTWEIGHTS
Anthony Pettis -150
Edson Barboza +120
Over/under 2.5 rounds, over +100, under -120
PREDICTION: Pettis UD Barboza
While I think this fight should be a pick’em, Pettis gets the nod here in the matchup between two of the most explosive strikers in the UFC. The former champion is a more creative standup artist and has a clear advantage on the mat when it comes to submissions. However, if this becomes a kickboxing match, it’s anyone’s game.
MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Rafael Natal +267
Robert Whittaker -338
Over/under 2.5 round, over +110, under -130
PREDICTION: Whittaker UD Natal
Both men ride four-fight win streaks into their matchup, but Whittaker is a blue chip prospect while Natal is more of a solid veteran. I do think that the money lines are a bit too skewed in Whittaker’s favor, as Natal has the experience to gut out a win. Still, Whittaker has some serious potential and is a helluva an athlete to boot. It’s hard to bet against that combination.
FEATHERWEIGHTS
Andre Fili +120
Yair Rodriguez -150
Over/under 2.5 rounds, over -150, under +130
PREDICTION: Fili TKO Rodriguez, Round 3
Rodriguez is an impressive prospect from Mexico, but he’s making a pretty jump in competition against Andre Fili. If Y-Rod can’t get this fight to the ground, he’s in trouble against a much more polished and powerful striker. Fili can be exposed on the ground, but he makes it tough to get him there in the first place. I wouldn’t be surprised if he lands enough bombs on Yair to put him away.
UFC 197 odds at BookMaker.eu
BET ON UFC FIGHTS NOW
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. UFC 197 takes place on Saturday, April 23, 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.
