The most dominant women’s fighter in the world will finally make her UFC debut this Saturday. Cris “Cyborg” Justino, who has long terrorized fighters outside of the octagon, will fight for the first time inside it in a catchweight bout at 140 pounds.
Unsurprisingly, she’s a massive favorite against her opponent, Leslie Smith.
Bet on UFC 198 odds at BookMaker.eu
Cristiane Justino -1300
Leslie Smith +500
Over/under 1.5 rounds, over +205, under -245
Please note, the UFC odds at BookMaker are updated daily. The lines listed here may have changed since this article was posted.
THE STAKES
Cyborg fights in a division that doesn’t exist in the UFC, and she’s fighting a lower-rung opponent in bantamweight division. So there’s no title implications whatsoever in this bout, though if Santos could make 135 pounds she’d be an immediate contender.
There is something bigger than a title shot at stake here, however. It’s the potential for superfights involving Cyborg. If she flattens Leslie Smith like she’s wrecked everybody else so far, it’d be tough for the UFC to keep a fan-friendly, pound-for-pound fighter on the sidelines. She’s never even been tested inside a cage, and having her fight catchweight bouts against the best in the UFC would be a compelling story on its own.
FIGHT BREAKDOWN
Honestly, this section is a mere formality. The UFC odds at BookMaker have Cyborg as a 13-to-1 favorite for a reason. Leslie Smith is incredibly brave for taking this fight -- rumor has it that former champion Holly Holm turned it down -- but she’s basically just being set up to be another victim for Santos’ rising body count.
But we’ll go through the motions here. Smith is known for a scrappy fighting style and her durability. Although she’s not a good wrestler, “The Peacemaker” is a solid scrambler who can land shots on the break. And that’s about all the positives. If she gets pressured, her defense disappears entirely. And she doesn’t move laterally, backing straight up instead of sidestepping.
Santos is all unbridled holly hell rage from another planet. From the opening bell, she charges forward and beats the crap out of opponents. It’s easy to forget her plus Muay Thai skills in the chaos. She’s so vicious and powerful that she can simply bully and bloody fighters into a shivering heap.
PREDICTION AND VALUE BETS
It’s difficult to name a fighter more aggressive than Cyborg. Up until now, she has never needed a more measured approach -- her Bald Bull charge has been enough to rack up a 15-fight winning streak. Smith will be number 16.
When it comes to betting, you’ll want to parlay Cyborg, as her money line is just ridiculous right now. If playing parlays isn’t your thing, the best value comes on the under on 1.5 rounds at -245. Don’t expect Smith to last long.
UFC odds: Cris Justino KO Leslie Smith, Round 1
HOW TO BET
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. Money lines, totals, props and money line are all available now. UFC 198 takes place on Saturday, May 14 at the Arena de Baixada stadium in Curitiba, Brazil. The main card will be televised on pay-per-view following the prelims on Fox Sports 1.
