What happens when the 205-pound division’s two hardest punchers meet? We’ll find out when knockout artist Anthony “Rumble” Johnson meets slugger Glover Teixeira in the co-main event of UFC 202 this Saturday. While the McGregor-Diaz headlining act is getting all the attention, this is the bout that could steal the show. So which puncher should YOU be backing?
Bet on UFC odds at BookMaker.eu
Anthony Johnson -225
Glover Teixeira +190
Over/under 1.5 rounds, over -115, under -105
Please note, the UFC odds at BookMaker are updated daily. The lines listed here may have changed since this article was posted.
ODDS ANALYSIS
Johnson is more than a 2-1 favorite, with a -225 money line. Currently, Teixeira is at +190, meaning a winning $100 bet would pay out $190. Honestly, I feel like his line should be closer to +250, and I expect that to be the case on fight night. The over/under is expectedly low at 1.5 rounds -- Rumble does not waste time when it comes to ending fights.
FIGHT PREVIEW
Since returning to the UFC in 2014, Rumble has only lost once in six fights -- in a title bid against current champion Daniel Cormier. In those other five bouts, Johnson knocked out all of his opponents with the exception of Phil Davis. And while all KOs have a certain level of violent, Rumble’s are particularly frightening -- the kind which make you question whether his opponents will ever be the same.
Johnson is a broad, powerfully built fighter with superb athleticism and terrifying explosiveness. He likes to charge right out of the gate, walking down opponents and forcing them to fight with their backs against the cage. Once they have nowhere to go, Rumble will uncork TNT-laced punches and kick -- and it only takes one connection to render someone senseless.
The promise of instant violence makes every Rumble fight a can’t-miss affair. You almost feel sorry for the fighters who lock themselves in a cage with him -- as if them getting knocked out was a foregone conclusion. I’m sure a few would rather face Leatherface in a locked basement then step into the octagon with Johnson.
So kudos to Teixeira for asking for this fight. The former title challenger nearly became and afterthought with back-to-back losses to Jon Jones and Phil Davis, but he has rebounded nicely with three straight stoppage wins, with his last two being vicious knockouts. The Brazilian has earned his reputation as an extremely dangerous slugger, and he’s left plenty of good fighters, like Ryan Bader, out cold in his wake.
If Glover can beat Johnson, it puts him in serious consideration for a title shot. Now that Daniel Cormier is firmly entrenched as the champion in the wake of Jon Jones’ PEDs suspension, the division is wide open for the taking. And because Teixeira has yet to face Cormier, he’d be present a new challenge rather than a rematch.
THE SMART PLAYS
WIth all due respect to Glover Teixeira, I think it’s clear who the more dangerous knockout artist is. Johnson is bigger, faster, younger and has fought the better competition to date. Even though Rumble is expensive at -225, the reality is that most people wouldn’t have raised an eyebrow even if he was a 3-1 favorite. Stick with Johnson to win.
UFC odds: Johnson TKO Teixeira, Round 1
HOW TO BET
With BookMaker’s quick and easy payout options, your winnings are always close at hand. Access live betting lines from your mobile device at BookMaker sportsbook! Real-time spreads, totals, props and money line are all available so start betting with BookMaker today. UFC 202 takes place on August 20, 2016 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. The card will air on pay-per-view starting 9 p.m. ET following the prelims on FOX Sports 1.
