This Saturday’s UFC 202 main card is ridiculously rich in good matchups -- the byproduct of a main event featuring superstars Conor McGregor and Nate Diaz. The promotion wants to make a big event every time the Irishman fights, which means every fight is a meaningful one.
We’ll get to detailed previews of the main and co-main event, but today we’re focusing on the rest of the pay-per-view matchups. There’s a lot to get excited about, especially from a betting perspective.
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Welterweights
Donald Cerrone -160
Rick Story +135
Over/under 2.5 rounds, over -175, under +155
THE SMART PICK
Rick Story’s money line of +135 is a fantastic play. Cerrone’s name recognition and status as an elite lightweight contender is what’s propping up his status as a -160 favorite. In reality, this is a horrible style matchup for Cowboy.
Cerrone is at his best when he has space and time to establish a good rhythm on the feet. But Story isn’t looking for a kickboxing match. He’s a powerful bully fighter who rams dudes into the cage and mugs them with dirty boxing. As the bigger man, “Horror” should have no problems doing so to Cerrone for long portions of the fight.
Story is low-key one of the tougher outs at welterweight. His last two wins have come against Gunnar Nelson -- an elite submission artist -- and Tarec Saffiedine -- a superb kickboxer. Neither are the complete package like Cerrone is, but it just shows how Story can match up against Cowboy’s arsenal.
PREDICTION: Story UD Cerrone
Bantamweights
Cody Garbrandt -530
Takeya Mizugaki +415
Over/under 1.5 rounds, over -160, under +135
THE SMART PLAYS
Do not bet against Garbrandt, no matter how tempting Mizugaki’s line may be. “No Love” has smashed his way into the top-10 with a string of vicious knockouts, and it’s clear the power he possesses is extraordinary for a 135-pounder. The Team Alpha Male ace is a flawless 9-0 in his career and just seems to be realizing his potential -- Garbrandt is coming off a signature win over the previously undefeated Thomas Almeida.
While Mizugaki is a solid veteran, he’s just 1-2 in his past three fights. His KO loss to Dominick Cruz showed that he does not respond well to pressure -- something that No Love brings in droves. Think of this as a showcase fight for Garbrandt. If he can author another quick, flashy knockout, he might jump to the head of the contender line.
PREDICTION: Garbrandt TKO Mizugaki, Round 1
Welterweights
Neil Magny -125
Lorenz Larkin +105
Over/under 2.5 rounds, over -210, under +75
THE SMART PLAYS
Larkin steps in as a short notice replacement for the injured Dong Hyun Kim, and his explosive striking always makes him a dangerous opponent. Still, this fight is all about Magny, who has vaulted himself into a tier that sits just below the elite contenders at 170. At 29 years, old, Magny seems to have fully tapped into his enormous potential.
Magny is a superb athlete with a fantastic wrestling base. MMA fighters have built long careers based on those two traits alone. But now he’s putting together a fully evolved game, and comes into the fight on a three-fight win streak against very good opponents in Erick Silva, Kelvin Gastelum and Hector Lombard. He is the bigger, more skilled fighter in this matchup, and an easy pick in the sportsbook.
PREDICTION: Magny SUB Larkin, Round 3
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.
