Former lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos (26-9, 5 KOs, 8 SUBs) will meet No. 6 Neil Magny (19-5, 6 KOs, 3 SUBs) at UFC 215 on Saturday, September 9, 2017 at Rogers Place in Edmonton, Canada. The fight card airs live on pay-per-view starting 10 p.m. following the FXX prelims. Bet on the latest UFC odds at BookMaker.eu now.
Rafael dos Anjos is looking for new life at 170 pounds. The former lightweight champion posted a dominant decision victory over Tarec Saffiedine in his welterweight debut, and will attempt to make a huge jump up the ladder this Saturday when he meets No. 6 Neil Magny. It’s a huge test for RDA, who has a chance to establish himself as a top contender.
Let’s take a look at the UFC odds at BookMaker.eu and break down the fight along with your betting options.
UFC Odds at BookMaker.eu
Rafael dos Anjos -200
Neil Magny +160
Over/under 2.5 rounds, over -225, under +185
Fight Preview
During his run at the title, RDA established himself as one of the most vicious strikers in a loaded division. His power, combined with textbook Muay Thai, led to lopsided victories over Benson Henderson, Nate Diaz, Anthony Pettis and Donald Cerrone. Combined, those opponents possess elite wrestling, grappling and striking skills.
His aggressive style isn’t just limited to striking: he is a very good wrestler and an accomplished BJJ black belt. The King’s MMA rep loves to plant himself in the pocket and trade blows, and will beautifully change levels to hit double and single leg takedowns. Opponents also tend to forget how dangerous his submission game is - he was once just a one-dimensional grappler.
The first thing you notice about Neil Magny is that he is a very tall welterweight. Standing 6’3” to RDA’s 5’9”, Magny will have marked height and reach advantage against his opponent. But the American has yet to master using his long frame on the feet, and is prone to panicking when fighters close the distance quickly.
When given time and space, Magny is a high-volume striker with excellent wrestling skills. His bottomless gas tank allows him to push the pace, and also allows him great durability under fire. Against Hector Lombard, Magny ate hard punches for a full round before coming back to take control in the second and third rounds.
Style-wise, this fight favors Dos Anjos, whose pressure and takedown defense takes away Magny’s best weapons. The wild card here is the size difference: can Magny simply muscle his way to a win? It’s definitely possible. The problem is that Dos Anjos has evolved into a very good wrestler in his own right, though he is far better offensively than he is defensively.
UFC Betting Tips
We fade Magny a bit given how good RDA looked against a legitimate welterweight in Tarec Saffiedine. Magny is a totally different type of fighter though - an American wrestler as opposed to a Belgian kickboxer. If he can take this fight to the ground it will be a lot closer than the odds suggest. It seems doubtful that Magny can do this consistently though, and he’ll have an even harder time keeping the fight on the mat.
While it might take some time for the Brazilian to navigate Magny’s length, his ability to fight in tight quarters is a real difference-maker. Lay the price on Dos Anjos to win.
UFC Odds Pick: Dos Anjos to win at -200
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UFC 215 takes place on Saturday, September 9, 2017 at Rogers Place in Edmonton, Canada. The card airs live on pay-per-view starting 10 p.m. ET.
