Sergio Pettis has one more test to pass before entering the title picture: former title challenger and No. 2-ranked Henry Cejudo. Should the 24-year old Pettis get past the Olympic gold medalist, he’d have a strong case at a title shot against champion Demetrious Johnson. Cejudo, of course, is hoping to secure another chance at the strap - though he’d likely need a few more wins to get there.
With both men making dramatic improvements in recent bouts, there’s plenty of intrigue heading into their clash this Saturday at UFC 218. Let’s take a look at the UFC odds at BookMaker.eu and break down your betting options.
UFC Odds at BookMaker.eu
Henry Cejudo -223
Sergio Pettis +167
Over/under 2.5 rounds, over -270, under +230
Matchup Preview
We’re finally seeing what the young Sergio Pettis might become: he is starting to grow into his body, filling out his frame with muscle yet maintaining the trademark Pettis athleticism. Most notably, his increasing confidence is starting to show in fights - he’s trusting his skills and strength a lot more and allowing himself to take risks.
Still, he might have some problems against Cejudo should “The Messenger” choose to wrestle. Obviously, Cejudo has Olympic level skills to fall back on, but his MMA wrestling is both powerful and punishing. A natural athlete, the 30-year old can execute every takedown in the book, from simple blast doubles to complex chain wrestling.
Though he was able to KO Wilson Reis in his last matchup, striking is still something of an issue for Cejudo. He will still throw wild combinations of punches and kicks, mainly to fight his way into the clinch. While he did show improvements against Reis, it’s clear that he hasn’t found his groove on the feet yet.
If Pettis can turn this into a kickboxing battle, his technique should prevail. Like any longtime Roufusport product, Pettis is a skilled striker with a dynamic offensive arsenal. While not as creative as his older brother, Sergio is every bit of explosive.
UFC Betting Tips
While Pettis has solid takedown defense just south of 70%, he’s never faced a wrestler as talented as Cejudo. Although Cejudo’s takedown accuracy isn’t anything to brag about at 35%, his grinding approach to trying to land them will serve to wear the young Pettis down. He should control enough of the bout to take a decision.
UFC Odds Pick: Cejudo to win at -223
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UFC 218 takes place on Saturday, December 2, 2017 at the Little Caesar’s Arena in Detroit Michigan. The card airs live on pay-per-view starting 10 p.m. ET.
