Heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic (17-2, 13 KOs, 1 SUB) will defend his title against knockout artist Francis “The Predataor” Ngannou (11-1, 7 KOs, 4 SUBs) at UFC 220 on Saturday, January 20, 2018 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. The card airs live on pay-per-view following the FS1 prelims. Bet on the latest UFC odds and get the latest previews, predictions and betting picks at BookMaker.eu now!
Francis Ngannou is the most intriguing heavyweight to enter the octagon since Brock Lesnar. And his last win over Alistair Overeem was so impressive that he’ll fight for the heavyweight title less than two months later. The massive Cameroonian has been booked to meet champion Stipe Miocic in the main event of UFC 220 on January 20.
Is Miocic being overlooked here? Absolutely. But it’s almost impossible not to get caught up in Ngannou’s hype. His physical stature, the explosive power, the amazing backstory...basically he’s a marketer’s dream come true. But let’s not forget that Miocic has won five straight, scoring knockouts in each victory. Don’t crown Ngannou just yet.
The UFC odds at BookMaker.eu opened with Ngannou as a clear favorite, but we see the prices fluctuating in the coming weeks. Let’s take a look at where they currently stand.
Opening UFC Odds at BookMaker.eu
Francis Ngannou -180
Stipe Miocic +150
Over/under 1.5 rounds, over +105, under -145
Early Odds Analysis
Oddsmakers are jumping on the Ngannou bandwagon, opening with “The Predator” as a nearly 2-1 favorite. The crazy thing? Nobody should be surprised.
The heavyweight division is really the only weight class where a physical specimen with little experience can simply overpower his opponents. When the weight range is from 205 to 265 pounds, it’s easy to see how a 265-pound freak like Brock Lesnar beasted through guys with more than three times as much MMA experience.
We’re seeing the same thing with Ngannou - except that the 31-year old is an even better athlete. 6’4”, 260 pounds, with and 83” reach and a chiseled frame, Ngannou’s explodes like an NFL linebacker and set the UFC institute record for punching power.
Overeem entered his bout with Ngannou with nearly 60 pro fights, having held belts in K-1 kickboxing, Strikeforce and Dream. A kickboxing monster and a dangerous submission fighter, Overeem was skilled in every MMA aspect. It didn’t matter - all Ngannou had to do was land one punch, because that’s all it takes when somebody hits that hard.
A guy like that is early impossible to bet against. The force behind that punch would have iced anybody in the world, and he’s got 25 minutes to do it again, this time against the champion.
But like we said, don’t crown Ngannou yet. Stipe’s the most well-rounded heavyweight on the roster, capable of testing the challenger in every area. We’re all curious to see how Ngannou will handle a wrestler, and it’s definitely possible that he crumbles against a three-dimensional assault from Miocic. Let’s not forget that Micoic has five consecutive knockouts coming intot the fight as well.
Early UFC Betting Tips
Take advantage of Miocic’s price. With everybody convinced that Ngannou will truck everybody in his path, they’re forgetting just how good the champion is. He can wrestle, he can strike and he can grind down a guy that’s never been to a third round.
UFC Odds Pick: Miocic to win at +150
Bet on UFC odds at BookMaker.eu
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 220 takes place on Saturday, January 20, 2018 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. The card airs live on pay-per-view following the FS1 prelims.
