Heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic (17-2, 13 KOs, 1 SUB) will meet knockout artist Francis Ngannou (11-1, 7 KOs, 4 SUBs) at UFC 220 on Saturday, January 20, 2018 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. The main card airs live on pay-per-view starting 9 p.m. ET. Bet on the latest UFC odds and get the latest previews, predictions and picks at BookMaker.eu now!
Stipe Miocic might have the heavyweight belt, but Francis Ngannou seized the mantle of “Baddest Man on the Planet” when he beheaded Alistair Overeem with the Uppercut from Hell. This Saturday, the two big men will collide with Miocic’s title on the line - and it’s one of the most anticipated heavyweight bout in years.
The matchup headlines UFC 220 at the TD Garden in Boston, and it’s already drawing a ton of action in the sportsbook. The UFC odds at BookMaker.eu opened with Ngannou as the favorite, and today we’re going over your best betting options.
UFC Odds at BookMaker.eu
Francis Ngannou -180
Stipe MIocic Miocic +150
Over/under 1.5 rounds, over +120, under -150
Betting Preview
What’s it take for a heavyweight champion to get some respect? Miocic enters the bout on a five-fight win streak, with all five coming by way of knockout. What’s more, his past four were in the first round. Mark Hunt, Andrei Arlovski, Fabricio Werdum, Alistair Overeem and Junior dos Santos were all left staring up at the ceiling. That’s a murderer’s row of big men right there.
But Ngannou, man. If somebody were to dream up the perfect heavyweight, he’d look and move exactly like “The Predator”. He’s absolutely shredded, and redefines “explosiveness”. There simply is nobody more intimidating, and his athleticism is obviously off the charts. Technique and experience goes a long way, but there are times where it cannot overcome physical talent.
So is a Ngannou win a foregone conclusion? Not a chance. This is the heavyweight division after all, where everyone can knockout everyone. We can’t forget that Miocic is a former Golden Gloves champion, so he’s pretty damn good at throwing leather, and 13 of his 17 career wins have come by knockout.
But the most interesting aspect of this matchup is how Ngannou will fare against Miocic’s wrestling. Ngannou has yet to be truly tested in the grappling department, and the champion does not hesitate to go to that well if need be. Against former K-1 champion Mark Hunt, Miocic utilized a three-dimensional gameplan, kickboxing, clinching and wrestling his way to a dominating win.
While Ngannou is undoubtedly quick and strong enough to shuck off early takedowns, what’s his cardio like? A man that muscular and explosive generally tends to fade quicker than others. If Miocic can make this a grind, Ngannou all of a sudden is in uncharted waters. If he’s standing, he’s got a chance, but that shrinks big time if he’s exhausted.
UFC Betting Tips
It’s always risky betting on heavyweights, but Miocic is a live ‘dog that’s being overlooked here. Ngannou is a beast, but Miocic is arguably the most well-rounded fighter in the division. It’s going to be scary, but the price on Miocic is worth it. If you’re feeling really lucky, take the champ to win inside the distance at +233.
UFC Odds Pick: Miocic to win at +150
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UFC 220 takes place on Saturday, January 20, 2018 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. The main card airs live on pay-per-view starting 9 p.m. ET.
