Light heavyweight prospect Tyson Pedro (6-1, 2 KOs, 4 SUBs) will meet hard-hitting Saparbek Safarov (8-1, 6 KOs, 2 SUBs) at UFC 221 on Saturday, February 10, 2018 at the Perth Arena in Perth Australia. The main card airs live on pay-per-view following the FS1 prelims. Bet on the latest UFC odds and get the latest previews, predictions and picks at BookMaker.eu now!
Can Tyson Pedro be the hot shot of fresh blood the light heavyweight division desperately needs? The Aussie had some of his thunder stolen with his first career loss to Ilir Latifi, but 26 years old he has time and most importantly, youth, on his side. This Saturday, he’ll have a chance to show his goods on the main card of a pay-per-view at home in his native Australia.
His opponent, Saparbek Safarov certainly presents a tough challenge. The Dagestani thumper is also coming off his first career loss, a TKO at the hands of Gian Villante. The winner of this matchup could very well find themselves standing opposite a top-10 fighter in their next tilt.
Let’s take a look at the UFC odds at BookMaker.eu and break down the matchup, along with your best betting options.
UFC Odds at BookMaker.eu
Tyson Pedro -265
Saparbek Safarov +225
Over/under coming soon!
Matchup Breakdown
Pedro is part of the new breed of fighters who grew up training MMA, and he’s a kenpo karate black belt, a BJJ brown belt and a Japanese jiu-jitsu black belt. Because he’s still so early into his pro career, it’s difficult to really break down his game, though he does appear to have diverse striking and decent wrestling.
The Aussie possesses a good fight IQ, showing the ability to counter with strikes and takedowns, and he maintains his poise under fire. However, the matchup Latifi demonstrated a need to develop his strength and add further experience, as he fell short against a strong wrestler with knockout power.
Safarov does not present the wrestling threat that Latifi does, though he does have sport an excellent 75% KO ratio. However, giving how badly he was marked up by Gian Villante in his UFC debut, it’s evident that Safarov’s then 8-0 record was the product of fighting lesser competition in regional promotions.
In this matchup, Pedro is taller, more athletic and more well-rounded overall. The striking is pretty much a wash, but the Aussie’s comfort in grappling is a difference-maker here. Pedro doesn’t shoot for many takedowns, but he does sport 100% accuracy in three UFC fights so far.
UFC Betting Tips
This is Pedro’s fight to lose. The UFC is scaling back his competition a bit in attempt to let him build up at 205, and Safarov is exactly the type of midcard competition he can build his confidence with. Pedro to win is a nice, solid play - but the price makes it a parlay booster.
UFC Odds Pick: Pedro to win at -265
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 221 takes place on Saturday, February 10, 2018 at the Perth Arena in Perth Australia. The main card airs live on pay-per-view following the FS1 prelims.
