New Zealand middleweight prospect Robert Whittaker (16-4, 7 KOs, 5 SUBs) will meet veteran Derek Brunson (16-3, 8 KOs, 4 SUBs) at UFC Fight Night 101 on Saturday, November 27 at the Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne, Australia. The card airs live on FS1. Bet on the latest UFC odds at BookMaker.eu now!
In a pivotal middleweight clash, No. 7 Robert Whittaker will meet No. 8 Derek Brunson in the main event of this Saturday’s UFC 101 in Australia. Whittaker, a native of nearby New Zealand, will essentially be holding home court against the surging Brunson. Both men have won five straight coming into the matchup, and another victory would guarantee a high profile contender matchup for each.
Let’s take a look at your UFC betting options and break down the fight.
Bet on UFC odds at BookMaker.eu
Derek Brunson -130
Robert Whittaker +110
Over/under 2.5 rounds, over -125, under +105
Please note, the UFC odds at BookMaker are updated daily.
Fight Preview
A former three-time All-American wrestler at UNC, Brunson’s game is crafted on aggressive takedown attempts. He is equally effective at single or double legs, and can chain together attempts from each. If the technique fails, his natural strength is a bailout that simply lets him drag opponents to the mat.
On top, Brunson prefers ground and pound to submission attempts. Reminiscent of Tito Ortiz or Randy Couture, the Jackson’s MMA product is content to plant himself inside the guard and rain strikes instead of aggressively trying to guard pass. When he does advance positions, it’s because of opportunities set up by GNP.
Brunson’s most recent fights are an indication that he is quickly rounding out his game. He has won his last three via first-round knockout, with the most recent one coming against Uriah Hall - an electric kickboxer. While his striking isn’t pretty, that kind of power can cover up a lot of flaws in technique.
Since moving up to middleweight, Whittaker looks like a new fighter. Though he gives up some size, the Aussie is faster, more energetic and more powerful. This helps tremendously because he is a naturally aggressive fighter. He’s always been a great boxer, but now he throws with much more volume and includes a greater number of kicks.
Just 25 years old, Whittaker’s already-immense knockout power is still improving. And his timing belies his age - the guy can hit like a sniper. Good athleticism and reaction times make him extremely difficult to take down, and though his base is not wrestling he’s solid in the area.
Betting Breakdown
Whittaker has an advantage on the feet, but Brunson’s wrestling experience could be the difference. But it’s something that he’ll have to commit to, as a fresh Whittaker could prove tough to bring down. Still, Brunson knows the stakes of this fight and will likely take a clear path to victory. His camp, Jackson-Wink, also produces the most sound gameplans in the business.
UFC odds prediction: Brunson UD Whittaker
How to Bet
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 Fight Night 101 takes place on on Saturday, November 27 at the Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne, Australia. The card airs live on FS1.
