UFC Fight Night 116 takes place on Saturday, September 16 at the PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, PA. The card airs live on FS1 starting 10 p.m. ET. Former champion Luke Rockhold meets two-division WSOF champion David branch in the main event. Bet on the latest UFC odds at BookMaker.eu now!
Luke Rockhold is back in the hunt. This Saturday, the former middleweight champ returns to the octagon in a headlining matchup against WSOF two-division champion David Branch. It’s a bout with significant title implications, as the winner would be right behind interim champion Robert Whittaker for the next title shot.
Also on card is “Platinum” Mike Perry, an up-and-coming badass with one-punch knockout power. Those kind of dudes will always find a fan base. Speaking of knockout guys, Hector Lombard will try and take his career off life support in a tilt against mid-level Anthony Smith. Another loss by the Cuban would pretty much relegate him to prelim status.
Other guys you need to watch are Kamaru Usman, a fast-rising 170-pounder, and undefeated Gregor Gillespie.
Let’s get into the UFC odds at BookMaker.eu and go over your betting options.
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Main Event
Middleweights
Luke Rockhold -450 vs. David Branch +335
Over/under 2.5 rounds, over -130, under +100
Brief Breakdown
There’s a reason why Rockhold is such a massive favorite: he’s just the better all-around fighter. Branch is fine - he definitely belongs in the UFC, but nothing in his re-debut suggests that he’s ready to hang with the big dogs. His meat-and-potatoes style just won’t cut it against a bigger, more dynamic fighter like Rockhold. On the feet, Rockhold will light him up with his punishing kicks. On the mat, Branch gets turned into a balloon animal by an elite submission wrestler.
Betting Tip
You’ve got two solid options: parlay Rockhold’s price or the rounds over. Branch might be outclassed, but experience and durability are definitely not issues. Still, Rockhold could definitely finish this early, so play it safe here.
UFC Odds Pick: Parlay Rockhold to win at -400
Welterweight
Mike Perry vs. Alex Reyes
Odds coming soon!
Brief Breakdown
With Thiago Alves stranded in Florida because of Hurricane Irma, the UFC is calling up Alex Reyes on just three days notice to make his promotional debut. As if facing a badass with killshot power wasn’t hard enough, Reyes is also jumping up a weight class to do Dana White a favor. Props to the dude for doing anything to get into the big show, but he’s signing himself up for some serious hurt.
Betting Tip
Parlay Perry to win, no matter what the price is. Reyes has built up a nice record in regional competition, but just making it out of the first round would be stunning.
UFC Odds Pick: Parlay Perry to win
Welterweight
Hector Lombard -115 vs. Anthony Smith -115
Over/under 1.5 rounds, over -130, under +100
Brief Breakdown
Lombard smash. But if that doesn’t work, he’s pretty much cooked. He’s been getting better at conserving his energy, but in doing so the Cuban has lost much of the aggression that made him a killer. Anthony Smith isn’t anything special, but he’s definitely got the skills to grind on Lombard.
Betting Tip
Smith is the type of guy Lombard used to feast on before he started deteriorating physically, which explains the pick’em odds. Lean the rounds over here, as Smith will have to employ a game plan that takes time to implement.
UFC Odds Pick: Over 1.5 rounds -130
Quick Hits
Gregor Gillespie -425 vs. Jason Gonzalez +310
Gillespie is an undefeated blue chip prospect. Gonzalez might be undervalued here, but he doesn’t have many paths to victory. We like the rounds under at +125 here, as Gonzalez has seen a third round just once in 14 fights, and Gillespie has seven first-round finishes in nine career wins.
Kamaru Usman -600 vs. Sergio Moraes +425
Usman was already a good wrestle-boxer, and now he’s turning into a very good kickboxer under Henri Hooft. Moraes does pose a threat with his world-class jiu-jitsu, but at 35 he’s already on the decline and will have to work too hard just to get it to the mat. Lay the price on Usman to win.
Bet on UFC odds at BookMaker.eu
