Former heavyweight champion Fabricio Werdum (22-7, 6 KOs, 11 SUBs) will meet rising contender Marcin Tybura (16-2, 7 KOs, 6 SUBs) at UFC Fight Night 121 on Saturday, November 18, 2017 at the Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, Australia. The card airs live on FS1 starting 10 p.m. ET. Get latest UFC odds, previews, predictions and picks at BookMaker.eu now!
We’re about to find out if Marcin Tybura is a legitimate title contender. With his original opponent, Mark Hunt, being pulled from their main event matchup, Fabricio Werdum now steps in to take to the Kiwi’s place. We’re sure that Tybura has no complaints, as he could leapfrog up the heavyweight ladder with a win over the former champion.
So is “Tybur” ready to take the next step? What’s the best bet in this matchup? Let’s take a look at the UFC odds at BookMaker.eu and break it all down.
UFC Odds at BookMaker.eu
Fabricio Werdum -355
Marcin Tybura +275
Over/under 2.5 rounds, over -115, under -105
Fight Preview
If you don’t know much about Tybura, we don’t blame you. The 31-year old is a recent addition to the heavyweight roster, making his debut in 2016. Though he lost his first UFC fight against Timothy Johnson, he has made rapid improvements to his game, winning three straight.
Physically, the Polish native has the tools to break into the top six. He’s got good size at 6’3”, 250 pounds, moves well and has good cardio. While he doesn’t have one-shot KO power, he does pack enough pop to finish guys with both his fists and feet. And even at heavyweight, Tybura’s chin is rock solid.
Still, Tybura is not yet a fully formed striker, and it shows defensively. While he moves his head with ducks and leans, he does so recklessly, more out of instinct than purpose. It’s not pretty and it opens him up to calculated punches. Fortunately, the Pole does have a decent takedown game and can threaten with submissions.
Werdum is coming off a quick win against an overmatched Walt Harris, but he’ll find a much tougher challenge in Tybura. Still, there doesn’t seem to be any aspect of the bout where he won’t have the advantage. The Brazilian has evolved into a dangerous Muay Thai stylist under Rafael Cordeiro at King’s MMA, and his grappling is already regarded as the best in heavyweight history.
For the former champ, the toughest part of this matchup is probably not overlooking a young, hungry fight like Tybura. Werdum’s confidence can hurt him, like when he lost his title by charging Stipe Miocic. Coming off an easy win and facing a relatively unknown fighter, Vai Cavalo might be surprised by Tybura’s toughness and grit.
UFC Betting Predictions
If this was a pure kickboxing battle, a chance for a Tybura upset would be significant. But Werdum is excellent and forcing opponents to fight in every phase, making the fight ugly and pushing the pace. Expect the former champ to wear down the Pole and take control of the fight on way to a decision.
UFC Odds Pick: Werdum to win at -355
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 Fight Night 121 on Saturday, November 18, 2017 at the Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, Australia. The card airs live on FS1 starting 10 p.m. ET.
