Featherweight contenders Cub Swanson (25-7, 8 KOs, 7 SUBs) and Brian Ortega (12-0, 2 KOs, 6 SUBs) will collide at UFC Fight Night 123 on Saturday, December 9, 2017 at the Save Mart Center in Fresno, California. The main card airs live on FS1 starting 9 p.m. ET. Get the latest UFC odds, predictions and betting picks at BookMaker.eu now!
Cub Swanson is not happy about being passed up as a title fight replacement for Frankie Edgar at UFC 218. He’ll have to take his anger out on the undefeated Brian Ortega this Saturday in Fresno. But seeing as “T-City” is ready to step into the contender spotlight himself, things could go very wrong for Swanson, who is as as close to a featherweight title shot as he’s ever been.
Let’s take a look at the UFC odds at BookMaker.eu, break down the scrap and go over your best betting options.
UFC Odds at BookMaker.eu
Cub Swanson -115
Brian Ortega -115
Over/under 2.5 rounds, over -220, under +180
Fight Preview
Swanson can be described as a boxer, but he’s definitely taken some liberties adding some funk to his striking. In fact, his style can be a bit confusing to watch, as it’s defined by awkward rhythms and unorthodox body leans. It’s worked for him, as he’s long been one of the men to beat at 145 pounds.
With 21 combined UFC/WEC fights, Cub’s been doing this a long time and there really isn’t an area where he’s uncomfortable. And since 2012, Swanson has compiled an 11-2 record with wins over established names like Jeremy Stephens, Dustin Poirier, Charles Oliveira and Doo Ho Choi.
While at times reckless, Swanson’s creativity on the feet can be a challenge. He is not afraid to throw flashy spinning attacks or throwing himself face first into a powerful combination. The 34 year old’s biggest weakness has always been against wrestlers, though he is a crafty submission artist from his back.
Ortega has yet to taste defeat in 11 pro fights, and while he is young in his career he is already recognized as one of the most dangerous submission fighters in the featherweight division. On the mat, he is powerful, mean and extraordinarily smooth in transitions and passes. Much like Demian Maia, few men are able to get back to the feet once he’s on top.
Striking has been an issue for Ortega, but he made marked improvements in his last fight against Renato Carneiro. Though he was slightly outstruck by the Brazilian for two rounds, he found his groove in the third and started landing surprisingly diverse combinations. If that’s a signal that his standup is catching up to his grappling, the featherweight division needs to be on notice.
UFC Betting Predictions
If Ortega is able to get this to the ground, it’s his fight to lose. The stats don’t suggest it will be easy, as he only averages .27 takedowns per fight at a 16% clip. If it stays standing, “T-City” will have to deal with a bona fide scrapper, and it will not go well for him. Ortega’s time will come, but Swanson is too experienced for him right now. Lay the price on Swanson to win.
UFC Odds Pick: Swanson to win at -115
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UFC Fight Night 123 takes place on Saturday, December 9, 2017 at the Save Mart Center in Fresno, California. The main card airs live on FS1 starting 9 p.m. ET.
