This Saturday, the UFC will head to Monterrey, Mexico for a solid Fight Night card featuring many of the promotion’s Hispanic-American fighters. While the event is somewhat lacking in star power, there are bright prospects throughout the main card. Let’s take a brief view of the main card and make some quick picks.
UFC odds on BookMaker.eu
Welterweight headliner
Neil Magny
Kelvin Gastelum
Over/under 2.5 rounds, over, under
Neil Magny steps in for an injured Matt Brown to face Kelvin Gastelum - who is probably the best prospect in the welterweight division. However, Magny is a promising fighter himself, earning seven straight wins before running into perennial title contender Demian Maia at UFC 190.
Both men are phenomenal athletes, but Gastelum’s strength and power should be the difference-maker in this bout. He is a powerful wrestler with heavy hands, and he should be able to punish Magny on the feet and on the mat. Plus, Magny won’t have a full training camp as a late replacement fill-in. Gastelum to win is an easy pick.
UFC odds on BookMaker.eu
Featherweight co-main event
Diego Sanchez +400
Ricardo Lamas -650
Over/under 2.5 rounds, over -200, under +170
Diego Sanchez is set to debut at featherweight - his fourth different weight class in the UFC. However, the popular brawler is getting a horrible matchup right off the bat against Ricardo Lamas. As the UFC’s No. 4 ranked featherweight, Lamas’ only losses in the promotion have come against Jose Aldo and Chad Mendes. That’s an impressive feat in a stacked division.
While it’s impossible not to love Sanchez’ heart and determination, he peaked as a fighter in 2009. His striking remains rudimentary at best and his defense is as porous as ever. Against a superb counterstriker like Lamas - who has extremely heavy hands. Diego’s size and grit should carry him to the final bell, but he’s going to take some heavy fire on the way. Lamas to win by decision is the way to go.
UFC odds on BookMaker.eu
Lightweights
Efrain Escudero
Leandro Silva
Over/under over, under
Escudero was the first ever Mexican “TUF” champion, although he’s failed to translate that success in the UFC. He was cut from the promotion in 2012, although he’s 2-1 in his second stint. “Hecho in Mexico” was also a coach on “TUF: Latin America 2”, meaning he should be a popular crowd favorite this Saturday.
Since losing his UFC debut, Silva is unbeaten in three fights. The submission specialist has shown flashes of potential, and Escudero presents a good litmus test for his prospects in a crowded lightweight division. Escudero has never been very special, and Silva has a higher ceiling. It should be close, but I think Silva ekes out a split decision in a grappling heavy matchup.
UFC odds on BookMaker.eu
Flyweights
Henry Cejudo -344
Jussier Formiga +281
Over/under 2.5 rounds, over -280, under +240
In a pivotal flyweight clash, undefeated Olympic gold medalist Henry Cejudo takes on No. 4 ranked Jussier Formiga. With all respect to Kelvin Gastelum, this is the most important fight on the card, as the winner will likely face champion Demetrious Johnson. As expected of most flyweight bouts, the action should be fast and furious.
Cejudo is a big favorite on account of his wrestling skills, but he’s really come a long way in the standup game. Against an elite grappler like Formiga, he’ll probably rely even more heavily on his hands. If Cejudo mixes in a few takedowns, he’s got a clear path to victory. While Formiga hits hard and has plenty of quicks, his athleticism pales in comparison of the Oympian’s. The over also makes a great play here, as Cejudo isn’t really a finisher.
HOW TO BET
Access live betting lines at BookMaker Sportsbook and start playing now. With our live betting options, you can also wager on sporting events as they unfold on television with BookMaker’s live betting platform. UFC Fight Night 78 takes place this Saturday, November 21, 2015 at the Monterrey Arena in Monterrey, Mexico. The card will be televised on FOX Sports 1 starting 10 p.m. ET.
