This Saturday, the UFC heads to London for a Fight Pass card featuring arguably the greatest mixed martial artist of all-time, Anderson Silva, and England’s most popular fighter, Michael Bisping.
The rest of the main card fills out nicely with a mix of ranked fighters and some expected slugfests. Let’s make some picks.
Bet on UFC Fight Night 84 odds at BookMaker.eu
Please note, the odds at BookMaker are updated daily. The lines listed here may have changed since this article was posted.
MAIN EVENT, MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Anderson Silva -320
Michael Bisping +250
Over/under 2.5 rounds, over -130, under +110
PREDICTION: Michael Bisping UD Anderson Silva
I might be in the minority here, but I feel like Silva has way too much baggage going into the fight following his suspension for PEDs. Also, the guy is 40 years old and has not looked the same since losing his belt to Chris Weidman. Meanwhile, Bisping has been fighting at an elite level - without any dropoff - for a decade. I think he can find a way to outwork Silva for three rounds.
MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Gegard Mousasi -300
Thales Leites +240
Over/under 2.5 rounds, over -175, under +155
PREDICTION: Gegard Mousasi US Thales Leites
Mousasi is by far the better striker, although Leites carries more knockout power. Although Leites will want to make this a dirty fight, Mousasi is simply too patient to get baited into a brawl. And if the Brazilian wants to make his world-class BJJ a factor, he’ll have to get Mousasi to the ground first, and that is a very difficult proposition. I see Mousasi sticking jabs in Leites’ face for the majority of the fight.
WELTERWEIGHTS
Keita Nakamura +471
Tom Breese -744
Over/under 1.5 rounds, over +120, under -140
PREDICTION: Breese SUB Nakamura in Round 3
Undefeated Tom Breese will get a chance to fight in his home country, and the UFC is gifting him a beatable opponent in hopes of pleasing the hometown crowd. Nakamura is by far the more experienced fighter, but that won’t be enough to hold off a young gun like Breese. The Englishman should be able to physically overwhelm the Japanese native and notch a finish.
BANTAMWEIGHTS
Brad Pickett +185
Francisco Rivera -225
Over/under 2.5 rounds, over -115, under -115
PREDICTION: Pickett UD Rivera
Both Pickett and Rivera are in dire need of a win. Rivera is the favorite despite being a late replacement for Henry Briones. But I feel Pickett is the more well-rounded fighter, and his wrestling should make a big difference in the bout. Plus, he’ll be fighting in his hometown and will be plenty fired up to earn a win.
HOW TO BET
Access live betting lines at BookMaker Sportsbook and start wagering 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 84 takes place on Saturday, February 27, 2016 at the O2 Arena in London, England. The entire fight card will stream on UFC Fight Pass starting 12:45 p.m. ET.
