This Saturday’s UFC Fight Night 88 should do more than keep the seat warm between UFC’s 198 and 199 card. Starting with a matchup between two of the bantamweight division’s best prospect, there are sweet fights all over this card. If you missed any of our in-depth previews, we’ve got your back with some quick picks for the main card.
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MAIN EVENT
Bantamweights
Cody Garbrandt +135
Thomas Almeida -165
Over/under 1.5 rounds, over -155, under +135
Prediction: Almeida TKO Garbandt, Round 4
At just 24 years old, Thomas Almeida is already 20-0 with 16 KOs and 3 submissions. After four wins in the UFC, he’s taking a step up in competition against former boxer Cody Garbrandt, who’s 8-0 in pro MMA. As expected, Garbrand is a helluva striker, with 7 TKOs, but he’s never faced anyone as aggressive as Almeida. The Brazilian is an explosive, dynamic striker with an iron chin, and his neverending blitz should wear down Garbrandt in the later rounds.
CO-MAIN EVENT
Featherweights
Jeremy Stephens +140
Renan Barao -170
Over/under 2.5 rounds, over -115, under -105
Prediction: Barao UD Stephens
Longtime ex-bantamweight champion Renan Barao makes his debut at 145 against a battle-hardened Jeremy Stephens. Barao notoriously had problems making the cut to 135, so a move up will probably do him a lot of good. He’s much more explosive and dynamic than Stephens, who is the “skilled and durable” type fighter that makes for a solid gatekeeper. Considering how long Barao dominated at 135, we can assume that the Brazilian has more than enough skill to take care of solid vet.
Welterweights
Tarec Saffiedine -120
Rick Story +101
Over/under 2.5 rounds, over -275, under +230
Prediction: Saffiedine UD Story
When Saffiedine is healthy, he’s a straight up kickboxing machine. Story is a ridiculously strong wrestler, but he’s not particularly athletic nor is he anywhere near the Belgian’s level in terms of striking. Though Story will try and turn this into a clinchfest, Saffiedine’s strong defense should allow him to get plenty of his low signature kicks in. After Story’s leg gets chopped up, it’ll be easy pickins for Saffiedine.
Middleweights
Vitor Miranda +180
Chris Camozzi -215
Over/under 2.5 rounds, over -165, under +140
Prediction: Miranda UD Chris Camozzi
37-year old Vitor Miranda has racked up three straight first-round TKOs coming into this bout with veteran Chris Camozzi, who will be making his 18th octagon appearance. Camozzi is a volume fighter, preferring to rack up points with offensive output. It’s an interesting contrast of striking styles, but backing Miranda’s power is the smart play.
Welterweights
Jorge Masvidal +105
Lorenz Larkin -125
Over/under 2.5 rounds, over -280, under +215
Prediction: Larkin UD Masvidal
This fight could be a toss-up. Larkin is the much more explosive fighter, but he often gives up rounds due to long periods of inactivity. Masvidal, a former backyard brawler, should have the opportunity to score points due to his aggressive striking style. But I’m willing to bet that it’ll be Larkin who does most of the damage with his punishing, blink-and-you’ll-miss-it counters. Larkin is extremely athletic and quick, so it’ll be hard for Masvidal to hit him clean. This is Larkin’s fight to lose.
Lightweights
Joshua Burkman +250
Paul Felder -320
Over/under 2.5 rounds, over -190, under +161
Prediction: Felder UD Burkman
Back-to-back defeats dropped Felder’s stock since the Philadelphian came aboard the UFC with a 9-0 record. Those losses showed that Felder’s striking game was somewhat shallow, but he showed marked improvement in his last bout against Daron Cruickshank.A fantastic counter-wrestler, Felder will probably shut down Burkman’s grappling with ease. In a standup scenario, I favor Felder’s power over Burkman’s experience.
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HOW TO BET
Access live betting lines from your mobile device at BookMaker sportsbook! You can even wager on sporting events as they unfold on television with BookMaker’s live betting platform. Money lines, totals, props and money line are all available now. UFC Fight Night 88 takes place Saturday, May 29, 2016 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. The card will be televised on FS1 starting 8 p.m. ET.
