The last time the UFC held an event in Mexico City, the story of the night was how the high altitude of the area affected the fighters. At nearly 7400’ above sea level, even famously well-conditioned fighters were exhausted by the end of the first round. Perhaps the fighters will be more prepared this Saturday, when UFC Fight Night 98 kicks off in the Mexico City Arena.
It’s an event bolstered by an excellent main event between former lightweight champion Rafael Dos Anjos and surging contender Tony Ferguson. The rest of the card features a variety of ranked fighters, popular sluggers and up-and-coming prospects. Let’s take a look at your UFC betting options for some of the more notable fights.
Bet on UFC odds at BookMaker.eu (odds updated daily)
Main Event
Lightweights
Rafael Dos Anjos -140
Tony Ferguson +120
Over/under 3.5 rounds, over -135, under +115
Dos Anjos has evolved into one of the best Muay Thai practitioners in the division. The Brazilian throws fast, technical punch-kick combinations with knockout power. His KOs of Donald Cerrone and Benson Henderson put the rest of the weight class on notice that Dos Anjos is not a guy who you want testing your chin.
Tony Ferguson is a completely different type of striker. While he’s got power and athleticism, he is as wild as Dos Anjos is technical - and somehow just as effective. You never know what he’s going to throw, and the only thing you can really count on is for Ferguson to be in your face at all times, putting relentless pressure on his opponents.
Betting Breakdown
I like Ferguson’s status as an underdog. He is the bigger man, three inches taller, and can push the pace like few others do. Ferguson’s limitless gas tank will be pushed by the high altitude, but it will also be the difference-maker in this bout.
UFC odds: Ferguson to win at +120
Lightweights
Diego Sanchez +210
Marcin Held -255
Over/under 2.5 rounds, over -156, under +131
A recent Bellator lightweight title challenger, Held is making his debut against an established vet in Diego Sanchez. This presents an intriguing style clash between Held’s premium jiu-jitsu skills and Sanchez’s brutal wrestling. But the most important thing to note here is that all the epic battles that Diego has survived appears to be taking its toll.
Just 3-5 in his past eight, Sanchez’s time as a top lightweight is long past. Held’s time is now. At just 24 years old, Held already has 26 pro fights and holds victories over some good names like Patricky Freire, Derek Anderson, Rich Clementi and Phillipe Nover. If he can elevate his standup anywhere close to his top-notch grappling ability, Held has the opportunity to crack the top-10.
Betting Breakdown
Held is a huge favorite for one reason - Sanchez is pretty much done at this point. While “The Dream” has always been a fan favorite for his late surges, all Held needs to do is fight patient and not get sucked into a brawl. Still, Held to win is a bit expensive, so let’s go with the over on 2.5 rounds at -156. Sanchez has yet to be submitted in over 30 fights and Held isn’t really a knockout fighter.
UFC odds: Over on 2.5 rounds at -156
Featherweights
Ricardo Lamas +100
Charles Oliveira -120
Over/under 1.5, over -185, under +160
Another great fight between a good wrestler, Lamas, and a talented submission artist in Charles Oliveira. But unlike Sanchez-Held, this one actually has an impact on the contender picture. Lamas is ranked No. 4 while Oliveira is ranked No. 8 at 145 pounds While neither man will be challenging for the title any time soon, the winner stays “in the mix.”
Lamas can be considered an elite gatekeeper at this point, while Oliveira is a guy that has the tools to be special. Still just 27, Oliveira is a superb athlete who could really make some noise if he improves his standup. Perhaps he’ll show evolution against Lamas, who is as well-rounded as they come.
Betting Breakdown
This is an extremely tough call. Lamas is good in almost every phase, but Oliveira has the higher ceiling. The difference here should be whose cardio holds up in Mexico City. Considering Oliveira’s struggles to make weight in the past, I think he’s likely to fade against Lamas.
UFC odds: Lamas to win at +100
How to Bet
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 98 takes place on Saturday, November 5, 2016 at the Mexico City Arena in Mexico City, Mexico. The card will air on FOX Sports 1.
