In a high stakes featherweight matchup, No. 3 ranked Ricardo Lamas will meet No. 8 Charles Oliveira this Saturday in Mexico City. On top of the title impact, it’s just an awesome matchup between two highly entertaining fighters. Lamas is a savage clinchfighter, and Oliveira is fast becoming one of the most dangerous submission artists in the division. Let’s break down your betting options.
Bet on UFC odds at BookMaker.eu
Ricardo Lamas +10
Charles Oliveira -120
Over/under 1.5, over -185, under +160
Please note, the UFC odds at BookMaker.eu are updated daily.
Odds Analysis
Lamas is the favorite here, and it makes sense because he’s had more success as a featherweight. Still, the difference in overall talent between the two isn’t much. After Aldo, Edgar, Holloway and McGregor, the second tier of fighters - including Lamas and Oliveira - are all extremely well-matched.
Fight Preview
Lamas is comfortable in all phases, and can seamlessly blend striking and wrestling. On the feet, he’s a good kicker, and his low kicks come crisp and powerful. However, his true strength is in wrestling and grappling. “The Bully” is an excellent chain wrestler, often starting with a single-leg. He’s at his best when he’s on top, as he possesses a great passing game and even better ground and pound.
Though Lamas is just 1-2 in his past three, those losses came against Chad Mendes and Max Holloway, respectively the former No. 1 contender and the current No. 1 contender. His only other loss in the octagon came against Jose Aldo. This is a fighter that only loses to the division’s elite, and counts Dennis Bermudez, Diego Sanchez and Cub Swanson among his victims.
Oliveira is in a similar position to Lamas, as he’s 1-2 in his last three fights. He has a win over Myles Jury sandwiched around losses to Max Holloway and Anthony Pettis, but prior to that streak the Brazilian had won four in a row - including an impressive win over fellow top 10 combatant Jeremy Stephens. Like Lamas, Oliveira has separated himself from the midtier and is clearly top-notch featherweight.
With 13 submissions in 21 career victories, Do Bronx’s bread and butter is Brazilian jiu-jitsu. While his athleticism makes him a dangerous striker, he is not a smooth one, relying more on flashy kicks than technical combinations. He makes up for this with high aggression, invading the pocket to grab a hold of a limb in hopes of dragging the fight to the ground.
Betting Values
The UFC betting odds at BookMaker favor Lamas, and I’m inclined to agree. Though Oliveira’s BJJ is the most dangerous weapon in this fight, Lamas puts everything together better than his opponent. While there might be an adjustment to the Brazilian’s awkward striking, Lamas technique should prevail. On the ground, he has enough experience and power to defend against submission and score points as well.
UFC odds: Lamas UD Oliveira
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.
