This Saturday marks the UFC’s first pay-per-view event since the the milestone UFC 200 extravaganza last month. And with Robbie Lawler, the most violent, entertaining champion on its roster, the promotion is making sure to keep the momentum going strong.
Also on the card is an expected slugfest between two action-oriented welterweights, a high stakes strawweight matchup between hyperactive fighters and one of the brightest prospects in the 205-pound class.
Let’s take a look at the main card and make some quick picks.
Bet on UFC odds at BookMaker.eu
Please note, the UFC odds at BookMaker are updated daily. The lines listed here may have changed since this article was posted.
MAIN EVENT
Welterweight championship
Robbie Lawler -223
Tyron Woodley +193
Over/under 2.5 rounds, over -150, under +130
We haven’t seen much of Woodley lately, as he’s been patiently on the sidelines waiting for his promised title shot. Now that he’s got it, oddsmakers are predicting that he’ll get a heavy dose of “careful what you wish for.” One does not simply lock himself in a cage against Robbie Lawler and expect to emerge with all his facial features in the right place. However, Woodley is by far the most athletic challenger Lawler has had to defend his title against, adding a compelling wrinkle to this fight.
THE SMART PLAYS
“Razor thin” doesn’t even begin to describe how close Lawler’s title defenses have been. In fact, the top-6 at welterweight could probably all beat each other on any given day. For that reason, I’m taking Woodley as the near 2-1 underdog. I think his speed will give Lawler all sorts of problems, and his explosiveness might be the key to cracking the champ’s stellar takedown defense.
CO-MAIN EVENT
Welterweights
Matt Brown -280
Jake Ellenberger +230
Over/under 1.5 rounds, over +110, under -130
This bout is the perfect example of how a striker vs. striker matchup can still be an amazing clash of styles. Ellenberger has built a reputation as a knockout artist, and at his best he presses forward in hopes of landing a fight-ending bomb. On the other hand, Brown wants to beat you into submission with a never-ending stream of punches, knees and elbows. The fact that both men prefer to be the aggressor is a sign that this could be a bloody dogfight.
THE SMART PLAYS
This is a difficult fight to call -- both men have found wins hard to come by. But though Ellenberger is the younger man, he has aged much faster than Brown inside the cage. “The Juggernaut” may have had some bone-crushing knockouts in the past, but it’s actually been years since he’s slept anyone with punches. Brown has the better cardio and is more durable, so take him to win a decision.
Women’s strawweights
Karolina Kowalkiewicz +210
Rose Namajunas -250
Over/under 2.5 rounds, over -210, under +175
You might get dizzy watching this bout. Both Namajunas and Kowalkiewicz are frenetic fighters that overwhelm opponents with pace and aggression. Namajunas has the looks, personality and raw talent to become a superstar, despite the UFC’s continual desire to promote cheerleader clone Paige VanZant instead. Kowalkiewicz’ sports an unblemished record, but her competition is about to get a lot tougher as she preps for a top-3 strawweight.
THE SMART PLAYS
There really isn’t any phase or physical trait in which Kowalkiewicz is better than Namajunas. The Polish native is extremely durable and scrappy, but that’s not enough against supremely talented fighters like “Thug.” Namajunas is the correct play, but if that’s too expensive for you take the over as both women have the heart to make it to the final bell.
Light heavyweights
Nikita Krylov -16
Ed Herman+135
Over/under 1.5 rounds, over +110, under -130
In a light heavyweight division desperate for young talent, the 24-year old Nikita has reeled off four straight stoppage victories en route to a No. 11 ranking. Now, he’ll meet veteran gatekeeper Ed Herman, a former middleweight who is fresh off a knockout of Tim Boetsch. This is a fantastic test for Krylov, who must prove he can beat established veterans if he wants to make any noise at 205.
THE SMART PLAYS
Krylov is the younger, bigger and stronger fighter, and the physical advantages he has over Herman will be obvious. However, Herman is tough enough to end Krylov’s finishing streak, making the over the best value in this fight.
Weltweights
Jorge Masvidal -210
Ross Pearson +175
Over/under 2.5 rounds, over -241, under +204
On the losing end of two straight split decisions, Masvidal will look to break out of his funk against short-notice replacement Ross Pearson. It will be Pearson’s second fight in two months, as he lost a unanimous decision to Will Brooks at last month’s TUF 23 Finale. The bout also marks “The Real Deal’s” first fight at 170. It should be a fun fight between two men who love to throw leather.
THE SMART PLAYS
Masvidal is the much smoother MMA striker, though Pearson is a very good boxer in his own right. Still “Gamebred’s” penchant for cruising has cost him dearly in recent bets, and we don’t know if his mindset has changed. Take the over here, as Pearson is always a tough out and Masvidal is never as aggressive as he should be.
Bet on UFC odds at BookMaker now!
HOW TO BET
With BookMaker’s quick and easy payout options, your winnings are always close at hand. 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 on FOX 20 takes place July 23, 2016 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. The card will be televised on FOX.
