The UFC’s strong run of Fight Nights continue at the end of this month with a solid card headlined by undefeated bantamweight prospects. UFC Fight Night 88 has compelling bouts from top to bottom, and our sportsboook is filling up quickly with odds that you can bet on now. Let’s take a look at the most intriguing fights so far.
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Please note, the UFC odds at BookMaker are updated daily. The lines listed here may have changed since this article was posted.
MAIN EVENT
Bantamweights
Cody Garbrandt +144
Thomas Almeida -166
Over/under 1.5 rounds, over -150, under +140
The bantamweight division is in need of stars beyond Dominick Cruz and Urijah Faber. Both Garbrandt and Almeida can help fill that void -- they’re exciting fighters with fan-friendly styles. Plus, there’s always an added layer of intrigue when two guys come into a bout undefeated.
We also have to mention the over/under here, as it’s unusually high for the 135-pound class. The general rule of thumb is that the lighter the weight class, the harder it is for fighters to score a finish. That’s not the case here -- each has stopped all but one of their respective opponents.
Featherweights
Jeremy Stephens +140
Renan Barao -170
Fomer bantamweight champion Renan Barao moves up a weight class after two title losses to T.J. Dillashaw and multiple struggles with weight cutting. There’s a lot of interest to see how one of the best at 135 competes against bigger, stronger fighters. Against mid-level competition like Jeremy Stephens, the Brazilian is a clear favorite according to the UFC odds at BookMaker. You’ll hear no objections from me, as Barao was running through dudes similar to “Lil Heathen” when he was the 135-pound titieholder.
Welterweights
Jorge Masvidal vs. Lorenz Larkin
ODDS COMING SON
Masvidal vs. Larkin is another bout featuring a fighter moving up in weight class. Masvidal was a fringe top-10 lightweight but decided to take the plunge to 170 in search of new challenges. Larkin is his first real test at welterweight, and he’s one of it’s better gatekeepers. Pairing the explosive Larkin against a high-level striker like Masvidal should produce some sweet fireworks.
BEST OF THE REST
Aljamain Sterling vs. Bryan Caraway
Sara McMann vs. Jessica Eye
Tarec Saffiedine vs. Rick Story
Sterling is another undefeated bantamweight prospect who is nearly as promising as the two headlining fighters. Caraway is his toughest test yet -- a savvy vet with skills on the feet and on the mat. How Sterling performs in this bout will tell us a lot about whether he’s ready contender bouts against the division’s elite.
Former women’s bantamweight title challenger Sara McMann meets Jessica Eye in a key matchup between top-10 fighters. Given that the division is wide open, with the title changing hands twice in the past two fights, any bout featuring contenders is an important one.
Tarec Saffiedine and Rick Story are two very good welterweights, but right now they’re fringe top-15 dudes. A win by either would be an extremely respectable resume filler.
BET ON UFC FIGHTS NOW
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.
