Former welterweight champion Robbie Lawler (28-11, 20 KOs, 1 SUB) will meet surging contender Rafael dos Anjos (27-9, 5 KOs, 9 SUBs) at UFC on FOX 26 on Saturday, December 16, 2017 at the MTC Centre in Winnipeg, Canada. The card airs live on FOX starting 9 p.m. ET. Get the latest UFC odds, previews, expert picks and more at BookMaker.eu now.
In a matchup of former champions (in two different weight classes), Robbie Lawler will meet Rafael dos Anjos in the main event of UFC on FOX 26 on December 16. You don’t need us to tell you that this fight checks off every box for a potentially epic encounter. Two aggressive, high-level strikers with knockout power, gunning for a title shot. Do we need to remind you that Lawler put on ESPN’s Best UFC Fight in History?
Check the UFC odds at BookMaker.eu, and make sure to check in during fight week for an in-depth preview. Today, we’re breaking down the opening Lawler-Dos Anjos odds.
Projected UFC Odds at BookMaker.eu
Robbie Lawler -115
Rafael dos Anjos +100
Odds Analysis
The prices we’re projecting reflect a competitive matchup, and we don’t see the lines fluctuating too much. Lawler gets the edge because of his vaunted knockout power and slight size advantage, but RDA is the faster fighter and bettors could plausibly even out these odds.
Will Size Matter?
People assume that since RDA fought at lightweight, he’ll always be at a size disadvantage. While he might be shorter than the average welterweight, he sure doesn’t look much smaller when it comes to muscular build. He was also able to take down a good wrestler in Neil Magny with ease. Lawler is two inches taller, but he’s never been one to fight long.
How Much Does Lawler Have Left?
He’s coming off an impressive win over “Cowboy” Cerrone, but Lawler’s brutal wars are going to catch up to him at some point. At 35, he’s not exactly old - but “Ruthless” is definitely past his prime. Plus, you can say that the only real damage that RDA has taken since 2014 was a flash knockout by Eddie Alvarez and a beatdown from Tony Ferguson. All his other wins have come relatively easy.
Tough Stuff
It takes a tank to stop either man. Lawler is legendary for his ability to take a beating and somehow pull of a miracle win. Dos Anjos sustained prolonged whuppings from Khabib Nurmagomedov and Tony Ferguson and still made it to the cards. While they’ve both been recently knocked out cold, the chances that this turns into a zombie punch-fight is very, very high. Those are the best kind of fights.
Early UFC Prediction & Pick
Flip a coin. It’s easy to talk yourself into either fighter here, but we’re rolling with Dos Anjos, who is just a bit fresher, faster and throws at a higher volume. Just know that the Brazilian’s aggressive style makes him ripe for a Lawler fastball right down the pipe. Keep your bets small.
UFC Odds Pick: Dos Anjos to win at +100
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