This Saturday’s The Ultimate Fighter 24 Finale will feature the most dominant champion in the UFC against the season’s winner. Yeah, it’s come to this - Demetrious Johnson has been so good the promotion has to resort to a gimmick to find challengers. It should be a blowout, but the rest of the card is solid. Let’s look at the night’s biggest fights and go through your betting options.
Bet on UFC odds at BookMaker.eu
Please note, the UFC odds at BookMaker are updated daily and subject to change.
Main Event
Flyweight Championship
Demetrious Johnson -1000
Tim Elliott +650
Over/under 4.5 rounds, over +105, under -125
Fight Preview
Johnson comes into the matchup on a 10-fight winning streak. But more importantly is how he’s been winning: he hasn’t even really been challenged during that time, save for a brief moment against John Dodson. “Mighty Mouse” has cleaned out the division, dominating everyone put in front of him - in some cases twice.
He’s the most well-rounded champ in the UFC, both physically and talent-wise. There’s just no way some random champion from a regional promotion should even be in the cage with him. In this case, it’s Tim Elliott - who was previously cut by the UFC. I can’t think of a tougher fight back into the promotion.
UFC odds prediction: Johnson SUB Elliott, R2
Co-Main Event
Flyweights
Joe Benavidez +160
Henry Cejudo -200
Over/under 2.5 rounds, over -225, under +175
Fight Preview
Here’s where things get interesting. Benavidez has long been the No. 1 contender, good enough to beat anybody in the division not named Demetrious Johnson. Cejudo is a former gold medalist in Olympic wrestling whose only loss came against DJ - and he’s ranked No. 2 by the UFC. While it’s unlikely that either man will earn a title shot with a win, being the next man up is crucial.
It’s a bit surprising that Cejudo is a 2-1 favorite, considering the success Benavidez has had and the experience advantage he holds. But at this point, Cejudo’s ceiling is higher and he’s rapidly improving. With a little more seasoning, Cejudo could easily become a threat to DJ - something that Benavidez won’t ever be.
UFC odds prediction: Cejudo UD Benavidez
Welterweights
Jorge Masvidal
Jake Ellenberger
Over/under rounds, over , under
Fight Preview
This is easily the funnest fight on the card. Both Masvidal and Ellenberger are great strikers, so it’s unlikely that this matchup hits the mats. But they are complete opposites in terms of their approach: Masvidal is as smooth and technical as they come, while Ellenberger is all about explosive power.
Ellenberger likely saved his career with a sensational TKO of Matt Brown in his last bout, coming from near defeat to land a ferocious body kick and following up for a first-round finish. Masvidal just righted the ship after two contentious split decision losses with a slick striking clinic against Ross Pearson. How he avoids Ellenberger’s power will be the story of the fight.
UFC odds prediction: Masvidal UD Ellenberger
Heavyweights
Ion Cutelaba
Jarod Cannonier
Over/under rounds, over , under
Fight Preview
Yes, there are much more significant fights on the card. But honestly, I’m more stoked about this slugfest than I am for watching Gray Maynard’s slow deterioration or Alexis Davis’ methodical wrestling. Besides, Cannonier gets extra points for his “Killa Gorilla” nickname.
Cutelaba fights out of the Republic of Moldova, which is actually a real place. With nine KOs in 12 career wins, he’s got the punching power to win over crowds. Cannonier only has one loss in nine career fights and is coming off a mauling of Cyril Asker this past April. Whoever lands first - these guys both swing for the fences - should get the win.
UFC odds prediction: Cutelaba TKO Cannonier, R2
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.
The Ultimate Fighter 24 Finale takes place on Saturday, December 3, 2016 at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas Nevada. FS1 will televise the card starting 10 p.m. ET.
