The UFC is calling on one of its most entertaining champions to start 2016. Welterweight kingpin Robbie Lawler - 26-10, 20 KOs, 1 SUB - will defend his belt against former interim champion Carlos Condit - 30-8, 15 KOs, 13 SUBs. And it just so happens that these are the two most violent fighters at 170. But let’s take a quick preview of the main card along with UFC odds you can bet on right now.
UFC 195 odds at BookMaker.eu
Significant Fights:
Carlos Condit +115 vs. Robbie Lawler -145
Andrei Arlovski +200 vs. Stipe Miocic -250
Dustin Poirier +190 vs. Joe Duffy -240
Albert Tumenov -195 vs. Lorenz Larkin +166
THE EARLY PREVIEW
Robbie Lawler is coming off arguably the best championship fight in the promotion’s history, defending the belt against Rory MacDonald in a bloody instant classic. Now, he’s squares off against a man known for spectacularly violent finishes, Carlos Condit. On paper, this has all the makings of another all-out war - and the UFC’s first card of the year could produce it’s best fight of 2016.
In what looks to be a heavyweight title eliminator, the resurgent Andrei Arlovski meets perennial contender Stipe Miocic in what should be a barnburner between two men who love to bang. Miocic is the No. 3 ranked heavyweight, yet has never had the privilege to challenge for the title.
His well-rounded skillset and natural athleticism makes him a dangerous opponent for anyone in the division. Arlovski, once written off for dead, could come within one fight of completing one of the most stunning career turnarounds in recent history. The former heavyweight champion also happens to be one of the more popular fighters in the division due to his longevity in the sport.
Dustin Poirier and Joe Duffy were scheduled to meet at UFC Dublin a few months ago, but an injury to Duffy put that fight on hold. Duffy holds the grand distinction of being the last man to beat Conor McGregor, and he has all the tools to become an impact player at lightweight.
As a former pro boxer, Duffy’s hands are absolutely lethal - but his ground game is also fully developed. Poirier was TKO’d by McGregor in the first round and has a score to settle with any Irishman. And Dustin isn’t afraid of a good brawl. A win for either man would vault them into the mix at 145.
Albert Tumenov is a ruthless striker with 11 KOs in 16 career victories. His last fight against the respected Alan Jouban was particularly eye-opening, as the Russian prospect annihilated the veteran with pinpoint punches and kicks. Although he’s a bit small for 170, his explosive power has erased any concerns about Tumenov being able to hang with the big boys.
At 23 years old, he is already one of the brightest prospects at welterweight - which could use a few fresh faces in it’s contender ranks. Now, he faces former Strikeforce contender Lorenz Larkin, and a win would set up a match against a big-name opponent. I’m sure Lawler and Condit will be very interested to see what happens in this bout.
HOW TO BET
Access live betting lines at BookMaker Sportsbook and start wagering now. With our live betting options, you can also wager on sporting events as they unfold on television with BookMaker’s live betting platform. UFC 195 takes place Saturday, January 2, 2016 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. The main card will be televised on pay-per-view following the prelims on FOX Sports 1.
