The UFC is determined to keep its momentum strong in early 2016. The UFC’s second event of the year gives us another championship bout, a former lightweight champion on the comeback trail, a possible heavyweight slugfest and a few fun barnburners. Detailed breakdowns of each fight will be posted during fight week, but for now, let’s take a quick preview of UFC Fight Night 81.
UFC Fight Night 81 odds at BookMaker.eu
SIGNIFICANT FIGHTS:
Dominick Cruz +130 vs. T.J. Dillashaw -160
Anthony Pettis -300 vs. Eddie Alvarez +240
Matt Mitrione +135 vs. Travis Browne -165
Dennis Bermudez vs. Maximo Blanco
AT A GLANCE
Headlining the card is the biggest bantamweight match the UFC could make. Lineal champion Dominick Cruz, who never lost the title in the ring, will face champion T.J. Dillashaw. The most compelling thing about this fight is that Dillashaw has seemingly mastered the style that Cruz employed en route to becoming the most dominant 135-pound champ in the UFC’s history.
Both men rely on hyperactive movement, clean angles and constant pressure, and it might be exhausting just watching these two men dance all around the cage. Dillashaw is the favorite here as he’s been the far more active fighter and has looked like a killer in his past three fights. Cruz has fought just once in the past three years.
Former lightweight champion Anthony Pettis seemed poised to rule the 155-pound class for years to come. His once-in-a-generation athleticism and electric offensive skills appeared unstoppable, but he was shockingly thrashed by Rafael dos Anjos at UFC 185 and lost his belt in a huge upset.
Now fighting for the first time since that loss, Pettis meets the tough-as-nails Eddie Alvarez, who will test “Showtime’s” resolve to get his belt back. Alvarez is a heavy underdog right now, as he’s outgunned by his opponent in terms of physical tools. But he’s never one to count out in any fight.
Travis Browne was recently considered a dark horse contender for the heavyweight belt, but a 1-2 record in his last two fights have sent “Hapa” to the back of the line. Still, in a thin division, a win over a name opponent like Matt Mitrione could put him right back into the mix. The athletic Browne is one of the most diverse strikers in the division, and it’ll be fun to see him tangle with one of the class’ hardest hitters in Mitrione.
Featherweight Dennis Bermudez is ranked No. 8 by the UFC, but he’s lost two in a row leading up to his bout with Maximo Blanco. A third win would be devastating for the 29-year old. Blanco opened his UFC career 1-3, but has reeled off three straight to earn his shot at the top-15. Although there are no title implications in the matchup, both men love a good brawl and should open up the main card with a bang.
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 Fight Night 81 takes place on Sunday, January 17, 2016 at the TD Garden in Boston, MA. The main card and prelims will be televised on FOX Sports 1 starting 8 p.m. ET.
