Now that UFC Fight Night 81 is in the books, on deck for the promotion is UFC on FOX 18 in just two weeks. It’s another free card, but this time on network television - so there’s no excuse for you not to catch it. The UFC is making good use of its FOX timeslot, with a main card filled with intriguing bouts. We’ve got a few odds for you to wager on now, and more will be added as we move closer to fight night.
Please note, the odds listed here may have changed, as BookMaker updates their line on a daily basis.
Bet on UFC on FOX 18 odds at BookMaker.eu
Main Event, Light Heavyweights
Anthony Johnson -425
Ryan Bader +310
Over/under 1.5 rounds, over -125, under +105
In a light heavyweight title eliminator, one-hitter quitter Anthony “Rumble” Johnson takes on Ryan “The Master” Bader. No, that’s not Ryan Bader’s real nickname, but I’m a sucker for sophomoric humor, ok? I feel bad for Bader, who rightfully should be fighting Daniel Cormier for the title, based on his recent body of work. Instead, he gets a nightmare matchup against an athletic counter-wrestler who specializes in rearranging brain tissue with his fists.
Johnson as more than a 4-to-1 favorite is a bit high, but if he can fend off the wrestling of Phil Davis, Rumble should be able to keep Bader on the feet long enough scramble his senses.
Co-Main Event, Heavyweights
Josh Barnett -200
Ben Rothwell +160
Over/under 2.5 rounds, over +140, under -160
Two top-10 heavyweights will look to put themselves within a fight or two of the title shot. At 38, Barnett is still chugging along as quality big man, and there might not be a more wiley fighter in the division. His violent catch wrestling offense is somewhat of a throwback style, and old-school fans love his Pride background.
The UFC does appear to want Ben Rothwell to emerge as a contender, even though he’s on a three-fight win streak that includes eye-opening wins over Alistair Overeem and Matt Mitrione. Rothwell’s hairy, doughy body, post-fight dance celebrations that leave even white people cringing and his hilariously awkward attempts to cut WWE-style promos make him a marketing conundrum. It also makes him oddly endearing.
Lightweights
Sage Northcutt -400
Andrew Holbrook +300
Over/under 1.5 rounds, over -125, under +105
19-year old uber prospect Sage Northcutt jumps back into the fray less than two months after beating Cody Pfister at UFC Fight Night 80. The UFC is grooming the kid as it’s next big star, and the training wheels are still on. His opponent, Andrew Holbrook, might be 11-0, but one could argue that he should have lost his UFC debut to Ramsey Nijem, and the rest of his record was built in tiny regional promotions.
I admit, I’m intrigued by Northcutt’s electric athleticism and blinding speed, but most of all by the fact that we get to watch him grow up inside the octagon. The UFC can’t keep spoonfeeding him low-level guys forever, but for now it’s still cool.
Bantamweights
Iuri Alcantara +125
Jimmie Rivera -155
Over/under 2.5 rounds, over -165, under +145
You may be wondering why this fight is on the main card, but it’s time to see if Jimmie Rivera is for real. The 26-year old bantamweight is riding a 16-fight win streak into the bout, two of which came inside the octagon. Pitting Rivera against a veteran like Iuri Alcantara is a fantastic test. The 135-pound class could use some fresh faces.
Welterweights
Jake Ellenberger +145
Tarec Saffiedine -185
Over/under 2.5 rounds, over -210, under +175
Jake Ellenberger and Tarec Saffiedine square off in the feature prelim match, and this one should be a solid standup affair. Ellenberger is past his prime, but he’s still got some bop left in his fists. Saffiedine is as technical a kickboxer as anyone at 170, and watching him chop down opponents with leg kicks is a thing of beauty.
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 on FOX 18 takes place on January 30, 2016 at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. The main card will be televised on FOX following the prelims on FOX Sports 1.
