Former bantamweight champion Holly Holm will start to make the climb back towards another title shot this Saturday when she steps into the octagon to face No. 7 ranked Valentina Shevchenko. The pair will serve as the main event of UFC on FOX 20, and the story will be how Holm bounces back from the first loss of her pro career. Holm is currently a huge favorite to win going into the bout.
Bet on UFC odds at BookMaker.eu
Holly Holm -400
Valentina Shevchenko +300
Over/under 4.5 rounds, over -155, under +135
Please note, the UFC odds at BookMaker are updated daily. The lines listed here may have changed since this article was posted.
ODDS ANALYSIS
Holm is a 4-1 favorite, while Shevchenko’s money line checks in at +300. So you’d have to wager $400 on Holm to win $100, while a winning $100 bet on Shevchenko would return $300. Though both women are strikers, the over/under is set at its highest limit at 4.5 rounds, with the over the more expensive play at -155.
FIGHT PREVIEW
Holm is best known for not only dethroning Ronda Rousey, but completely shattering her invincible aura with a flawless striking performance at UFC 193. “The Preacher’s Daughter” seemed poised for a prolonged reign as the champ, but was upset by Miesha Tate in a stunning come-from-behind victory in the fifth round. All three judges had Holm up 3-1 on rounds going into the final frame.
A former boxing pro champion, Holm has had to deal with questions surrounding her ground game ever since she made the jump to MMA. Those questions turned out to be justified, as Holm looked completely outclassed on the few occasions that Tate was able to take the fight to the mat. While Holm is one of the best women’s strikers in the world, she undeniably has to improve her grappling if she hopes to regain the belt.
Shevchenko comes into the matchup on the heels of a loss to Amanda Nunes, who just faced Tate in her own title challenge at UFC 200. Prior to the loss, the Peruvian native had won five straight, including her UFC debut against Sarah Kaufman. Her only other loss came against another former title challenger in Liz Carmouche.
Like Holm, Shevchenko comes from a decorated striking background. She notably owns a win over strawweight champion Joanna Jedrzejczyk -- who is considered one of the finest Muay Thai practitioners in the world. However, she’ll surprise many opponents with an aggressive clinch game and a willingness to wrestle.
BREAKDOWN AND PREDICTION
Holm is expensive, but she has a few key advantages in this bout. First, she is the bigger, stronger fighter. While both women prefer to fight at range, Holm is three inches taller and should be able to dictate it better. What’s more, her strength should be able to keep this fight standing, where she is far more comfortable.
The over/under is a more difficult play. Neither woman has been a prolific finisher in recent years. But Holm’s weakness on the ground and the stopping power in her kicks means this fight could very well end before the 4.5 round mark. A small bet on the under makes a good play.
UFC Odds: Holly Holm TKO Valentina Shevchenko, Round 4
HOW TO BET
With BookMaker’s quick and easy payout options, your winnings are always close at hand. 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. UFC on FOX 20 takes place July 23, 2016 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. The card will be televised on FOX.
