No. 3 light heavyweight Glover Teixeira (26-6, 15 KOs, 7 SUBs) will meet No. 7 Misha Cirkunov (13-3, 4 KOs, 7 SUBs) will collide at UFC on FOX 26 on Saturday, December 16, 2017 at the MTC Centre in Winnipeg, Canada. The card airs live on FOX starting 8 p.m. ET. Bet on the latest UFC odds and get previews, predictions and picks at BookMaker.eu now.
It’s time to see if Latvia’s Misha Cirkunov is a legitimate title contender. This Saturday, the 30-year old will meet former title challenger and No. 3-ranked Glover Teixeira in a crossroads matchup for the light heavyweights. Though Teixeira is creeping closer to the end of his career at 38, he’s still a formidable gatekeeper who can test opponents in all MMA phases.
Let’s take a look at the UFC odds at BookMaker.eu, break down the matchup and go over your best betting options.
UFC Odds at BookMaker.eu
Glover Teixeira +130
Misha Cirkunov -150
Over/under 1.5 rounds, over -155, under +135
Fight Breakdown
A well-rounded, high-IQ fighter, Teixeira has the ability to attack opponents where they’re most vulnerable. Against a big, powerful fighter like Ovince St. Preux, Glover dragged him to the mat and tapped him out. Against wrestlers like Patrick Cummins and Ryan Bader, he boxed and scored knockouts.
There is simply no area of MMA where he is not dangerous. A good boxer with true KO power, a BJJ black belt and an effective offensive wrestler, Teixeira’s only real faults are that he’s not an explosive athlete - and he’s slowing down with age. He can be overwhelmed physically, as Anthony Johnson proved, and outmatched by elite fighters, as Alexander Gustafsson and Jon Jones showed.
Cirkunov was generally regarded as the best prospect at 205, until he was iced by Volkan Oezdemir in less than a round. It was the first knockout loss of his career, and we can probably chalk it up to the perfect punch at the perfect time. The 30-year old showed that he can win under heavy fire when he emerged victorious against the hulking Ion Cutelaba.
The Latvian’s best chance for victory is his grappling. A BJJ black belt, Cirkunov’s strength and technique on the mat is already some of the best among his peers. And he has no problems getting the fight to the mat - Cirkunov is a punishing clinch fighter with strong chain wrestling. His skill in close has led to a stellar 4.88 takedown average per fight.
UFC Betting Tips
A few years ago, Teixeira was a strong bet against anyone outside of the top 4. These days, it’s much more difficult to have faith in him. He will obviously have the advantage on the feet against a developing striker, but Cirkunov has the youthful power to take him down and rough him up. It’s a tough call, but lay the price on Cirkunov to grind out a decision win.
UFC Odds Pick: Cirkunov to win at -150
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UFC on FOX 26 takes place on Saturday, December 16, 2017 at the MTC Centre in Winnipeg, Canada. The card airs live on FOX starting 8 p.m. ET.
