Poland’s Jan Blachowicz is the perfect example how toughness can keep you around the UFC. Though he’s just 3-4 as a light heavyweight inside the octagon, his ability to gut out fights has kept him around in the big show. This Saturday, he’ll have to tap his considerable survival instincts as he meets the powerful Jared Cannonier in the feature prelim bout of UFC on FOX 26.
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
Jan Blachowicz +150
Jared Cannonier -190
Over/under 2.5 rounds, over -170, under +150
Fight Preview
Blachowicz is an example of a fighter that gets by on sheer grit. He’s a big dude that can thump a bit, but he’s not very athletic nor is he very quick. There’s also the fact that his gas tank isn’t very big and drains extremely quickly - the Pole is regularly exhausted by the third round.
The cardio is a problem. There have been multiple occasions where has seriously dazed opponents, but he cannot afford to swarm for a finish lest he punch himself out. He’s a very good grappler, but does not possess the takedown skills to consistently get guys to the mat. Blachowicz’s wins come ugly - usually in a battle of attrition after he and his foe have exhausted their energy.
Cannonier is a former heavyweight, and even against big men his knockout power was formidable. At 205, he aces the eyeball test: he’s big and athletic, and able to dish and take out copious amounts of punishment. Though he was outclassed by Glover Teixeira, you have to remember that he’s only been fighting a little more than five years. But at 33, “The Killa Gorilla” has to capitalize on his considerable physical gifts now.
It’s easy to take a look at this pairing and assume that an athlete like Cannonier will truck a lumbering Blachowicz. But even guys like Jimi Manuwa, Corey Anderson and Alexander Gustafsson couldn’t put away the Pole.
UFC Betting Tips
It’s hard to predict how high Cannonier can rise in the light heavyweight division. In almost all of his UFC fights, he shows flashes of future contender potential. That already puts his ceiling higher than Blachowicz, who has pretty much gone as high as he can go. Cannonier to win is a relatively safe pick, though his price might make you think twice. The rounds over is also a solid play, though Blachowicz’s tendency to get smacked might give you some stress.
UFC Odds Pick: Cannonier to win at -190
Bet on UFC odds at BookMaker.eu
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 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.
