Consider this Saturday’s UFC on FOX 26 card an early Christmas present from Dana White. It’s an absolutely loaded card on network television, with bona fide stars, former champions, top contenders and rising up-and-comers all packed into one night. What’s more, the main matchups themselves feature compelling style contrasts and high stakes.
The main event pits two ultraviolent strikers - and former champions - in Robbie Lawler and Rafael dos Anjos. The winner of that would likely earn a title shot. Mike Perry vs. Santiago Ponzinibbio is a pivotal welterweight clash featuring town lethal knockout artists. Speaking of KO guys, longtime light heavyweight contender Glover Teixeira will look to fend off the rising Misha Cirkunov in a career crossroads match.
There’s a lot of ground to cover here, so let’s jump right into the UFC odds at BookMaker.eu and surmise your best betting options.
UFC Odds at BookMaker.eu
Main Event, Welterweight
Robbie Lawler -115
Rafael dos Anjos -115
Over/under 2.5 rounds, over -155, under +135
Fight Preview
RDA’s the faster fighter, Lawler’s the bigger, more powerful puncher. Though both prefer to strike, the Brazilian likes to pressure and throw tight, Thai-style kick-punch combinations while Lawler is more loose with his kickboxing. They are both ridiculously tough - you literally need to land the perfect punch to put these guys away.
The money lines tell us how competitive this matchup is, and it’s hard to lean towards either man. But Lawler’s last matchup against Donald Cerrone was a good indicator that training with Henri Hooft will lead to a more aggressive iteration of “Ruthless.” Forcing RDA to backpedal is a sure way to beat him, plus his need to crowd the pocket will keep him in range of Robbie’s crazy power.
UFC Betting Tips
In near toss-ups like this one, we usually side with the underdog, but this is a straight pick’em at -115. Lay the price on Lawler to win, or take the rounds over. While both men have suffered early knockouts recently, 2.5 rounds is a low total overall and both men can take a lot of damage.
UFC Odds Pick: Lawler to win at -115
Welterweight
Mike Perry +160
Santiago Ponzinibbio -200
Over/under 1.5, over -110, under -120
Fight Preview
Perry sure knows how to steal the thunder. On top of his grisly KOs, he’s a natural trash talker with a mean mug that would make the Diaz brothers proud. While his in-cage beef with Darren Till made a lot of headlines, he can’t overlook Ponzinibbio, who has carved out a five-fight win streak and has plenty of punching power of his own.
But Ponzi’s gotta know that he can’t get into a brawl with Perry - that’s a losing proposition every time. Luckily for him, he does have the footwork and the kickboxing to outwork Platinum. The question is whether he can maintain hyperfocus the entire fight to avoid the bombs coming his way.
UFC Betting Tips
Perry’s a big enough underdog to warrant a small bet. While Ponzinibbio deserves to be a favorite, I’m not sure why he’s so heavily favored against a guy with instant KO power.
UFC Odds Pick: Perry to win at +160
Light Heavyweight
Glover Teixeira +125
Misha Cirkunov -155
Over/under 1.5 rounds, over -160, under +130
Fight Preview
Though he’s 38, Teixeira still has plenty left to offer, but his age is starting to creep into the conversation. Never an explosive athlete to begin with, Teixeira has maintained a top-5 ranking with a well-rounded combination of knockout power, black belt BJJ skills and underrated wrestling. Plus, he’s got a high fight IQ and will usually attack an opponent where they’re the weakest.
But can he turn back an up-and-coming powerhouse like Cirkunov? While the Latvian will be at a striking disadvantage, the 30-year old can overwhelm the again Teixeira with his brutal clinch and wrestling. If he can take this to the mat, his punishing GNP and submission wrestling game will take over. Statistically, he averages a stellar 4.88 takedowns per 15 minutes.
UFC Betting Tips
Teixeira is an elite gatekeeper, but this is Cirkunov’s time to shine. Still, it’s a risky play as Glover has only lost to top contenders. Take the rounds over in this one, as it projects to be clinch-heavy, takedown-drive affair.
UFC Odds Pick: Over 2.5 rounds at -160
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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.
