Robbie Lawler hasn’t put on a Fight of the Year contender thus far in 2017, after consecutive years with unforgettable matchups. That could change this Saturday, when the ultraviolent former champion meets the surging Rafael dos Anjos - a former lightweight titleholder who has been thrashing dudes since moving up to 170.
Aside from the aesthetically beautiful violence we can expect, the stakes are extremely high here: the winner could earn a shot at the title.
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
Robbie Lawler -115
Rafael dos Anjos -115
Over/under 2.5 rounds, over -135, under +115
Fight Preview
If there was any doubt that a former lightweight like RDA would have trouble hanging with bigger welterweights, they’ve been squashed by now. In two fights at 170 pounds, he lit up a good kickboxer in Tarec Saffiedine and choked out a strong wrestler in Neil Magny. In both of those fights, he appeared to be the naturally more powerful man.
He looks ripped at 170, with tree trunk legs anchoring a stocky frame. An excellent athlete, RDA is an elite Muay Thai striker and an equally dangerous submission artist. While he entered the UFC as a one-dimensional grappler, his evolution as a striker has been extraordinary. In fact, lighting dudes up appears to be his MO now, though he can wrestle and grapple with the best of them.
Lawler will not have any fear striking with RDA. In fact, he doesn’t have any issue going toe-to-toe with anyone. Since 2001, “Ruthless” has been defined by an uncommon toughness. He’s got the stuff. The grit, the guts, the heart to take punishment and keep fighting with a broken limb, a split lip and a closed eye.
And because of his power, Lawler is never out of a fight. A razor sharp kickboxer who is now honing his already-lethal skills under Henri Hooft, Lawler seemed to have rediscovered his aggression in his last outing against Donald Cerrone. As the champion, Lawler was often content to start slow, take a few licks and come roaring back. While it made for thrilling fights, it also wasn’t a great strategy for self preservation.
Lawler has great instincts as a sprawl-and-brawler. He has great reaction times, making it difficult to get in on his hips for a takedown, and knows how to snake back to the feet if he’s on his back. RDA is an underrated wrestler, but he’s not good enough to take Robbie down consistently.
UFC Betting Tips
This fight will certainly play out on the feet, and the odds reflect an extremely close matchup at that. The difference here will be RDA’s aggression, and that will likely work against him. The Brazilian does his best work when pressuring opponents up close, and that will leave him open to a massive punch from Lawler at some point. While Robbie will likely get tuned up in spots, he should be able to score more damage and curry more favor from the judges.
UFC Odds Pick: Lawler to win at -115
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.
