Heavyweight contender Alistair Overeem (43-16, 21 KOs, 17 SUBs) will meet rising Curtis Blaydes (9-1, 7 KOs) at UFC 225 on Saturday, June 9, 2018 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. The card airs at 10 p.m. ET following the FS1 prelims. Bet on the latest UFC odds at BookMaker.eu and get previews, predictions and betting picks now.
Alistair Overeem might be the scariest gatekeeper alive. Even at 38 years old, The Reem is still thumping on the top heavyweight contenders - though quick losses to the champ and an Uppercut From Hell have put him just outside of the immediate title mix. Still, unless you come proper with a full set of skills, the Dutch punisher is not somebody you want to be seeing across the cage from you.
This Saturday, Curtis Blaydes will step up to the task of getting past Overeem and entering his name into the title picture. The 27-year has quietly put together a five-fight unbeaten streak, most recently stepping over another gatekeeper in Mark Hunt. Overlooked no more, “Razor’s” youth, athleticism, size and skills could make him a mainstay in the top five for years to come. But first he’s got to prove he can rock with the most experienced heavyweight on the roster.
The pair squares off on the pay-per-view portion of a stacked UFC 225 card. There’s plenty of great betting options here, so let’s get into the UFC odds at BookMaker.eu and make some dough.
UFC Odds at BookMaker.eu
Alistair Overeem +135
Curtis Blaydes -175
Fight goes/doesn’t go to decision: +190 / -270
Striking Stats
Significant strikes landed p/m: Overeem 3.67 / Blaydes 4.49
Accuracy: Overeem 61.05% / Blaydes 49.08%
Significant strikes absorbed p/m: Overeem 1.88 / Blaydes 2.63
Defense: Overeem 62.4% / Blaydes 56.87%
Grappling Stats
Takedown average: Overeem 1.46 / Blaydes 7.29
Takedown accuracy: Overeem 62.79% / Blaydes 54.72%
Takedowns defended: Overeem 76.39% / Blaydes 25%
Submission average: Overeem 0.97 / Blaydes 0
Matchup Breakdown
Overeem’s clearly past his prime but remains one of the most dangerous guys in the division. The best technical kickboxer in the division, the Demolition Man is a true eight-point striker with knockout power in all of his limbs. He’s folded dudes over with knees to the body, retired Brock Lesnar with a body kick and floored Junior dos Santos with punches. The guy can end you at any time.
But the opposite stands true too - Overeem’s chin is irreparably cracked and he never had great recoverability to begin with. We’ve seen multiple occasions where he’s been wailing on opponents, only to get clipped with a desperation strike and finished in the process. And in his old age, his cardio is fading as well. Training at Jackson-Wink has helped him craft a more conservative approach, both offensively and energy-wise.
Though Blaydes has 7 KOs in 9 career victories, he’s not going to want to stand with a former K-1 Kickboxing champ. Peep his takedown average: over 7 takedowns per 15 minute - an insanely high number that puts him ahead of Cain Velasquez. If he can get this fight to the mat, Razor can drain Overeem’s stamina to the point where he’s a walking target.
He was able to do so against Mark Hunt, another excellent striker. He’ll find it much harder to do so against Overeem, who is much bigger and a far better athlete.
UFC Odds Pick: Blaydes to win at -170
It’s a bit surprising that Overeem is an underdog, considering he’s much better known commodity. But oddsmakers recognize just how fragile he is. The good news is that Blaydes’ price is playable as a straight bet. It’s ok to be worried about The Reem putting him to sleep, but just remember that Curtis got to the final bell against Francis Ngannou.
UFC Odds Pick: Blaydes inside the distance
If you’re looking for solid ‘dog odds, this is a decent prop. The last time Overeem lost by decision was in 2005, and his glass chin and fading cardio has led to finishes on both the ground and feet. Blaydes has a ton of power as an athletic big.
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 Fight UFC 225 takes place on Saturday, June 9, 2018 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. The card airs at 10 p.m. ET following the FS1 prelims.
