Middleweight champion Robert Whittaker (19-4, 9 KOs, 5 SUBs) will make his first title defense in a rematch against Yoel Romero (13-2, 11 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.
Nearly a year after Robert Whittaker beat Yoel Romero for the interim middleweight title (which was later confirmed as the undisputed title), the 27-year old Aussie will again meet the hulking Cuban monster in his first title defense. Injuries have kept the Bobby Knuckles out of the octagon since July 2017, while Romero earned a second chance at the strap when he knocked out Luke Rockhold at UFC 221 this past February.
Their first encounter was a tense, competitive affair. Romero’s explosive attack was on full display for two rounds, but Whittaker weathered the storm and started rolling in the final three rounds. By the end of the fight, the Cuban was completely gassed while Whittaker was still going strong, though battered and bloodied.
If the rematch is anything like that bout, this is going to be an awesome fight. The UFC odds at BookMaker.eu opened with Whittaker as a big favorite this time around - the Aussie opened as a slight underdog in their first pairing. Let’s take a look at the best betting values.
UFC Odds at BookMaker.eu
Robert Whittaker -245
Yoel Romero +195
Over/under 4.5 rounds, over +117, under -147
Striking Stats
Significant strikes landed p/m: Whittaker 4.77 / Romero 3.06
Accuracy: Whittaker 41.02% / Romero 52.19%
Significant strikes landed p/m: Whittaker 3.5 / Romero 2.34
Defense: Whittaker 62.88% / Romero 64.24%
Grappling Stats
Takedown average: Whittaker 0.44 / Romero 1.87
Takedown accuracy: Whittaker 66.67% / Romero 32.69%
Takedowns defended: Whittaker 86.79% / Romero 77.78%
Submission average: Whittaker 0 / Romero 0
Matchup Preview
Romero is an ungodly mass of quick-twitch muscle. Though he’s 41, he’s easily one of the best pure athletes that has ever stepped foot inside the octagon. His ability to explode has carried him to the top of the division - it literally only takes a split second for him to rearrange an opponent’s face and leave him senseless on the mat.
Lots of dudes are explosive athletes, but only a few can consistently rely on physical ability like Romero can. That comes with a catch - Romero has no choice but to conserve his energy at all other times of a fight. He just does not have the gas tank to be a pressure fighter, and will give away rounds while he finds the perfect time to do his thing.
Whittaker used constant pressure, pinpoint striking, a consistent sprawl and a strong ability to get back to his feet to outwork Romero in their first fight. In other words, it was the perfect gameplan. While it’s impossible to avoid getting clocked against somebody so fast, Romero’s own quickness allowed him to minimize the damage - then he went to work draining the Cuban’s life bar.
We don’t see either fighter making major adjustments here. Romero could very well do away with takedown attempts entirely and save his energy for standup bursts. Bobby Knuckles isn’t going to test the wrestling of a medalist in that area. This comes down to whether Romero can land one of his signature fight ending swarms, or if Whittaker maintains his focus and whittles him down to keep the belt.
UFC Odds Pick: Romero to win at +195
Honestly, any fight with Romero is a 50/50 proposition - his ability to finish the fight in an instant is downright supernatural. So while Whittaker proved he could take out the Cuban, 2-1 underdog odds on Romero is too good to pass up.
UFC Odds Pick: Romero by KO/TKO
Romero is not going to outpoint a high-volume pressure fighter like Whittaker. But he always has a great chance to end the fight with some nuclear strike. This is a great hedge play if you’re betting on Whittaker..
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.
