Flyweight champion Henry Cejudo (14-2, 6 KOs) will challenge Marlon Moraes (22-5, 10 KOs, 6 SUBs) for the bantamweight title at UFC 238 on Saturday June 8, 2019 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. The main card airs on pay-per-view starting 10pm ET.
It’s time to crown a bantamweight champion. With TJ Dillashaw exiled in shame for the worst USADA violation in recent memory, Henry Cejudo and Marlon Moraes will meet this Saturday to lay claim to the 135-pound strap.
For Cejudo, it’s a chance to join legendary company in becoming a double champ. Considering that his last two wins came against Demetrious Johnson and a juiced up Dillashaw, he could also cement a spot not only among the pound-for-pound list, but with the all-time greats.
Moraes could become the first WSOF alum to win a UFC belt. He also comes into the title tilt on the strength of four straight wins, with three vicious finishes among them. His knee KO of Aljamain Sterling was a contender for Knockout of the Year. The 31-year old is straight up filthy when it comes to piling on the violence.
This might not be a superfight, but it’s an awesome scrap between to elite and exciting dudes - call it a hardcore fight fan’s fight. Let’s take a look at the UFC odds at BookMaker.eu and break down how you should bet it. Live UFC betting at BookMaker.eu lets you hedge your bets.
UFC Odds at BookMaker.eu
Henry Cejudo -107
Marlon Moraes -123
Fight goes/doesn’t go to decision: +135 / -175
Significant Striking Stats
Landed per minute: Cejudo 3.56 / Moraes 3.23
Accuracy: Cejudo 43% / Moraes 34%
Absorbed per minute: Cejudo 2.6 / Moraes 2.6
Defense: Cejudo 67% / Moraes 65%
Grappling Stats
Takedown average: Cejudo 2.3 / Moraes 0.43
Takedown accuracy: Cejudo 35% / Moraes 25%
Takedown defense: Cejudo 88% / Moraes 60%
Submission average: Cejudo 0.12 / Moraes 0.86
Bet this UFC fight at BookMaker.eu
Did you know that Cejduo is an Olympic gold medalist? That’s the running joke in MMA forums, as the media (and The Messenger himself) never lets you forget it. Still, it’s valid in any breakdown, as wrestling is still easily his best weapon. Moraes has always been a bit vulnerable to takedowns, and before you bring up the fact that the Brazilian fights in a higher weight class, don’t forget that Cejudo had all sorts of problems cutting weight when he first entered the UFC.
But let’s assume that the bigger Moraes is able to keep this fight standing. You’ve got to him the clear edge in a kickboxing bout. While not a high output fighter, Moraes makes his hits count. Arguably the most dangerous bantamweight striker right now, his timing and power (in all eight points) make “Magic” a threat to end the fight at any time. Remember that time that Mighty Mouse only needed half a round to brutalize Cejudo into submission with knees from hell? Moraes is far nastier.
Online oddsmakers opened with Moraes as a slight favorite, and it’s a fair price. Size is always going to play a big role when it comes to setting prices, and Moraes is undoubtedly the bigger, stronger guy. But Cejudo figures to have the speed advantage, and there’s a real chance that he can dictate where this fight takes place.
UFC Odds Pick: Cejudo to win at +100
UFC Odds Pick: Fight goes to decision -175
Two choices here. First, we lean on Cejudo’s speed and takedowns as a minus underdog. But we wouldn’t blame you if you were hesitant to pick a winner, since it truly feels like a coin flip fight. The other pick would be that the fight goes to decision. Both guys are durable and well-conditioned, and though Cejudo might catch some heat, we believe in his steady defensive improvements.
Bet UFC odds at BookMaker.eu now
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 238 takes place on Saturday June 8, 2019 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. The main card airs on pay-per-view starting 10pm ET.
