Former interim lightweight champion Tony Ferguson (24-3, 11 KOs, 8 SUBs) will meet veteran Donald Cerrone (36-11, 10 KOs, 17 SUBs) 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.
El Cucuy is back! The most entertaining fighter in the UFC’s most loaded division is ready to rumble, and he’s got himself a dance partner in Donald Cerrone that should produce nuclear explosions inside the cage. In a bit of late matchmaking to bolster the card, the matchup becomes the most highly anticipated fight on this Saturday’s pay-per-view - and it’s not even the main or co-main.
Ferguson hasn’t fought since scoring a corner stoppage TKO of Anthony Pettis in October 2018. Since then the 35-year old has taken time off to recover from a prior injury and dealt with some mental health issues - the latter which culminated in a restraining order filed by his spouse that was later dropped. The details were somewhat frightening, but fortunately Ferguson seems to have gotten the help that he needs and is back to champ shi* only. Reminder
After a 1-4 slide, Cowboy Cerrone has reeled off a three-fight winning streak that includes a submission over Mike Perry (at welterweight), a TKO over the previously undefeated uber prospect Alex Hernandez, and a masterful UD win over contender Iaquinta. Not only is he back at lightweight, but he’s right back in the title mix. A win over Ferguson would give him an excellent argument for a title shot - or even a scrap against Conor McGregor.
The action both in the cage and sportsbook should be furious. Let’s take a look at the UFC odds at BookMaker.eu and break down your betting options. Live UFC betting at BookMaker.eu also lets you hedge your bets in between rounds.
UFC Odds at BookMaker.eu
Donald Cerrone +127
Tony Ferguson -141
Fight goes/doesn’t go to decision: +105 / -145
Significant Striking Stats
Landed per minute: Ferguson 5.51. / Cerrone 4.2
Accuracy: Ferguson 44% / Cerrone 48%
Absorbed per minute: Ferguson 3.55 / Cerrone 4.06
Defense: Ferguson 63% / Cerrone 54%
Grappling Stats
Takedown average: Ferguson 0.6 / Cerrone 1.29
Takedown accuracy: Ferguson 42% / Cerrone 35%
Takedown defense: Ferguson 76% / Cerrone 72%
Submission average: Ferguson 1.49 / Cerrone 1.41
Bet this UFC fight at BookMaker.eu
Online oddsmakers opened with Ferguson as a clear favorite, and most fight fans will agree with the prices. If he’s fully back to where he was, then he’s a problem for everyone at 155 pounds. Reminder: the 35-year old has won 11 straight fights, demolishing elite fighters like Pettis, Kevin Lee, Rafael Dos Anjos and Edson Barboza along the way.
Ferguson basically fights like Wolverine, healing factor included. He’s a savage, whose relentless offense and bottomless cardio forces opponents to wilt under the constant barrage. There have been a few times where he’s been severely rocked, only to recover with inhuman quickness and keep going. On the feet, he’s completely unpredictable, just as likely to throw spinning attacks as he is to somersault out of a takedown attempt. If he’s on the mat, Ferguson never stops shrimping, going for subs or launching strikes, and it can be exhausting to try and keep him down.
Cerrone’s resurgence just reiterates that he’s an awesome fighter who is fighting smarter. If his opponent has a weakness, he’ll expose it - whether it’s through his flashy submissions or elite kickboxing. Not having to worry about takedowns helps, as does the fact that he won’t be fighting huge 170-pounders anymore. While Cerrone has his flaws, it takes a top-notch fighter to take advantage of that.
UFC Odds Pick: Ferguson to win at -141
There are a few proven ways to beat Cerrone. He can be bullied by bigger fighters. He can be outwrestled by powerful wrestlers. And he can be overwhelmed by swarmers. Ferguson is one of the best swarmers in the business, which spells big trouble for Cowboy. It’s a bad matchup for Cerrone but a solid price on Ferguson. If you’re feeling particularly lucky, we’d take Ferguson to win inside the distance, as Cerrone does tend to wilt if things aren’t going his way.
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.
