We 100% expect Usman to win, BUT we will be betting on Masvidal by KO/TKO (+440)
We are betting Masvidal because we think Usman will want to get some of Masvidal’s shine by going for a KO or submission win. In Masvidal’s 49 fight career, he has only been KO’d once and submitted twice. If Usman looks for a fan-friendly finish instead of just implementing his wrestling and foot rubs, he will leave himself open to being hit.
Weili Zhang to win by KO
Once again, one of the most dominant female champions and judging by both women’s sparing tapes they are going into this to swang and bang. Rose looked phenomenal against Andrage but was beginning to get pieced up in the 3rd when Roses tank was emptying. The only way for Rose to win this is by Submission round 1 or 2. Both tempting odds @ 22/1 & 28/1 respectively.
Valentina Schevchenko to win by KO
Valentina is one of the most dominant female champions right up there with Amanda Nunes. Even at -400, we think she has good value since Nunes usually opens around -1200.
Andrade is a tough fighter with good KO power, but KO is the only way she wins this fight. If you want to hedge, take Andrade by KO/TKO at +600
Jimmy Crute to win by KO or Submission
Crute is a hot prospect at only 25 years old with a record of 12-1, with his 1 loss being to a rarely seen submission.
Smith is a veteran despite only being 32 years old who is 34-16, but is 2-3 in his last 5 fights. We am a big fan of Smith, but he has not been able to pull the trigger lately and his chin has been suspect after a fight with Glover Texeira where it should have been stopped in the 2nd round, but ended up going to the 5th round where Smith just took a ton of unnecessary damage.
Feeling lucky?
Jeffrey Molina by Finish (+380)
Pat Sabatini by Finish (+230)
Cowboy Oliveira by Submission (+700)
Jessica Andrade ML (+300)
Kamaru Usman by Finish (+270)