The UFC does this once or twice a year, usually in July for International Fight Week, where they stack a card for a bunch of title and contender fights. I’m so pumped for this card for a few reason, the main reason is the return of Dominick Cruz and the legacy of Israel Adesanya. Cuz because now it’s put up or shut up, he complained about the reffing in his loss to Cejudo and people are skeptics about him. I think Cruz is great and can still make a run to the championship again
Israel Adesanya vs Jan Blachowicz
This fight poses a very interesting matchup. Two stand up guys, both with KO power and both with a huge target on their back once it’s over. Adesanya has hinted that he might want to finish this on the ground in an interview with Ariel Helwani. Not to discredit Izzy’s BJJ skills but Jan is a blackbelt and rarely goes on the ground. I like the line on Izzy by submission because it’s outrageous. The line hasn’t move much in straight moneyline but the props on an Izzy finish is where I’m looking. Blachowicz has this calm effect as if he’s been there before. He’s a champ for a reason and doesn’t acknowledge all the smack. The only way I see Jan winning is by decision so that’s a line I like as well. My money is on Izzy winning but good value on Jan by decision.
Adesanya by submission pays +1800
Blachowicz by Decisions pays +800
Amanda Nunes vs Megan Anderson
The line on this fight is nuts. Megan Anderson is a huge underdog at +600 and I can’t look away. Listen, the fighter in me is sure that Nunes will win. BUT! and that’s a huge BUT! New baby might out it all into focus but I don’t think Anderson is taking this lightly. Anderson is a super athlete with a huge reach, with big power. She’s coming down on weight to 125 where she will maintain a bunch of power. Nunes by KO/TKO is -115. Hate that! I love Anderson by finish or just to win outright. The MMA fan in me says Nunes, but the betting man loves Anderson’s value.
Anderson by KO/TKO pays +1900
Anderson straight up pays +600
Aljamain Sterling vs Petr Yan
This one is almost a Pick’em because of what we don’t know about Yan. Yan is relatively new to the majority of fight fans and Sterling has a following and is somewhat of a hype train. I’m super high on Sterling, the only thing is that I can’t see Aljo finishing Yan. Yan is relentless with unreal wrestling and boxing skills. Sterling is a black belt in Jiujitsu and a legit one. He’s finished some of the best at Bantamweight. Sterling earned his title shot by submitting a goof wrestler in Cory Sandhagen. I see this fight starting off slow in the 1st and picking up speed in the 2nd and 3rd. Aljo by submission pays less than Aljo by decision, that should say where the public is going. I’m choosing the rounds to end the fight.
Sterling win in round 4 pays +1300
Thiago Santos vs Aleksand
Fights I’ll keep an eye on:
Dominick Cruz vs Casey Kenney – I see Cruz winning by decision here.
Thiago Santos vs Aleksandar Rakic – This line has moved from Rakic -265 to -162. More people on Rakic. Santos should get this W i like him by KO +190 but I’ll watch the line as I go.
Keep an eye out for my interview on Weekly Sauce with Aiemann Zahabi. Coming out Tuesday March 6th 2021. But in the meantime here is the latest episode of NSFW where we learned about TopShots and Crypto Currency