Odds are Courtesy of Sports Interaction.
Luke Rockhold (-150) vs. Yoel Romero (+120)
The interim middleweight title will be on the line when American grappler Luke Rockhold gets into the octagon to face Yoel Romero in the main event at UFC 221. It is a bout that has been long awaited as both Rockhold and Romero are two of the most complete middleweight fighters in mixed martial arts. It is the first meeting between the two stars, but Rockhold warned this week that if the bout goes to the ground, Romero may find himself in trouble quickly.
“When it comes to grappling, I’m the best,” Rockhold said during a news conference leading up to Saturday night’s bout. “Yoel will find himself in trouble everywhere that fight goes. If the wants to tangle with me on the ground, I’m like no one he’s ever grappled with.”
That is big talk from Rockhold, but I guess you can do that when being pegged the -150 favourite. Rockhold holds a 16-3-0 overall record with 6 knockouts, 8 submissions and 2 decisions. The 33-year-old veteran has the advantage in height and reach so getting a hold of his opponent and taking the match to the ground may not be as hard as many expect it to be.
Romero, whose ring name is Soldier of God, is 40 years old, but there’s a lot of fight left in his five-foot-10, 185-pound frame. Romero heads into the bout as an intriguing +120 underdog.
Oddsmakers are predicting a quick finish in this match, as Sports Interaction has set the over/under at 1.5 rounds. Will it go the distance? If Rockhold gets the match to the ground, that may be it for Romero, who will obviously be looking for that one strike to finish the bout in the opening round.
Pick: Luke Rockhold
(-150)
Curtis Blaydes (-155) vs. Mark Hunt (+122)
The co-main event will feature Curtis “Razor” Blaydes facing Mark “Super Samoan” Hunt in a heavyweight tilt at UFC 221. Blaydes goes into the match riding a 2-fight winning streak as the Oklahoman holds an impressive 4-1-0 record since making his MMA debut. It comes as no surprise Blaydes goes into Saturday night’s fight as the overwhelming -155 favourite against Hunt.
Blaydes has the advantage in height and reach, while also brining a 48.72% takedown average. Blaydes boasts strong defensive tactics, which will be difficult for Hunt to break through.
Hunt, who has 3 fights remaining on his UFC contract, is 43 years old, but is coming off a TKO victory in UFC Fight Night 110.
Look for this match to end prior to Sports Interaction’s projected total rounds of 1.5. Taking the under will pay out at +180. It is worth the gamble.
Pick: Curtis Blaydes
(-155)
Category : Sports News
Tag : MMA
, UFC
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