UFC Fight Night 101 takes place in Melbourne this weekend and we have given our latest UFC betting tips for the main fight on the card - Robert Whittaker vs Derek Brunson.
Robert Whittaker (#7) 17-4 vs Derek Brunson (#8) 16-3
The UFC returns to Melbourne for the second time and it’s Rod Laver Arena that will play host after the promotion’s record breaking show at Etihad stadium last November. The card was originally set to be headlined by a mouth-watering clash between former champion Luke Rockhold and Jacare Souza. But after a Rockhold injury, streaking middleweights Robert Whittaker and Derek Brunson were elevated to main event status.
The middleweight division is a shark tank right now, with Rockhold, Jacare, Yoel Romero and Gegard Moussai all having legitimate claims to a shot at Michael Bisping’s title. The winner of this fight will be able to add their name to that list.
Currently riding a 5 fight winning streak, Robert Whittaker is easily the closest Australian to earning a title shot. Fighting out of Canterbury Bankstown with Henry Perez, Whittaker is an excellent striker with a long martial arts background. He has great power, accuracy and is particularly effective with counters. His opponent is also a dangerous puncher, but has flawed striking defence which will be perfect for Whittaker to counter. Whittaker has outstanding takedown defence and has never had to show off much grappling defence. But this is definitely the best wrestler he has faced and they are only going to get better as he ascends the middleweight rankings. His karate style and great balance make him difficult to get in on, but we’re yet to see him tested with his back against the cage. He has solid cardio and an iron chin, but is small for the division and Brunson will enjoy a significant size advantage.
Derek Brunson is a former Strikeforce journeyman who has spectacularly turned around his career with 4 straight 1st round KOs. Previously known as a grinding wrestler, Brunson has evolved devastating punching power. His technique is still very sloppy and he leaves himself open, but when you finish opponents so quickly it doesn't give them much chance to counter. Brunson is a solid MMA wrestler who can dominate opponents from top position. He doesn’t have an explosive takedown offensive and tends to chain wrestle opponents to the mat. He has heavy ground and pound, but doesn’t threaten with submissions. The last time he had to show off his wrestling was in an excellent performance against Cuban Olympic wrestler Yowl Romero. This bout was originally scheduled for three rounds, but is now a 5 rounder after being promoted to the Main Event. This should favour Whittaker, as Brunson has slowed down considerably in all his 3 round fights. He also has shown a pretty shaky chin which Whittaker will be looking to take advantage of.
Prediction: Derek Brunson has a big wrestling advantage and has 4 straight 1st round KOs. Robert Whittaker is the best counter striker Brunson has faced in the UFC and has 4 straight wins of his own; against arguably better competition. If Brunson can implement his wrestling, I think he takes it pretty convincingly. If Whittaker’s takedown defence holds up, he should find holes in Brunson’s lunging style.
Brunson has opened as a deserved favourite, but if Whittaker is going to win; it should be by stoppage because I don’t see Brunson’s gas tank holding up for 5 rounds. There’s value in the underdog Whittaker in front of a packed home crowd. Robert Whittaker by 2nd round KO.
Take note: Any of the tips in this article are simply the author’s opinion, so bet at your own risk and always gamble responsibly. Also be sure to check out the Before You Bet Twitter Page for all our thoughts in the lead up to bets! Happy punting!
