The UFC heads to Abu Dhabi this weekend for what shapes up as the biggest event of the year. In the main event Charles Oliveira and Islam Makhachev go head-to-head for the technically vacant Lightweight title. In the co-main Aljamain Sterling looks to defend his title against former Bantamweight king T.J Dillashaw and Sean O’Malley faces his toughest test to date against top contender Petr Yan.
Here, we take a look at the main fights on the UFC 280 card and bring you our best betting tips!
UFC 280 Preview & Betting Tips
Charles Oliveira vs. Islam Makhachev
This title fight is as big as they come. Charles Oliveira’s meteoric rise to the top has been sensational to watch. He has beaten every active Lightweight fighter of note in the division except for Islam Makhachev, the long-touted successor of Khabib Nurmagomedov, who he meets this weekend. Although not technically the title holder due to a weight miss in his title fight against Justin Gaethje at the start of this year, Oliveira in everyone’s eyes is the champ. Yes, Oliveira has been beaten eight times and stopped on multiple occasions, but he is the complete fighter now. While I admit he hasn’t fought anyone of the calibre of wrestler as Makhachev in a long time, I see him cementing himself as a challenger for pound for pound number one by the end of this weekend. Makhachev is absolutely ruthless, but the fact is he hasn’t fought anyone in the top five and will have his work cut out for him on the mat with Oliveira’s submission game and is badly outclassed on the feet.
The big question is can Makhachev land in top position, avoid submissions and go to work repeatedly and for me the answer is I just don’t think he can. Back Oliveira to get it done at underdog odds with a spec on him to finish the Dagestani in the opening minutes.
Value: Oliveira to Win in Round 1 - $6 at TAB (1 Unit)
Charles Oliveira to win
$2.50 (3 Units)
Aljamain Sterling vs. TJ Dillashaw
TJ Dillashaw gets another crack at the belt he relinquished this weekend when he faces Aljamain Sterling. I believe the only one who beats Sterling in the division right now is Petr Yan. TJ Dillashaw cannot outwrestle Sterling and nor is he likely to win the striking exchanges. Dillashaw has always been able to out cardio his opponents but with Sterling that is not going to happen, so he won’t be able to overwhelm a tiring opponent. I believe Sterling’s movement, pace and wrestling will completely overwhelm Dillashaw. Expect Sterling to keep range and mix in takedowns on route to a dominant performance and a finish, likely in the championship rounds.
Value: Aljamain Sterling Win by KO or Submission - $4.50 at Ladbrokes (1 Unit)
Aljamain Sterling to win
$1.60 (4 Units)
Petr Yan vs. Sean O’Malley
I have been on the ‘Suga’ hype train since he was booked on the Contender Series and I will be having a small bet on him to cause the upset here, and this is why. Sean O’Malley can stand and strike with anyone, it is why he has a highlight reel full of impressive knockouts. Realistically Petr Yan will have to do more than play a kickboxing fight or he will lose. Yan will need to get into the pocket, pressure O’Malley and use his wrestling. The problem with that is O’Malley’s lateral movement is excellent and his length makes him tough to get down. Even if O’Malley hits the mat, I believe his jiu jitsu is quite underrated, it just isn’t showcased. The Russian is also historically a slow starter which is not what you want in a three-round fight. At the odds-on offer, back O’Malley to register the upset and book his place in a mammoth title fight.
Sean O’Malley to win
$3.40 (2 Units)
