The UFC heads to Canada this weekend for UFC 289, headlined by Amanda Nunes as she looks to continue her second reign as champion against Mexico’s Irene Aldana. In the co-main Charles Oliveira returns for the first time since losing his Lightweight belt against red-hot Beneil Dariush for what will likely be the next title shot and veterans Dan Ige and Eryk Anders also feature on the main card.
We take a look at my best bets on this weekend’s UFC card below, and if you're looking for a new sportsbook to bet with, why not try Picklebet?
UFC 289 Preview & Betting Tips
Amanda Nunez vs. Irene Aldana
This UFC women’s bantamweight title fight was originally set to be a trilogy bout between Amanda Nunes and Julianna Pena but when Pena withdrew a month ago in stepped Irene Aldana. Aldana has won four of her last five, with her only loss being to former champion Holly Holm.
Where this fight is truly interesting is Aldana has the reach advantage on the feet and has the greater striking arsenal, although Nunez does have the power equaliser. While therefore it would appear wise for the black belt in jiu jitsu to take the Mexican to the mat, in prolonged grappling exchanges she has shown a tendency to gas out horridly, as seen in the first Pena fight. Pena also had success on the feet against Nunes by throwing straight down the pipe, something Aldana is able to do with greater power and technique.
With all that said, I would be surprised if Nunez hasn’t come into this fight ready to prove herself and show that she can go a hard five rounds. I don’t see her being able to staunch Aldana on the feet and see it more likely as being a five-round slug, where the champ gets her hand raised, just.
Amanda Nunez by decision
$4.25 (2 Units)
Charles Oliveira vs. Beneil Dariush
Charles Oliveira verses Beneil Dariush is the fight that had to happen with the winner likely earning the next crack at Islam Makhachev. Honestly, the odds makers have gone way overboard with ‘Benny’ here. Before losing to Makhachev, Oliveira looked unstoppable and the complete package.
The fact remains while the Iranian is on an eight-fight win streak the best he has beat was Mateusz Gamrot who he outstruck and was taken down multiple times. Oliveira is more potent on the feet and is a risk to go to the mat with. While I believe ‘Benny’ is one of the divisions best I would be surprised if Oliveira does not win this convincingly as he has so many more ways of winning this fight.
Charles Oliveira to win
$2.30 (3 Units)
Nassourdine Imavov vs. Chris Curtis
Chris Curtis has been a revelation in the UFC and although he lost a close decision to Kelvin Gastelum last time out, he was far from dominated. His opponent Nassourdine Imavov for mine is a tad overrated. He is still on the up but is not a top 10 fighter in my opinion, whereas Curtis is. He leaves himself open to takedowns and is too willing to meet in the middle and throw. He also got out gunned on the feet by Sean Strickland in his last fight. Back Chris Curtis to bounce back into the win column as an underdog in what should be a great back and forth battle.
Chris Curtis to win
$2.20 (2 Units)
