The UFC returns to Abu Dhabi this weekend for a pay-per-view card headlined by a Featherweight title fight between Ilia Topuria and Max Holloway. In the co-main, Robert Whittaker and Khamzat Chimaev go toe-to-toe with the winner likely to get the next title shot and much of the same can be said for the clash between Magomed Ankalaev and Aleksander Rakic. UFC 308 should produce plenty of memorable moments and finishes but we are here to profit and will look to do just that with three bets on the main card below.
UFC308 Preview & Betting Tips
Ilia Topuria vs. Max Holloway
Ilia Topuria will attempt to defend his Featherweight title for the first time this weekend against one of the great’s of the division in Max Holloway. Topuria won the belt in spectacular fashion knocking out long time champion Alexander Volkanovski. And while his punching power is what brings fans in the door, he will likely try to use his wrestling to beat the Hawaiian.
Holloway’s chain boxing is as good as the sport has ever seen. While he doesn’t have one shot knockout power like Topuria he can dismantle fighters with sheer volume and accuracy. Volkanovski’s movement and leg kicks managed to overcome him in their trilogy but it is something Topuria hasn’t shown he can do. The Spaniard attacks in a straight line and if he can’t get him down or land a nasty hook, which is a big ask against Holloway, he is in for a rough night. I believe this is more of a pick em fight than the market has it and therefore I will be throwing a couple of stakes on Holloway.
Max Holloway to win
$3.00 (2 Units)
Robert Whittaker vs. Khamzat Chimaev
Robert Whittaker vs. Khamzat Chimaev is a cracking fight. Whittaker has arguably the best defensive wrestling Chimaev has ever faced plus has a gas tank to cause Chimaev issues in the latter rounds. However, that being said I predict a tough night in the office for the Aussie.
Whittaker for a long time has been my favourite fighter but I believe this is a nightmare match up for him. His wrestling is very solid but not good enough to keep Chimaev off him especially early. If Whittaker manages to get out of the first two rounds, which I believe is a big if, he still is almost certainly down 2-0 on the scorecards and with the fight in Abu Dhabi he likely gets any fifty fifty round thereafter. Therefore to win this fight he likely has to stop Chimaev, something he isn’t well known for throughout his career and Chimaev’s conditioning has reportedly been a major focus of his camp making it an even tougher ask to assume he can walk him down in the latter rounds. I was tempted to go with Chimaev in round 1 or 2 as my bet but instead landed on him just to win the fight given the fact I don’t see the Aussie stopping him or his chain wrestling.
Khamzat Chimaev to win
$1.45 (4 Units)
Shara Magomedov vs. Armen Petrosyan
There is a silly amount of hype around ‘Shara Bullet’ who in my opinion won’t get anywhere near a UFC title but is being talked about like he is the second coming of Chimaev. The fight between Shara Magomedov Armen Petrosyan should be contested almost exclusively on the feet and for that reason I favour Petrosyan.
Petrosyan has only lost twice in his UFC career and both times it was to elite wrestlers. He is far more technical than ‘Bullet’ on the feet and the power difference isn’t as great as many think. Petrosyan also presents a massive step up in competition for the Dagestani. My market has Petrosyan priced as a $1.70 favourite so I was pleasantly surprised to see him go up at underdog odds, and have snapped that up quick smart.
Armen Petrosyan to win
$2.60 (3 Units)
