UFC is back at the O2 Arena in London after a year-long absence, with a big welterweight clash headlining the event. Former champion Leon Edwards will face Sean Brady in his first fight since losing the title to Belal Muhammad. Edwards aims to make a strong comeback and prove he deserves a rematch.
Can Edwards return to his winning ways, or will Brady solidify his position as a title contender? Let`s explore the top betting opportunities for this event.
Leon Edwards (+130)
It`s somewhat surprising to see Edwards as the underdog, considering his former champion status. However, Brady`s grappling skills explain this. Muhammad previously defeated Edwards using takedowns and ground control. The question is whether Brady can replicate that strategy.
While some might dismiss Edwards` excuses for his loss to Muhammad, it`s worth noting his historically strong wrestling defense. If Brady immediately takes Edwards down, this bet might be questionable. However, it`s anticipated that Edwards will be better at keeping the fight standing, giving him a significant advantage in striking.
Kevin Holland (+104)
Similar to the main event analysis, this bout features Holland against Gunnar Nelson, a skilled grappler. Holland is again the underdog, likely due to his past struggles with grapplers, particularly at middleweight. Now back at welterweight, where he performs better, and facing Nelson, who is older and returning after a two-year break, Holland has a good chance. It`s predicted Holland can keep the fight standing and outstrike Nelson.
Marcin Tybura (+112)
Tybura will fight Mick Parkin in a preliminary heavyweight match. The betting odds seem off here. While Parkin is undefeated and trains with Tom Aspinall, his actual record is against relatively unknown fighters. Tybura, a consistent top 10 heavyweight, should be favored. Until proven otherwise, Tybura is expected to maintain his position, making him a valuable underdog bet.
Carlos Ulberg by Points (+160)
Ulberg is heavily favored, and rightfully so. He`s on a great run, and his opponent, Jan Blachowicz, is 42 and recovering from a significant shoulder injury. Shoulder injuries can be particularly challenging at that age. Ulberg is highly expected to win. However, Blachowicz is a respected and resilient fighter, known for his toughness. He could make Ulberg work hard for the win, making a bet on Ulberg winning by decision appealing.
Alexia Thainara by Submission (+430)
Thainara, making her UFC debut against Molly McCann, is a longshot but could be worth a small bet. Despite being a newcomer, Thainara is a promising prospect and a strong grappler. This skill set matches up well against McCann, who has historically struggled against superior grapplers. The high odds make this submission victory a tempting, albeit risky, bet.
While a parlay bet is unlikely to win, for those who enjoy them, consider this: Two fighters named Chris Duncan are competing at this event, similar to a previous UFC event also headlined by Leon Edwards in London. Pairing bets on both Duncans is a fun, if improbable, parlay option.
Betting can be unpredictable, and winning streaks are hard to maintain. However, the fights are always exciting. Enjoy the event and gamble responsibly.
