We’ve got three UFC London predictions for Saturday’s exciting card at the O2 Arena and are chasing a near-7/1 treble with our betting tips.
Bwin have UFC 286 odds available for every bout, but this is where our money is going on the major events this weekend.
Kamaru Usman to beat Leon Edwards by decision @ Evens
Birmingham-based Edwards claimed the welterweight title with a stunning victory over Usman in Salt Lake City last August, sealed by a last-minute head kick, making him only the second Briton to become a UFC champion, following Michael Bisping in 2016.
However, the 30-year-old had been on course for a unanimous points defeat at Vivint Arena, as Usman controlled proceedings once steadying himself after a lively start from Edwards.
The Nigerian Nightmare had held that belt since March 2019 and won his first 15 bouts under the UFC umbrella, starting out with a 2015 triumph over Edwards, who has a tough job on his hands to come out on top in this trilogy tussle.
As long as Usman can handle what promises to be a wild atmosphere, we believe he can gradually silence the home crowd.
Rafael Fiziev to beat Justin Gaethje by KO/TKO @ 6/4
Fiziev, who was born in Kazakhstan but now represents Azerbaijan and is based in Thailand, has been making a lot of noise during a six-fight winning streak and now gets the chance to back up his boasts in what should be a fiery affair.
A shot at the lightweight title could be the ultimate prize and Ataman appeals as a worthy favourite after picking up performance of the night honours for three of his last four wins, each time prevailing by knockout.
American veteran Gaethje has already had two cracks at becoming champion, but was forced to tap out by Khabib Nurmagomedov in 2020 and Charles Oliveira last May, so the 34-year-old lacks his opponent’s scope to take the division by storm.
Casey O’Neill to beat Jennifer Maia @ 8/15
Scottish-born Australian O’Neill is assured of strong support as she bids to maintain her 100 per cent UFC record and make a statement of intent in a flyweight division which has been blown wide open in recent weeks.
After impressing on the Eternal circuit Down Under, the 25-year-old has claimed four straight wins for MMA’s major organisation, with three victories coming inside the distance.
A second-round stoppage of Antonina Shevchenko in October 2021 earned O’Neill a performance of the night bonus and last year’s UFC 271 defeat of Roxanne Modafferi was far more convincing than the split decision result suggests.
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