Friday marks an historic night for AXS TV, as for the first time in the network’s history two promotions will come together to put on a supercard of sorts, with three different belts on the line at the top of the card. The headliner pits the first AXS TV superfight title at stake in the flyweight division as UFC and WEC veteran Damacio Page takes on Brazilian prospect Alexandre Pantoja. The RFA bantamweight title is on the line as champion Luke Sanders defends his title against Terrion Ware in what should be a highly entertaining bout. The vacant Legacy FC lightweight title will also be decided, as Mike Bronzoulis and Dave Burrow square off. MMA oddsmaker Nick Kalikas opened the betting lines for these three title fights today at Several Bookmakers. Take a look: ——————– MAIN CARD (AXS TV, 10pm ET) Alexandre Pantoja -150 Damacio Page +110 Luke Sanders -280 Terrion Ware +200 Dave Burrow -135 Mike Bronzoulis -105 ——————– Brad’s Analysis: The main event should see a finish, and it should be entertaining. It’s one of those fights where there are clear advantages wherever the fights goes. On the feet, Page will have a big power advantage and could easily score a knockout. If it hits the ground, Pantoja will likely be able to take Page’s back and find a submission. I lean slightly towards the Brazilian, as his striking has been developing decently, and I think he has a better chance of hanging with Page on the feet than Page does of sticking around with him on the ground. Unless the line bounces significantly either way, I’ll probably just sit back and enjoy this one however. Terrion Ware made me some money in his last performance, but his performance in the third round of that fight is exactly why I can’t back him again here. I expect Sanders to get much more effective with his wrestling as this fight progresses, but his striking has already developed to the point where he won’t be terribly outmatched in the early going. Ware is a very smooth striker and should have an advantage standing, but how long he can keep it there, and how long he’s able to make that advantage count probably won’t be enough to win him this fight. Mike Bronzoulis has had a bit of a career renaissance. Despite losing a couple times at higher weight classes, he’s generally put on solid performances of late. I think that his age will show in this one however, as Dave Burrow is extremely difficult to put away, and I have a very hard time trusting Bronzoulis’ cardio (especially at 155). While ‘The Greek’ might get some offense in early, I believe the tide will shift later in this fight, and Burrow will eventually find another submission to walk away with the belt. If the line stays under -150, I’m tempted to play Burrow.
