UFC on ESPN+ 34: Overeem vs. Sakai takes place on Saturday, September 5 at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada. The offshore sportsbooks recently opened up the betting odds for the full card, and here they are.
UFC on ESPN+ 34 Odds
Alistair Overeem -270
Augusto Sakai +230
Alonzo Menifield -115
Ovince Saint Preux -105
Karol Rosa -180
Sijara Eubanks +140
Michel Pereira -135
Zelim Imadaev +115
Thiago Moises -205
Jalin Turner +175
Brian Kelleher -180
Kevin Natividad +140
Bartosz Fabinksi -140
Andre Muniz +120
Viviane Araujo -110
Montana De La Rosa -110
Alexander Romanov -330
Marcos Rogerio de Lima +270
Hunter Azure -185
Cole Smith +160
Here are my initial thoughts on the UFC on ESPN+ 34 Opening Odds:
- The main event is a fun heavyweight bout between the legend Overeem and a rising contender in Sakai. Overeem is 40 years old now but he is still performing at a high level, having won three of his last four fights including a TKO win over Walt Harris in his last outing. Even in this later phase of his career, Overeem is still improving his skills, with the only thing holding him back being his chin. As for Sakai, he is unbeaten in the UFC with a 4-0 record and he’s won his last six straight fights. He’s also 11 years younger, so there are definitely some things to like about Sakai here. However, he’s not really a knockout artist and he’s never been five rounds before. I think Overeem’s experience will be the key here and I lean his way.
- The co-main event is a rescheduled light heavyweight bout between OSP and Menifield. The fight was supposed to take place two weeks ago but OSP was forced off the card due to COVID-19. Two weeks later and he’s cleared to fight so we’ll get to see how this fight plays out. OSP is certainly one of the most experienced fighters at 205lbs on the UFC roster and he has an amazing submission game, but his chin has let him down at times and Menifield is a KO artist. Menifield hits hard and if he can get to OSP’s chin he can finish him, but his cardio is questionable as we saw in the Devin Clark fight. With the power in his fists, Menifield can certainly get a knockout in the first round, but the longer the fight goes the more it favors OSP.
- Also on the main card is an intriguing women’s bantamweight bout between Rosa and Eubanks. Rosa is one of the top prospects at women’s 135lbs as she’s won both of her UFC bouts and has looked super impressive in both of her outings. As for Eubanks, she’s coming off a win over Sarah Moras but isn’t far removed from losing to Bethe Corria. I like Rosa here.
- One fight to keep your eye on that’s deep on the prelims is a middleweight bout between Fabinski and Muniz. Fabinski is coming off of a solid win over Darren Stewart in Cage Warriors and overall has a 3-1 record in the Octagon. He is a very underrated fighter with high-level wrestling. As for Muniz, he is riding a five-fight win streak but Fabinski is a big step up for him. I favor Fabinski here to use his wrestling to grind out another decision win inside the Octagon.
