UFC on ESPN+ 41: Felder vs. Dos Anjos takes place on Saturday, November 14 at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada. The offshore sportsbooks recently opened up the betting odds for the event, and MMAOB staff writer Adam Martin takes a look at the opening odds below.
UFC on ESPN+ 41 Odds
Rafael dos Anjos -160
Paul Felder +140
Sean Strickland -125
Brendan Allen +105
Abdul Razak Alhassan -175
Khaos Williams +135
Louis Smolka -135
Jose Quinonez +115
Kanako Murata -130
Randa Markos +108
Kay Hansen -130
Cory McKenna +110
Julian Marquez -200
Saparbek Safarov +170
Miranda Granger -170
Ashley Yoder +145
Eryk Anders -170
Antonio Arroyo +145
Don’tale Mayes -205
Roque Martinez +175
Alex Morono -300
Rhys McKee +250
Tony Gravely -160
Geraldo de Freitas +140
Here are my initial thoughts on the UFC on ESPN+ 41 Opening Odds:
- The main event is a terrific five-round lightweight bout between top contender Paul Felder and former champion Rafael dos Anjos, who is moving back down to 155lbs after going 4-4 as a welterweight. Dos Anjos was supposed to fight Islam Makhachev but he was forced out with health issues and Felder stepped up on super short notice. Felder hasn’t fought since February when he lost a razor-thin split decision to Dan Hooker, but he’s one of the best lightweights in the world. The weight cut is going to be tough, but Felder should make this a competitive fight regardless. As for dos Anjos, he’s moving back down in weight after losing four of his last five fights. Considering he had a full training camp I think you have to give dos Anjos a slight edge here, but given the short-notice factor, this is a tricky matchup to call.
- In a welterweight bout that serves as the co-main event, Abdul Razak Alhassan takes on Khaos Williams. Alhassan was emerging as a top welterweight contender until he missed two years due to legal issues and then lost a decision to Mounir Lazzez in his last fight. He has huge power but his cardio is an issue. As for Williams, he knocked out Alex Morono in his UFC debut earlier this year but he hasn’t fought since then. Alhassan has big-time power but so does Williams. I feel like people are overlooking Williams here as I think he can win this fight.
- Another fight that isn’t an easy one to predict sees Sean Strickland and Brendan Allen compete in a 195lbs catchweight bout. Strickland just beat Jack Marshman two weeks ago, so he’s making a quick turnaround after a great performance. As for Allen, he was supposed to fight Ian Heinisch at UFC Vegas 13 but his opponent withdrew due to a positive COVID-19 test. Strickland looked great his last time out but Allen has been looking great himself and has been far more active. Just like the main event, this short-notice fight is also a tough one to call.
- Keep your eye on the women’s strawweight but between Kay Hansen and Cory McKenna. The UFC rarely matches up two young prospects like this, but I like the matchup. Both women are 21 and Hansen looked solid in her UFC debut beating Jinh Yu Frey while McKenna is making his Octagon debut after a win on the Contender Series. With these short odds, I lean Hansen.
