TUF 25 Finale: Johnson vs. Gaethje
Date: July 7, 2017
Arena: T-Mobile Arena
City: Las Vegas, NV
The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is back home in Las Vegas, NV for International Fight Week with The Ultimate Fighter 25 Finale: Johnson vs. Gaethje slated for this Friday (July 7, 2017). The 12-fight card will get underway with prelims on UFC Fight Pass at 6 p.m. (ET), which continue on FOX Sports 1 at 7 p.m. The main card will start on the same channel at 9 p.m. If interested in wagering on any bouts for this fight card, all betting lines are available at Several Bookmakers.
Here are my top dog plays for the TUF 25 Finale…
Lightweight: Mark Diakiese (-265) vs. Drakkar Klose (+225)
Gabe’s Thoughts: I think this 155-pound contest is much closer than the betting odds currently indicate. I believe Klose is a very live dog here, as he is +225 in what I think is a coin-flip matchup. Contrary to popular opinion, I’m not sold on Diakiese having a clear edge on the feet here. I think this fight is close everywhere. I could see both fighters having their moments both on the feet and on the mat. I do give a wrestling advantage to Klose, despite Diakiese having solid wrestling of his own, and I think that could make the difference in this bout. This is a great matchup between two excellent prospects, and no outcome will surprise me. At +225, I do believe Klose is the right side for a play.
Gabe’s Call: Klose by Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Gabe’s Recommended Play: Klose (+225)
Light Heavyweight bout: CB Dolloway (-190) vs. Ed Herman (+165)
Gabe’s Thoughts: Dolloway is heading back up to the UFC’s light heavyweight division, where he hopes to have a career resurgence. Herman is not a bad opponent to start one against, but contrary to the betting odds, I do not favor him in this matchup. I think this is another coin-flip fight, and again I like the underdog Herman for a value play. I think +165 is too good of a price to pass up in a fight I could see him winning by T/KO, submission or decision. Herman should be in the +100 to -130 range here, so I have to take him at the current price. Both fighters are in dire need of victory in this contest, and I do favor “Short Fuse” to come out on top.
Gabe’s Call: Herman by T/KO (strikes, 2:44 round 1)
Gabe’s Recommended Play: Herman (+165)
