UFC 214: Cormier vs. Jones II
Date: July 29, 2017
Arena: Honda Center
City: Anaheim, CA
The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is back in Anaheim, CA for the seventh time in promotional history this Saturday (July 29, 2017) with UFC 214: Cormier vs. Jones II. The stacked 12-fight card is scheduled to kick off with preliminary action on UFC Fight Pass at 6:30 p.m. (ET), with televised prelims following on FXX at 8 p.m. and the main card getting underway on Pay-Per-View at 10 p.m. If interested in wagering on any bouts for these fight cards, all betting lines are available at Several Bookmakers.
Here are my live dogs for UFC 214…
Light Heavyweight bout: Jimi Manuwa (-170) vs. Volkan Oezdemir (+150)
Gabe’s Thoughts: I think Manuwa wins this fight, either by T/KO or decision. That said, I do also think it’s a coin-flip fight and feel that the betting value is with his opponent. My gut says Manuwa, but my wallet has to side with Oezdemir. Stylistically, I think Oezdemir stands a good chance of winning this fight, most likely by T/KO, as I suspect that his forward pressure style may give Manuwa some problems, as the Brit prefers to be the aggressor in his bouts.
Gabe’s Call: Manuwa by Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Gabe’s Recommended Play: Oezdemir (+150)
Lightweight bout: Drew Dober (-360) vs. Josh Burkman (+300)
Gabe’s Thoughts: I am picking Dober to win here and was hoping to get him at -180 or better, as I think he should be a 2-to-1 betting favorite heading into this 155-pound contest. I think Burkman should be +170, so while I am picking against the veteran, I have to take the value with him at +300, as I think he is capable of winning this fight both inside the distance and on the judges’ scorecards. I favor Dober to keep the fight standing and outstrike Burkman over the course of three rounds to pick up a unanimous decision, but I can see Burkman making it an ugly, close fight and stealing the decision, as well as potentially securing a submission along the way.
Gabe’s Call: Dober by Unanimous Decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
Gabe’s Recommended Play: Burkman (+300)
