UFC Fight Night 116: Rockhold vs. Branch
Date: September 16, 2017
Arena: PPG Paints Arena
City: Pittsburgh, PA
The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is headed back to Pittsburgh, PA for the third time in promotional history with UFC Fight Night 116: Rockhold vs. Branch. The 10-fight card is scheduled to kick off with preliminary action on FOX Sports 1 at 8 p.m., with the main card getting going on the same channel at 10 p.m. ET. If interested in wagering on any bouts for these fight cards, all betting lines are made available at Several Bookmakers.
Here are my prop plays…
Mike Perry (-450) vs. Alex Reyes (+400)
Perry by Decision (+528)
I favor Perry to win this fight by knockout, however I think the decision prop holds more value. Reyes is a tough out, so I could see this fight playing out for all three rounds.
Anthony Smith (-130) vs. Hector Lombard (+120)
Smith by Decision (+550)
I do think Smith is more likely to win this fight inside the distance, however I think the decision prop carries more value and is a play worth making, especially if you are riding on the Total of Under 1.5 rounds for this middleweight bout.
Gregor Gillespie (-410) vs. Jason Gonzalez (-365)
Gillespie by Decision (+225)
I think Gillespie has a decent chance of finishing Gonzalez, however I think this is the most likely outcome to this lightweight matchup. Considering he is -410 straight up, I see plenty of value in Gillespie by Decision at the current underdog price of +225. He is capable of catching Gonzalez and putting him away, similar to how he did Andrew Holbrook and how Drew Dober did to Gonzalez, but I think it is more likely that his wrestling will be the difference maker in this match-up. I could see him securing a submission, too, but I think it is more likely he just keeps scoring takedowns and working his ground and pound for 15 minutes to pick up a unanimous decision victory, and his third straight inside the Octagon.
Kamaru Usman (-750) vs. Sergio Moraes (+600)
Usman by T/KO (+204)
I think there is a decent chance that Usman earns his first T/KO victory inside the Octagon and I like the +204 price tag on the prop, considering he is -750 straight up.
Justin Ledet (-420) vs. Azunna Anyanwu (+375)
Ledet by Decision (+225)
Ledet winning a decision is the most likely outcome to this heavyweight matchup, I feel. I could see him scoring a late stoppage, if Anyanwu gasses, which he could, considering he is taking this fight on very short notice, but otherwise, I favor Ledet to pick up the win on the judges’ scorecards in this one.
Olivier Aubin-Mercier (-115) vs. Tony Martin (+105)
Martin Inside the Distance (+408)
I think Martin has a good chance of stopping Aubin-Mercier with strikes and picking up his first T/KO victory inside the Octagon. I think he is capable of submitting OAB, as well, which is why I am opting to play the Inside the Distance prop, rather than the T/KO.
Gilbert Burns (-140) vs. Jason Saggo (+130)
Saggo by T/KO (+925)
I favor the underdog Saggo to get his hand raised in this 155-pound contest and I think he stands a good chance of stopping Burns with strikes. He will have the advantage on the feet and I think if he puts his punches together, he will end up scoring a stoppage. I see a whole world of value in this betting line at +925 and I love it for a play.
