This Saturday night, a UFC lightweight title will be on the line in the main event. However, Conor McGregor will remain the “true” lightweight champion regardless of its outcome, as the Irishman seems more focused on making whatever money he can in boxing than returning to face a lightweight division which is full of challengers who pose stylistic threats to him.
Two men near the top of that list are vying for the interim title, as Tony Ferguson takes on Kevin Lee. Ferguson’s well-rounded offensive attack and limitless cardio makes him a dangerous matchup for anyone in the division, while Lee continues to prove he has one of the most overpowering ground games in the sport. Each man also sports a hefty winning streak. Ferguson finally gets a title shot on the heels of nine straight victories, and Lee has picked up five straight since his shocking loss to Leonardo Santos.
UFC 216 also features a second title bout, as Ray Borg attempt to not get sick prior to his rescheduled date with flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson. If Borg stays healthy and doesn’t have any weight cutting issues, Johnson will have the opportunity to set the UFC record for consecutive title defenses. As a side note, the only other flyweight bout on the card is a preliminary matchup between Magomed Bibulatov (a man many feel will make a worthy title challenger sooner rather than later), and former title challenger John Moraga. While the UFC decided not to promote Henry Cejudo to a title fight when Borg fell ill at UFC 215, perhaps the tact changes with a fresh face like Bibulatov in the picture this time.
The remaining three main card fights feature former heavyweight champion Fabricio Werdum taking on Derrick Lewis, lightweights Evan Dunham — who quietly brings a four-fight winning streak into this contest — and Beneil Dariush, and the big draw on this card: women’s flyweights Kalindra Faria and Mara Romero Borella. The odds for each of the main card bouts (save for Faria/Borella) have previously been released at Several Bookmakers, and today MMA oddsmaker Nick Kalikas completed the full slate of lines for UFC 216.
Featured on the preliminary card, bantamweight prospects Tom Duquesnoy (11-fight win streak) and Cody Stamann (eight-fight win streak) should provide a highly entertaining contest which will likely push the winner into the top 15 and some higher profile spots. Former Bellator lightweight champion Will Brooks hopes to right the ship on his UFC career, but will be in tough against grinder Nik Lentz. Also at lightweight, Lando Vannata should have another opportunity to show off his striking prowess against the like-minded Bobby Green. In addition, the aforementioned Bibulatov puts his undefeated record on the line against Moraga in a bout which could have title implications in the near future.
Take a look at the opening lines for the full 13-bout slate below:
UFC 216: Ferguson vs. Lee
OCTOBER 7, 2017
T-Mobile Arena | Las Vegas, Nevada
Main Card – (PPV, 10PM ET)
Interim Lightweight Title
Kevin Lee +145
Tony Ferguson -185
Over 2.5 -130
Under 2.5 -110
–
Flyweight Title
Ray Borg +800
Demetrious Johnson -1250
Over 4.5 -115
Under 4.5 -125
–
Walt Harris +150
Fabricio Werdum -190
Over 1.5 -180
Under 1.5 +140
–
Mara Romero Borella +190
Kalindra Faria -270
Over 2.5 -210
Under 2.5 +160
–
Evan Dunham +170
Beneil Dariush -230
Over 2.5 -150
Under 2.5 +110
–
Preliminary Card – (FXX, 8PM ET)
Cody Stamann +110
Tom Duquesnoy -150
Over 2.5 -180
Under 2.5 +140
–
Nik Lentz +220
Will Brooks -300
Over 2.5 -265
Under 2.5 +185
–
Bobby Green +180
Lando Vannata -260
Over 2.5 -150
Under 2.5 +110
–
Pearl Gonzalez +110
Poliana Botelho -150
Over 2.5 -150
Under 2.5 +110
–
Preliminary Card – (UFC Fight Pass, 6PM ET)
John Moraga +285
Magomed Bibulatov -405
Over 2.5 -230
Under 2.5 +170
–
Thales Leites +115
Brad Tavares -155
Over 2.5 -190
Under 2.5 +150
–
Marco Beltran +150
Matt Schnell -190
Over 1.5 -170
Under 1.5 +130
–
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