UFC 217
Date: November 4
Arena: Madison Square Garden
City: New York City, NY
The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is back in New York City for the third time in promotional history with UFC 217: Bisping vs. St. Pierre. The stacked 12-fight card is set to kick off with prelims on UFC Fight Pass at 6:30 p.m. ET. Preliminary action will continue on FOX Sports 1 at 8 p.m., with the main card firing off on Pay Per View at 10 p.m. If interested in wagering on any bouts for these fight cards, all betting lines are made available at Several Bookmakers.
My Fights to AVOID betting are:
Bantamweight title bout: Cody Garbrandt (-175) vs. TJ Dillashaw (+155)
Gabe’s Thoughts: I think this 135-pound title fight is closer than the betting odds currently suggest. At the current price, I think Dillashaw holds a bit of value at his current underdog asking price of +155, so I can’t fault anybody for taking a shot on him to retain his title. I do see this fight as a dog or pass situation, but ultimately I am going to have to pass. I will be happy just sitting back and enjoying this title fight, and I would recommend you do the same, as I think this is one scrap that is best left alone at the sportsbook this weekend.
Gabe’s Call: Garbrandt by Split Decision (48-47, 47-48, 48-47)
Gabe’s Recommended Play: AVOID
Heavyweight bout: Walt Harris (-345) vs. Mark Godbeer (+285)
Gabe’s Thoughts: It’s happening again. After pulling out to face Fabricio Werdum on a couple of hours notice and going on to lose the bout via first round armbar submission, this bout was quickly rebooked. I do agree with Harris being the favorite here, but I do not agree with his current asking price of -345. I see this heavyweight showdown as a dog or pass scenario and I just can’t get myself to pull the trigger on Godbeer, as I am not convinced he is a UFC caliber heavyweight. To be fair, I am not convinced that Harris is, either. There is just no way I could lay -345 down on Harris, and +285 just isn’t enough to take a stab on Godbeer. I think I would need to see him reach +350 just to consider it.
Gabe’s Call: Harris by Unanimous Decision (29-28, 28-28, 29-28)
Gabe’s Recommended Play: AVOID
