UFC 221: Rockhold vs. Romero
Date: February 10
Arena: Perth Arena
City: Perth, Australia
The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is headed to Perth, Australia for the first time in promotional history with UFC 221: Rockhold vs. Romero. The 12 fight card is set to kick off with preliminary action on UFC Fight Pass at 6:30 p.m. ET. Prelims will continue on FOX Sports 1 at 8 p.m. and the main card will get going on Pay Per View at 10 p.m.
My Fights to AVOID betting are:
Middleweight bout: Luke Rockhold (-140) vs. Yoel Romero (+130)
Gabe’s Thoughts: I agree with the current betting odds for this bout in that Rockhold should be slightly favored, however I am leaning towards Romero for my official pick. This is a fight I could see playing out so many ways. If Romero has not changed anything up, he will lose this fight if he fails the score an early finish. Scoring an early finish is a likely outcome for Romero in this contest, but if it does not materialize, it will come down to his cardio. If he fades in rounds 3-5, as he did against Whittaker, I don’t think Rockhold will be as forgiving. I think Rockhold will find a finish rather than outpoint him like Whittaker did. If Romero shows up with improved cardio, I could see him pulling off a shocker and taking a decision victory. At the current odds, I can’t get myself to back either fighter with my wallet, so I’m going to have to sit back and enjoy this one without having any action on the line.
Gabe’s Call: Romero by T/KO (punches, 3:16, round 1)
Gabe’s Recommended Play: AVOID
Flyweight bout: Jussier Formiga (-125) vs. Ben Nguyen (+105)
Gabe’s Thoughts: I agree with the current betting odds in that Formiga should be slightly favored heading into this 125 pound contest. I think it is a very close fight but I expect Formiga’s superior grappling to make the difference. I see him being able to manage to take the fight to the mat, though I am not confident he will be able to secure a submission. I could also see Nguyen finding success in keeping the fight standing and outstriking Formiga for a decision win, possibly finish him with strikes along the way. I could really see this fight going either way, so at the current odds, I think it is one scrap best left avoided at the sportsbook this weekend.
Gabe’s Call: Formiga by Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Gabe’s Recommended Play: AVOID
