UFC Fight Night 127: Werdum vs. Volkov
Date: March 17
Arena: O2 Arena
City: London, England
The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is back in London, England this Saturday night for UFC Fight Night 127: Werdum vs. Volkov, and if you’re considering wagering on the fight card, take a look at a couple of the live dogs I recommend backing at the sportsbook this weekend…
Heavyweight bout: Fabricio Werdum (-185) vs. Alexander Volkov (+160)
Gabe’s Thoughts: I think Volkov holds value at his current asking price of +160, as I think he should be a slight -130 betting favorite heading into this main event heavyweight contest scheduled for five rounds of action. I believe Volkov is the superior striker of the two and that he has the better chin of the two. I expect his takedown defense to hold up and for him to keep this fight standing and outstrike Werdum for five rounds of action en route to a unanimous decision victory on the judges’ scorecards, potentially stopping him with strikes along the way. The former Bellator heavyweight champion could very well defeat the former UFC heavyweight champion and make a claim for his own shot at the promotion’s gold.
Gabe’s Call: Volkov by Unanimous Decision (49-46, 50-45, 50-45
Gabe’s Recommended Play: Volkov (+160)
Light Heavyweight bout: Jimi Manuwa (-200) vs. Jan Blachowicz (+170)
Gabe’s Thoughts: I expect this rematch to play out differently than their first meeting, where Manuwa took home a unanimous decision win. I believe Blachowicz will outstrike Manuwa this time around, likely stopping him inside the distance, but if the fight plays out for three rounds, I do favor him to notch the decision this time around. Blachowicz has been looking the best he’s ever looked inside the Octagon, while Manuwa is arguably on a decline at 38 years of age. At +170, I feel Blachwicz is the ride side for a play here, as I think he should be a -150 betting favorite heading into this 205-pound matchup.
Gabe’s Call: Blachowicz by T/KO (punches, 0:46 round 1)
Gabe’s Recommended Play: Blachowicz (+170)
