UFC Fight Night 137 takes place Saturday, September 22 at Ginasio do Ibirapuera in Sao Paulo, Brazil. The offshore sportsbooks recently released the opening odds for the card, and here they are.
UFC Fight Night 137 Odds
Thiago Santos -150
Eryk Anders +110
Alex Oliveira -245
Carlo Pedersoli Jr. +175
Sam Alvey -300
Antonio Rogerio Nogueira +220
Renan Barao -350
Andre Ewell +250
Marina Rodriguez -160
Randa Markos +120
Charles Olivera -320
Christos Giagos +240
Francisco Trinaldo -215
Evan Dunham +165
Ryan Spann -195
Luis Henrique +155
Augusto Sakai -285
Chase Sherman +205
Sergio Moraes -185
Ben Saunders +145
Mayra Bueno -145
Gillian Robertson +105
Thales Leites -165
Hector Lombard +125
Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos -475
Luigi Vandramini +325
Livia Renato Souza -530
Alex Chambers +350
And here are my initial thoughts on the UFC Fight Night 137 opening odds:
– Honestly I’m a bit surprised that Santos is the favorite over Anders. Don’t get me wrong, Santos is a beast, but so is Anders. Even though Anders is taking this fight on short notice, he fought just a couple weeks ago and he’s an athletic freak who is always in great shape. The fact both men are moving up to light heavyweight for this fight is definitely something to consider, but I actually think this is a good matchup for Anders. He’s the more well-rounded fighter and he has the better cardio and chin. It’s possible Santos goes out there and looks amazing at 205lbs like Anthony Smith, but I can’t pass on Anders as a dog.
– The co-main event is another story however as I like Oliveira quite a bit here. No doubt Pedersoli Jr. was impressive in his UFC debut victory over Brad Scott, but I just think Oliveira is the more well-rounded fighter and he’s way more proven in the UFC. Especially since Pedersoli Jr. took this fight on short notice I figured Oliveira would be a bigger favorite in this spot but I think at these odds it’s reasonable considering the advantages he has in this fight.
– Another favorite I like is Alvey over Nogueira. I’m surprised Nogueira is even still fighting considering his age and the amount of damage he’s taken in recent fights. Alvey has looked great since moving up to light heavyweight and I see him winning this fight easily. I would take a look at the Alvey by KO prop once that comes out as I see him winning the fight that way.
– When it comes to underdogs, I think you have to take a long look at Ewell beating Barao. It’s not even that I think Ewell is this amazing prospect or anything, but I don’t think Barao has anything left in the tank. He’s looked like a shell of his former self and I’ll take any opportunity to fade him. At these odds, I think you have to go and take a shot at Ewell.
– I also like Saunders as a dog over Moraes. This is a pretty close fight but I think Saunders should be able to match Moraes on the mat and I give him a big advantage in the striking. I’m surprised how far apart the odds are now as bettors are fading Saunders.
