Ultimate Fighting Championship has declared six huge bouts for this summer with a multitude of winners and top name contenders in five different weight classes. MMA oddsmaker Nick Kalikas has started betting odds for both competitions.
The first bout, a lightweight contest between Donald Cerrone and Tony Ferguson, will take place at UFC 238 on June 8 in Chicago. Here is Nick’s rationale behind his chances:
“Donald Cerrone vs Tony Ferguson is among the most fan friendly struggles made in years. Cerrone has appeared like a new guy in his return to lightweight. He’s gained confidence and looks motivated and hungry for a push in the belt. Ferguson is a very well-rounded fighter and is fighting a chip on his shoulder after fighting private issues and getting stripped of his interim title. Stylistically, both fighters are exceptionally capable finishers both standing and on the ground. Both men have serious knockout power and have the capability to get knocked out. Ferguson’s rate and unpredictability give him the advantage here.”
Max Holloway vs Frankie Edgar was initially announced for UFC 222 early last year and Nick gave his thoughts about the bout afterward, but a whole lot has changed in the past 18 months. The bout will now take place since the headliner of UFC 240. Listed below are Nick’s thoughts on it:
“Frankie Edgar is your ultimate underdog, and at 37 years old, challenging for Max Holloway’s belt may be his biggest hurdle to conquer nevertheless in his career. Edgar has strong wrestling and gets got the conditioning to go the distance with Holloway, but in the last year, he had been knocked out for the first time by Brian Ortega and has only beaten Cub Swanson since. Holloway ruined Ortega, but finally looked human if he unsuccessfully moved up to lightweight to challenge Dustin Poirier. Holloway’s striking has become elite, having readily completed stand-up specialists Jose Aldo (2x) and Anthony Pettis. Edgar’s wrestling may be an X-factor when he could take Holloway down and keep him down, but it is unlikely he could stand and trade with Holloway, a fighter who is prepared to have a shot to dish out five more. Holloway was a -215 last time, but he’ll be a -300 favorite.”
UFC 241 in August will include a heavyweight title rematch, with the roles of Stipe Miocic and Daniel Cormier reversed this time.
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