The 1 best (and worst) bet to make for UFC 279
UFC 279 is headlined by a welterweight bout between Khamzat Chimaev and Nate Diaz.
UFC 279 takes place this Saturday from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. The main event features a matchup between rising star Khamzat Chimaev and veteran fan-favorite Nate Diaz.
Fighters will look to cash in on a performance of the night bonus, while gamblers will look to cash in at the window. From a betting standpoint, this card is enticing as any card in recent memory. While the main event is a fascinating matchup, the co-main event is where you’ll find the UFC 279 best bet of the night.
The best bet for UFC 279: Li Jingliang vs Tony Ferguson – fight doesn’t go to decision (-132)
The co-main event of UFC 279 will feature a welterweight bout between Li Jingliang and Tony Ferguson. Jingliang is coming off of an impressive knockout victory over Muslim Salikhov in July and has won five out of his last seven fights (four of them by knockout). Jingliang is a durable, powerful striker who has proven to be difficult to put away in fights while having a propensity for finding knockouts. He has displayed some grappling deficiencies in the past, particularly when defending back-take attempts (he has two losses via rear naked choke).
Ferguson will make his return to welterweight on Saturday night after previously fighting at lightweight for over 10 years. He enters the fight on a four-fight losing streak, most recently suffering a brutal knockout loss to Michael Chandler at UFC 274. Ferguson has long entertained fans with his violent striking, crafty jiu-jitsu, and ability to push a ridiculous pace. The former interim champion is well-rounded, with freakish cardio and toughness. However, he has taken significant damage in each of his last four fights and is rather hittable.
Ferguson will have a reach advantage in the fight, and in theory, will have the speed and grappling edge. However, Ferguson has not used offensive grappling in quite some time, while also demonstrating a complacency in fighting off of his back. If Jingliang manages to wind up on top of Ferguson, Ferguson hasn’t done enough recently to convince anyone that he is able or willing to work back to his feet. However, expect Ferguson to be aggressive with elbows and submission attempts if he does wind up on his back.
Jingliang is a knockout artist and Ferguson is only four months removed from one of the most devastating knockout losses in UFC history. On top of that, he is moving up a weight class against an opponent who will be naturally bigger. This does not bode well for Ferguson. Earlier in his career, Ferguson’s durability wouldn’t be questioned. However, this return seems rushed. With that being said, you just can’t count out a guy like Ferguson, who is undeniably tough and possesses more potential paths to victory. Fans can expect a violent, chaotic matchup here that will have both men hunting for the finish.
The worst bet to make for UFC 279: Jake Collier moneyline (-400)
Betting on huge heavyweight favorites may be the biggest gamble in all of MMA betting. UFC Paris was the perfect example of that, with a -600 favorite nearly losing the fight via knockout before finding a finish of his own. This week, Collier enters his fight against Chris Barnett as a -400 favorite. Rarely could someone justify a -400 bet on a heavyweight title contender, nevermind lower level competition within the division. Whether Collier wins this fight or loses, this is not the spot to back him. Bet on the underdog, or pass on this one altogether.
Next. UFC 279: Khamzat Chimaev vs. Nate Diaz betting odds. dark