MMA ODDS AND ENDS FOR MONDAY: TILL VS. THOMPSON, USMAN VS. PONZINIBBIO BOOKED
The UFC welterweight division continues to incorporate new high-profile matchups. Just a couple of days after Rafael dos Anjos vs. Colby Covington was targeted at an interim title fight at UFC 224, two great matchups are booked. Here are my ideas on these two new primary events, in addition to some other bouts recently declared by the UFC, listed in chronological order.
Sean Strickland vs. Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos, UFC 224
A welterweight bout between Sean Strickland and Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos is the most recent addition to the piled UFC 224 card. The event takes place Saturday, May 24 in Jeunesse Arena in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and this bout rumor was reported by Combate. Strickland (19-2) is a remarkable 6-2 in the UFC and is coming off of a decision win over Court McGee. Dos Santos (18-5) is 4-1 at the UFC and has won”Fight of the Night” 3 occasions, including in his decision win over Max Griffin in his last struggle. Both men are excellent fighters that are constantly improving their matches and I anticipate a very close betting line here.
Santiago Ponzinibbio vs. Kamaru Usman, UFC Chile
A welterweight bout between Santiago Ponzinibbio and Kamaru Usman was officially declared by the UFC as the headliner of UFC Fight Night 129, which takes place Saturday, May 19 at Movistar Arena at Santiago, Chile. Ponzinibbio (26-3) is 8-2 at the UFC and is now riding a six-fight win streak, with a decision win over Mike Perry his last time out. Usman (12-1) is a perfect 7-0 in the UFC and conquered Emil Weber Meek in his final outing. Both guys are elite welterweights and this ought to be a fantastic fight. Search for Usman to become favored heading into this fight due to his wrestling edge.
Darren Till vs. Stephen Thompson, UFC Liverpool
A welterweight showdown between Darren Until and Stephen Thompson is expected to headline UFC Fight Night 130, which takes place Sunday, May 27 at Echo Arena in Liverpool, England. BJPenn.com reported that the matchup. Until (16-0-1) is 4-0-1 at the UFC and knocked out Donald Cerrone in spectacular fashion in his last struggle. Thompson (14-2-1) is 9-2-1 from the UFC and is coming from a unanimous decision win over Jorge Masvidal. This is one hell of a matchup between two of the welterweight division’s elite strikers. All the hype is all behind Till right now so I think he’ll be preferred, but I personally prefer Thompson to win this fight and will be eyeing him as an underdog. I will be quite curuous to see how the people swings the odds for this one.
Dan Ige vs. Mike Santiago, UFC 225
And lastly, a welterweight bout between Dan Ige and Mike Santiago is going into UFC 225, which takes place Saturday, June 9 at United Center in Chicago, Illinois. The UFC confirmed the booking. Ige (8-2) lately made his UFC debut but lost a unanimous decison to Julio Arce. Santiago (20-11) has dropped both of his UFC fights up to now from Zabit Magomedshapirov and Mads Burnell. Neither fighter looks like they’ll stick around the Octagon for long but I would envision Ige is a slight favorite heading into this one.
Disclaimer: This page contains affiliate links and MMA Odds Breaker will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on the hyperlinks.