UFC 179 Main Card Betting Odds and Predictions
UFC 179 is on Saturday, and the odds are out.
Jose Aldo defends his UFC Featherweight Championship against No. 1-ranked contender Chad Mendes for the second time. The previous encounter ended with a first-round knockout for Aldo. Since that day, Mendes has reeled off five consecutive wins.
In the co-main event of the evening, light heavyweights Glover Teixeira and Phil Davis try to get back in the win column. Teixeira has been out of action since his failed bid at the UFC strap, and Davis dropped a potential title eliminator to Anthony Johnson.
Nine more bouts line the UFC 179 card. Bleacher Report will give you information to work with before you lay down on one of the main card fights.
Where is the value? Let's take a look at the main card betting odds and find the right spots to capitalize on.
Carlos Diego Ferreira (-210) vs. Beneil Dariush (+170)
1 of 5
Ferreira is undefeated and one of the hottest prospects in the company. His stock rose after a destruction of Ramsey Nijem at UFC 177.
Dariush will be a quality test for the youngster, but one that he should be able to handle.
The Brazilian has won UFC bonuses in each of his two UFC performances, and he may continue the streak here. He is much more talented than Dariush on the mat, and his improved hands make him a danger to end the fight standing.
I don't expect too much trouble for the talented Ferreira, and at minus-210 I love the value. This could be a fantastic way to kick off your night by playing Ferreira.
Prediction: Ferreira
The Play: Start your night off with a safe play on Ferreira
Darren Elkins (-185) vs. Lucas Martins (+150)
2 of 5
This bout may be the most underrated on the entire card. This featherweights clash could be a sleeper for Fight of the Night.
Martins is a solid striker, and Elkins is a good grappler. It's a classic stylistic matchup.
Martins is a live dog in this fight, and there is some value on him. If you feel comfortable with Martins, then it isn't a bad play at all. I just don't advise it. I like this matchup for Elkins, who hasn't fought since January.
Elkins has only lost to Charles Oliveira, Chad Mendes and Jeremy Stephens in the Octagon. He is an underrated fighter who wins via grinding. His wrestling will be the difference, and at minus-185 there is good value on the favorite.
Prediction: Elkins
The Play: A small play on Elkins
Fabio Maldonado (-130) vs. Hans Stringer (+100)
3 of 5
Stringer is 1-0 in the UFC, and his second fight is certainly a step up in competition.
Maldonado returns to the light heavyweight division after moving up to heavyweight to fight Stipe Miocic earlier in 2014. The fight went as expected with Miocic dismantling Maldonado quickly. However, at light heavyweight, Maldonado is a much better fighter.
Stringer won't possess the same huge power that Miocic brought in, and he isn't as athletic. Maldonado's durability and boxing will pay off back at 205 pounds.
This is a good fight to get Maldonado back on the winning track. There isn't much value to play the dog here.
Prediction: Maldonado
The Play: Stick with the favorite
.jpg?w=256 "Colts Jaguars Football")
Glover Teixeira (-335) vs. Phil Davis (+255)
4 of 5
The co-main event will play a pivotal role in the light heavyweight division.
No. 4-ranked Teixeira and No. 6-ranked Davis want to start putting together wins for a crack at the gold.
Fans love Teixeira's boxing, but his takedown defense plays an important part in keeping the fight on the feet. He also has underrated jiu-jitsu. With the power Teixeira has, Davis will want to use his wrestling to get this fight on the mat.
I honestly feel this fight is a pick 'em. Teixeira has all the tools to keep this standing, but if Davis puts him on the canvas, then he will coast to a decision win. However, when looking at the odds, there is great value in Davis.
For a prediction, I side with Davis. It is hard to imagine him laying another egg. He is too athletic and quick on his shots to be stuffed by Teixeira. Anthony Johnson was able to match Davis' athleticism, but Teixeira won't do the same.
Prediction: Davis
The Play: Take a shot on Davis at these odds
Jose Aldo (-230) vs. Chad Mendes (+180)
5 of 5
This exciting rematch is not getting the over-the-top promotion it deserves, but that's OK.
Aldo is the king of the division. He has never been in any true trouble in a title tilt. Mendes nearly brought him to the canvas in their last outing, but a cage grab and incredible balance kept the champ on his feet.
Mendes worked with Duane Ludwig after the fight to improve his striking, and that led to four knockouts in five fights. His improved hands could pay off in a big way against Aldo. It will make him a bigger threat on the feet and thus lead to easier takedowns.
If he can threaten on the feet, he has a great shot at the upset. But it just isn't likely. Aldo is too good on his feet, can quickly pop up from takedowns and has top-notch jiu-jitsu as well.
Aldo can shut Mendes down for the full 25 minutes or stop him with another stellar knockout. He has more ways to win, and at minus-230 the odds are ripe for another payoff on the champion. This isn't a place to take a chance on the underdog in the hopes it will pay off.
Play it safe.
Prediction: Aldo
The Play: Stick with Aldo
All odds provided by OddsShark.com.
.jpg?w=480 "Colts Jaguars Football")
