The UFC’s big summer of 2019 continues this weekend, with a very exciting UFC 241 card going down in Anaheim, California. We’ve got a big heavyweight title rematch, the return of the UFC’s prodigal son, and a match up between two members of the UFC’s all-body team topping the card.
The main event is UFC Heavyweight Champion Daniel Cormier (-150) rematching former champ Stipe Miocic (+120). DC turned the Ohio firefighter’s lights out late in the first round at UFC 226 in July 2018 to capture the heavyweight crown, which is the last time Miocic has stepped into the cage. Cormier should be favored in this one, but the close betting line speaks to the fact that anything can happen in this sport, especially among big boys like these who can really swing ’em.
The co-main is Anthony Pettis (-130) meeting the returning Nate Diaz (+100). Diaz hasn’t fought since losing a close decision to Conor McGregor three years ago, so ring rust could be a factor here. The other top billed fight could also masquerade as a bodybuilding competition, as Yoel Romero (-170) takes on Paulo Costa (+140).
As per usual, we’ll be skipping betting on the top fights and will instead mine the undercard for some winners (hopefully).
Manny Bermudez (-125) vs Casey Kenney
There’s lots to like about “The Bermudez Triangle” in this one, besides his clever nickname. He’s three years younger, three inches taller, and his reach is three inches longer than Kenney’s (good luck comes in threes?). Plus he’s 14-0, with 11 submissions, including six in a row. Kenney got taken down seven times in his lone UFC appearance, so look for Bermudez to be able to get him down in this one and tap him out.
Kyung Ho Kang (-185) vs Brandon Davis
“Mr Perfect” (no, not Curt Henning, RIP) Kyung Ho Kang has reeled off wins in four of this last five UFC appearances, with three of those ending in his opponent tapping out. His adversary in this one, Brandon Davis, is susceptible to takedowns – Zabit Magomedsharipov got him down six times in their recent fight, and Enrique Barzola got a whopping 10 against him. Kang should be able to do about the same, as he’s averaged over two takedowns per 15 minutes over his lengthy UFC career. Maybe he’ll even use a Perfect Plex to get the fight there.
Sabina Mazo (+110) vs Shana Dobson
We always like to pick at least one underdog in this column, so we’re going with Sabina “Colombian Queen” Mazo. The 22-year-old prospect dropped her octagon debut, which might explain her being a betting dog here. But she still is a promising fighter, and a talented striker, where this fight will surely take place, as Shana Dobson isn’t much of a grappler. Look for the pride of Medellin to get her career back on track in this one.
Overall Results for This Column
Record: 9-11
Earnings (based on $100 bet per): ($264.38)
Return on Investment: N/A
