UFC 251 Preview: Our Selections & Staking Plan

The UFC’s Fight Island is finally ready to be showcased on the beach of Yas Island in Abu Dhabi this weekend. In what shapes as a huge month for the leader in mixed martial arts, there are an unprecedented 3 men’s titles on the line on the stacked card.

We’ll take a close look at the main card and try to find a few winners.

Alexander Volkanovski ($1.45) vs Max Holloway ($2.75)

A rematch from last November’s 5 round thriller, this time it will be the Australian Volkanovski defending the Featherweight strap against Hawaii’s Holloway.

When the pair last met, The Volk fought the perfect fight. Taking away Holloway’s main weapon which is his volume striking. He was able to do this through ruthless lead leg kicking which didn’t allow Holloway any time to get into a rhythm.

For things to change Holloway is going to have to make some serious game plan changes by either checking the kicks with his shin or increasing his pressure and volume which will not allow the Volk to kick from range. Either way, this could open the door for the champion to look for takedowns where he can utilise his ferocious ground and pound. Despite Holloway being one of the greatest Featherweights of all time, Volkanovski looks too well rounded in all areas and we are happy to load up.

Tip: Alexander Volkanovski to win by KO or TKO @ $5.50 (3 units)
Exotic: Volkanovski to win by KO or TKO $5.5
Click Here To Get Top Odds With TopSport

Petr Yan ($1.42) vs Jose Aldo ($2.85)

The vacant Bantamweight title goes on the line in a battle between a young up and comer and an experienced future Hall Of Famer. Russia’s Yan has been on a tear and now faces by far his toughest test against Aldo who is looking to become a two-division champion. Yan’s power is elite and will be capable on ending this one at any moment.

An interesting side note for this fight is the fact that both camps have discussed a trip Yan took to Brazil 4 years ago to train with the then Featherweight champion Aldo. Both have conceded that the Brazilian was far too strong for Yan at the time. Whilst 4 years is a long time for a young MMA star, this and the fact the Jose Aldo is an out and out legend of the game suggests the $2.85 on offer is far too attractive.

Tip: Jose Aldo def Petr Yan @ $2.85 (2 units)
Exotic: Jose Aldo to win in 3^rd Round @ $17 (1 unit)
Click Here To Get Top Odds With TopSport

Kamaru Usman ($1.4) vs Jorge Masvidal ($2.9)

The main event plays host to two men with a distinct hatred of each other. The two Welterweights offer contrasting styles both inside and outside the octagon.

Usman has been a revelation within the division since joining the UFC, holding an impressive 16-1 record, most recently defending his title against Colby Covington. The champion will look to break even with Masvidal in the standup and then dominate the wresting by owning his opponent on the mat during the latter parts of the rounds.

Masvidal has enjoyed his own meteoric rise over the last 18 months. Once a win-loss fighter, ‘Street Jesus’ has exploded in popularity after defeating Darren Till in London, breaking the record for fastest knockout against the undefeated Ben Askren and claiming the BMF title over Nate Diaz all in the space of 12 months. Despite only taking this fight on a week’s notice, after the withdrawal of Gilbert Burns, Masvidal has promised a Baptism for his fans, by which he means putting Usman to sleep in violent fashion.

Whilst Masvidal is capable of spectacular finishes, we are expecting Usman to ride the early storm and ultimately making it a long night for the challenger.