Now that UFC 202 is in the books fans can begin to pick online betting lines for fights that may not be as glamorous, but can be just as profitable. This weekend’s UFC on FOX 21 is the perfect night to provide that opportunity. The event is scheduled for Saturday, August 27th and will be held at the Rogers Arena in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada making this the second UFC event to be held outside the United States and thus the UFC’s first trip to the US’s northern neighbor. UFC on FOX 21 will jam-packed with eye-catching matchups and even some lucrative wagers; let’s take a look at both the fight card and the betting sportsbook odds.
UFC on Fox 21
Preliminaries
Sam Alvey -225 vs. Kevin Casey +185
Enrique Barzola +150 vs. Kyle Bochniak -170
Garreth McLellan +185 vs. Alessio Di Chirico -225
Shane Campbell -125 vs. Felipe Silva +105
Chad Laprise -300 vs. Thibault Gouti +250
Ryan Janes +140 vs. Adam Hunter -160
Alex Ricci +135 vs. Jeremy Kennedy -155
Main Card
Demian Maia EVEN vs. Carlos Condit -120
Anthony Pettis -175 vs. Charles Oliveira +155
Paige VanZant -210 vs. Bec Rawlings +175
Joe Lauzon -145 vs. Jim Miller +125
Originally scheduled to face each other at 202, Carlos Condit and Demian Maia’s matchup has been moved to this fight card and has been placed as the headlining match. Carlos Condit is coming off a failed title challenge to then UFC welterweight champion Robbie Lawler. Condit’s performance in the fight was impressive, and even though he lost by split decision, many expected Condit to receive an immediate rematch. Unfortunately, Tyron Woodley now boasts the belt and Condit will have to earn another shot at the title.
Now Condit faces possibly the world’s best Jiu-Jitsu fighter in Demian Maia. The Brazilian is coming in on an impressive streak, winning the last five bouts in which he’s fought. This includes victories over Matt Brown, Gunnar Nelson, and even Neil Magny. While some might critique Maia’s wins because none came via knockout, this fact only adds credit to the belief that Maia is the best Jiu-Jitsu fighter on the planet. He’s certainly not the best striker, but Maia has figured out how to use his striking to set up his ground attack which is unparalleled in his division. The online betting odds don’t have him listed as a favorite inside the octagon, but there’s no doubt Maia has the upper hand once the fight goes to the mat.
While Maia is the better grappler, there’s no denying that Condit is a much better striker. Condit is six years younger than Maia, and much of Condit’s strategy for Saturday’s matchups will revolve around using the age difference to gain a speed advantage over Maia. Condit hasn’t had a submission victory since 2008 and the chances of him getting one over this Jiu-Jitsu master are slim to none. Fans can expect Condit to employ the same tactics he used against Nick Diaz, biding his strikes in order to keep avoiding a ground game. If Condit is able to pull this off he may just open a window for landing one of the knockout blows he’s become famous for. After all, there’s a reason online betting websites have him listed as the favorite.
