UFC betting enthusiasts can get ready to wager on a title defend as UFC 201 is right around the corner. Headlined by Tyron Woodley vs. Robbie Lawler UFC 201 is shaping up to be an event worth tuning into. While there are plenty of eye-catching fights going down on Saturday the 30th of July, Lawler’s title defend will unarguably be the most intense bout of the night. This will be the third time that UFC hosts an event in Atlanta; UFC 201 will take place at the Philips Arena. While UFC 202 might be casting a shadow on this event (everyone is anxious for the McGregor – Diaz rematch) there is still plenty of value to get UFC betting fans excited for a prosperous night. Here is the official fight card as well as sportsbook odds.
UFC 201 – Philips Arena
Preliminary Card (UFC Fight Pass)
Michael Graves -235 vs. Bojan Velickovic +195
Ryan Benoit +105 vs. Freddy Serrano -125
Cesar Arzamendia EVEN vs. Damien Brown -120
Preliminary Card (Fox Sports 2)
Ed Herman +135 vs. Nikita Krylov -155
Ross Pearson +190 vs. Jorge Masvidal -230
Anthony Hamilton -115 vs. Damian Grabowski -105
Wilson Reis -320 vs. Hector Sandoval +260
Main Card
Robbie Lawler -200 vs. Tyron Woodley +170
Rose Namajunas -230 vs. Karolina Kowalkiewicz +190
Matt Brown -325 vs. Jake Ellenberger +265
Francisco Rivera +105 vs. Erik Perez -125
Ian McCall +205 vs. Justin Scoggins -245
Lawler vs. Woodley will be the bout drawing the largest audiences. Lawler’s title defends have a reputation for being a hard-fought, nail-biting fights that accentuate what UFC is all about. Lawler’s resilience and ability to consistently land tough blows are what have helped him defend his title for over a year. While there is no questioning the current Welterweight champion toughness, one can question his ability to start off fast. Lawler usually bides his time at the beginning of bouts and relies on tiring his opponents out. Woodley will be looking to counter this by coming out as hot as he can – something he excels at. Woodley’s background in wrestling would lead UFC betting fans to believe that he’d have an advantage on the mat, but that may not be true. Woodley only completes 44.19% of his takedowns, and Lawler has proven his defense as one of the best by blocking 67.33% of takedowns his opponents attempt. Lawler’s takedown defense is also remarkable, he stops 91.67% of his opponent’s takedowns. Lawler is well known for being a striker but Woodley has a slightly higher accuracy rating. He may not connect as well but Lawler certainly makes them count as 74% of his victories have come via knockout.
Lawler is definitely the favorite heading into this match, but there are other fighters with greater odds. Matt Brown’s -325 odds place him in a favorable light against Jake Ellenberger. On paper Brown is much better than Ellenberger, but if sportsbook users think the 31-year old can pull off the upset then there might be a pretty penny at the end of that +265 upset.
