UFC 274 best bets: Go with underdog Gaethje after weight debacle
Saturday's UFC 274 card features a half-title fight between Charles Oliveira and Justin Gaethje. Only Gaethje is eligible to become lightweight champion after Oliveira missed weight and was stripped of the belt.
Strawweight champ Rose Namajunas will also face Carla Esparza for the second time.
Before the action gets underway at Footprint Center in Phoenix, here are the two best bets for the event.
Justin Gaethje (+115) vs. Charles Oliveira
The line has already started to shift in Gaethje's favor following Oliveira's 0.5-pound weight miss, so get "The Highlight" at plus-money while it's still available.
In what was an already competitive matchup on paper, Friday's debacle could give Gaethje the edge. He was allowed to start rehydrating much sooner than Oliveira, so it's possible he'll be less drained by the time the fight rolls around.
From a mental perspective, it might be tough for Oliveira to perform at the highest of his abilities after being stripped of his title in unprecedented fashion less than 48 hours earlier.
Look for Gaethje to use his pressure to try to drown Oliveira on the feet and eventually tire him out. He also has more experience than Oliveira in championship rounds, which could be a key factor should this fight go late.
Of course, if Oliveira gets Gaethje to the ground, the Brazilian jiu-jitsu specialist still has a great chance of winning - he's incredibly dangerous on the mat. But after what happened at weigh-ins, it's tough not to take a chance with Gaethje as the underdog.
Cerrone-Lauzon over 2.5 rounds (+150)
The lightweight bout between Donald Cerrone and Joe Lauzon should be an entertaining scrap - one that will likely make it to the third round or the judges' scorecards.
Two fan favorites in their late 30s, Cerrone and Lauzon are no doubt slowing down. And on paper, this is a fairly even matchup, with Cerrone sitting as a -190 favorite. As a result, neither fighter are likely to score a quick finish.
Cerrone might have the edge in the striking department, while Lauzon probably holds an advantage when it comes to pure grappling. That said, both are competent enough in every area to avoid getting dominated or finished.
Here are the full odds from theScore Bet for UFC 274 on May 7:
Main card
- Charles Oliveira (-145) vs. Justin Gaethje (+115)
- Rose Namajunas (-220) vs. Carla Esparza (+175)
- Michael Chandler (-365) vs. Tony Ferguson (+285)
- Ovince Saint Preux (-265) vs. Mauricio Rua (+215)
- Donald Cerrone (-190) vs. Joe Lauzon (+160)
Preliminary card
- Khaos Williams (-125) vs. Randy Brown (-105)
- Norma Dumont (-230) vs. Macy Chiasson (+185)
- Brandon Royval (-250) vs. Matt Schnell (+200)
- Francisco Trinaldo (-115) vs. Danny Roberts (-115)
- Blagoy Ivanov (-160) vs. Marcos Rogerio de Lima (+130)
- Andre Fialho (-425) vs. Cameron VanCamp (+325)
Early prelims
- Tracy Cortez (-145) vs. Melissa Gatto (+115)
- Kleidison Rodrigues (-365) vs. CJ Vergara (+285)
- Loopy Godinez (-185) vs. Ariane Carnelossi (+155)
- Fernie Garcia (-135) vs. Journey Newson (+105)