Skip to content

UFC Fight Night: Overeem vs. Harris odds, best bet

Jeff Bottari / UFC / Getty

UFC Fight Night takes place Saturday at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville. It will feature a pivotal heavyweight bout between Alistair Overeem and Walt Harris.

Here's one top play, as well as full odds for the event.

Alistair Overeem (+125) vs. Walt Harris

Jeff Bottari / UFC / Getty

Harris is the fresher fighter and on an upward trajectory, while Overeem has certainly seen better days. That said, I like "The Demolition Man" in this spot because he's still technically sound, and that'll take him far in this matchup.

Overeem has lost to only top-level competition during the last five years. Though Harris has improved and is riding a four-fight unbeaten streak, he doesn't quite fit that bill.

The fight is unlikely to go the ground, and Overeem - a former UFC title challenger - should be superior in the striking battles. He is still powerful and has some of the best accuracy in the heavyweight division as a former K-1 kickboxing champion, and he'll be able to pick Harris apart from the outside with jabs and kicks.

The biggest concern surrounding the 40-year-old is his chin, as 14 of his 18 career losses are knockouts. But he's altered his style over the past several years, so his defense is a lot stronger. These days, Overeem pressures his opponents less and is more cautious - and unless he's fighting the best of the best like Stipe Miocic or Francis Ngannou, the change has been rather successful.

Barring a big shot from Harris, I like Overeem to outstrike "The Big Ticket" en route to a late finish or decision victory. And at plus money, I think it's worth a bet.

Here are the full odds for UFC Fight Night on May 16:

Main card

Walt Harris (-145) vs. Alistair Overeem (+125)
Claudia Gadelha (-190) vs. Angela Hill (+165)
Edson Barboza (-130) vs. Dan Ige (+110)
Krzysztof Jotko (-155) vs. Eryk Anders (+135)
Song Yadong (-165) vs. Marlon Vera (+145)

Preliminary card

Miguel Baeza (-210) vs. Matt Brown (+175)
Anthony Hernandez (-110) vs. Kevin Holland (-110)
Mike Davis (-210) vs. Giga Chikadze (+175)
Darren Elkins (-130) vs. Nate Landwehr (+110)
Cortney Casey (-165) vs. Mara Romero Borella (+145)
Don'tale Mayes (-115) vs. Rodrigo Nascimento (-105)

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox