UFC 284, Tips and Previews
Makhachev vs. Volkanovski
February 12th
The main event pits current UFC Lightweight Champion Islam Makhachev against Australian and current Featherweight Champion Alexander Volkanovski.
The Aussie warrior will be up against it as he attempts to become the best pound-for-pound fighter in the UFC. He is currently trading as the $3.79 outsider with Bet Nation. His recent performances are irresistible, however, with a flawless 12-0 record in the UFC and an overall winning streak of 22. This is undoubtedly a step up from his fourth featherweight title defense against Max Holloway in July, but expect the Australian hopeful to push Makhachev the distance.
There’s no denying the market has found Makhachev ahead of this one at $1.24. But it’s for good reason, with the Lightweight Champ claiming the belt just four months ago at UFC 280. The 31yo Russian will understand the importance of this fight regarding his legacy as he looks to make it 12 straight wins in front of a crowd that will almost certainly be heavily favouring his opponent.
Suggested Bet:
Makhachev to win at $1.24
Rodriguez vs. Emmett
February 12th
The second of two title fights on the card, Yair Rodriguez will take on Josh Emmett for the interim featherweight title while Volkanovski sets his eyes on lightweight success. There could be a bit of value in this fight, with Rodriguez favourite at $1.57 while the American is $2.31.
Neither fighter has completely put it together to this stage of their career, with inconsistency plaguing Rodriguez’s quest for greatness. The explosive Mexican has a 15-3 record but hasn’t entirely pieced together consistently positive results since joining the UFC in 2014. His price reflects his incredible talent and ability to dominate on his day; it’s just a matter of showing up with his creativity and elite kicking game in title fights.
For this reason, we’re leaning towards Emmett as a value selection. At $2.31, one could never accuse the former King of the Cage competitor of lacking consistency. Despite being prone to the occasional injury, Emmett boasts an 18-2 record and enters this match on a five-fight winning streak.
Suggested Bet:
Emmett to win at $2.31
Della Maddalena vs. Brown
February 12th
The final fight we’ll preview is hometown hero Jack Della Maddalena against Jamaican-American fighter Randy Brown.
Della Maddalena has been crunched since markets opened and is currently trading at $1.28 and as one of the shortest-priced favourites on the card. The Perth local has cemented his position as a fighter to watch with 13 consecutive wins following two losses at the start of his career. He’s only 26yo and one year into his professional career, but a win against Brown could launch him into the Top 15 on the welterweight ladder.
Standing in his way, however, is the eight-year veteran with a 10-4 record. While Brown hasn’t exactly lit up the Octagon since joining the UFC, he enters this clash riding a four-fight winning streak. Like Makhachev, Brown will have the crowd against him, but his experience will be the key to this one.
