With the now former UFC Light Heavyweight champion, Jiri Prochazka vacating the title as a result of an injury, Jan Blachowicz and Magomed Ankalaev will go toe to toe for UFC gold in the UFC 282 main event out of the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. In the co-main fan favourite Paddy Pimblett meets his toughest test to date in Jared Gordon and Bryce Mitchell faces Ilia Topuria, in a fight which will propel the victor into a top contender fight. We take a look at my three best bets on this weekend’s card below.
UFC 282 Preview & Betting Tips
Jan Blachowicz vs. Magomed Ankalaev
Just two years ago, Jan Blachowicz secured the title by viciously knocking out Dominick Reyes. He then defended it against Israel Adesanya before falling to Glover Teixeira. Since losing the title he finished rising contender Aleksandar Rakic by knockout. His opponent Magomed Ankalaev is on a nine-fight winning streak, with his sole loss coming to Paul Craig by triangle choke in the final stages of a fight he was clearly winning. I personally believe Ankalaev will win this fight as Blachowicz’ wrestling isn’t up to scratch as shown when he was taken down by Rakic in his last fight. However, I can’t get Ankalaev as short as bookies have him. What I do foresee is a drawn-out fight with both men respecting each other’s strengths. Therefore, I am backing the over in this fight. I do, however, anticipate the Russian to secure a late stoppage.
Over 2.5 rounds
$1.80 (2.5 Units)
Paddy Pimblett vs Jared Gordon
Paddy Pimblett is due to come crashing down to earth soon but this fight is smart matchmaking by the UFC. Jared Gordon is basically just a scrappier and less naturally skilled Paddy the Baddy. I don’t believe he will be able to knock the Englishman and that is in my opinion his route to success. Paddy is more athletic and more diverse grappler who should prove too good for Gordon in what I expect to be an entertaining fight.
Paddy Pimblett to win
$1.40 (3 Units)
T.J. Brown vs. Erik Silva
I really like the chances of Erik Silva to get the win here in what should the bookies have as a coinflip fight. Simply put while Silva has a string of quick finishes which makes it hard to judge exactly where he is at, what he has shown so far is absolute raw untapped skill. I also don’t think it will matter here how that skill carries into the second and third round as most likely he comes out aggressive, wrestles Brown to the mat and unleashes on him for a nasty stoppage. Brown just doesn’t have the tools on the feet or the mat to present enough of a threat to make Silva question his aggression.
Erik Silva to win
$1.90 (2 Units)
