The UFC returns to Australian shores this weekend for UFC 284, headlined by local champion Alexander Volkanovski who steps up in weight to face Dagestan’s Islam Makhachev in an attempt to become a double champ. While in the co-main event Yair Rodriguez and Josh Emmett duke it out for the interim title. Aussies Jack Della Maddalena, Justin Tafa and Jack Jenkins all feature on the card.
We take a look at Ben Talintyre's best UFC betting tips below, and if you're looking for a new sportsbook to bet with, why not try Picklebet?
UFC 284 Preview & Betting Tips
Islam Makhachev vs. Alexander Volkanovski
While it might not be getting the publicity it so deserves from a quality standpoint it does not get any better than this fight. The outcome of this encounter most likely boils down to can Islam Makhachev keep Alexander Volkanovski down? The Dagestani will get the Australian to the ground at some point but I am not sure he can keep him there and control him. Volkanovski has the advantage on the feet with his great footwork. He also mixes up his strikes well and his chopping leg kicks will also take its toll on Makhachev’s takedown attempts as the fight wears on if he can land enough of them.
If I was to go with my gut, it tells me Makhachev gets it done by submission, however, the market has completely disrespected the Aussie. While it is a massive step up and test for Volkanovski, in no world should the pound for pound number one who has put away every challenger in his division be $4 to win this fight. Therefore, back Volk to get his hand raised in the country he is oh so proud of at the price on offer.
Alexander Volkanovski to win
$4 (2 Units)
Jimmy Crute vs. Alonzo Menifield
On paper this is a great fight for Jimmy Crute but I don’t like where he is at in his career, coming in off a more than a year layoff and a failure to grind out wins. Alonzo Menifield has always had defensive holes in his game and a vulnerability to be taken down, which is why this match up plays into Crute’s hands. However, that being said Menifield hits like a truck and Crute is there to be hit. He also comes into this bout riding high off two knockout finishes in his last two fights and as I believe this should be coinflip odds, I am backing Menifield at the value.
Alonzo Menifield to win
$2.80 (2 Units)
Shane Young vs. Blake Bilder
Fascinatingly Shane Young’s UFC debut came against Alexander Volkanovski, to whom he fell to. Since that fight he has gone 2-2 and this weekend will be his first fight in two years. Blake Bilder went 7-0 as an amateur and then proceeded to win and defend the Cage Fury Featherweight title. He then earnt a UFC contract with a first round submission of Alex Morgan. While his undefeated record looks polished, he is in for a rude awakening here in what is a massive step up in opposition. Young packs a punch that Bilder will not be able to handle and Bilder doesn’t have the wrestling chops to get this fight down to the mat on his own terms. I also believe he has shown cardio issues which leads me to believe he will wilt against the high pace Young fights at.
Shane Young to win
$1.72 (4 Units)
