The world’s biggest MMA promotion hits Newark, New Jersey this weekend for UFC 288, headlined by reigning Bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling and former double champ Henry Cejudo. Also on the massive pay-per-view card Belal Muhammad and Gilbert Burns slug it out for a Welterweight title shot and Bryce Mitchell looks to bounce back against undefeated prospect Movsar Evloev.
We take a look at my best bets on this weekend’s UFC card below, and if you're looking for a new sportsbook to bet with, why not try Picklebet?
UFC 288 Preview & Betting Tips
Aljamain Sterling vs. Henry Cejudo
This is a fascinating clash for the Bantamweight title as Aljamain Sterling looks to defend his belt against a man that never lost it. Henry Cejudo returns after a short-lived retirement to prove he is still the best at 135 pounds. In the last couple of years Sterling has asserted himself as a dominant champ after controversially winning the belt as a result of an illegal knee. He then took care of the Petr Yan in the rematch and demolished former champion TJ Dillashaw, who did come into the clash under an injury cloud.
If this was two years ago I would have picked Cejudo to get his hand raised yet he does come into this fight now at 36-years-old and three years on the shelf. Add to this that he really isn’t a Bantamweight and I have to side with Sterling. Cejudo may win a pure wrestling match with Sterling but he will have to overcome Sterling’s length and durability. Sterling scoots along the fence very well and he will happily let Cejudo be the presser and play matador. In a five round fight I have to side with the champ to add another notch to his belt.
Aljamain Sterling to win
$2 (2 Units)
Belal Muhammad vs. Gilbert Burns
I absolutely love this fight as they are the two top contenders in the division. Belal Muhammad is on a nine-fight unbeaten streak and comes into this fight off a dominant and impressive battering of rising star Sean Brady last time out. Gilbert Burns dominated Jorge Masvidal only four weeks ago and so there is a question mark on where he is at but that fact is somewhat negated by Muhammad stepping in to fight on just a few weeks’ notice after the original co-main between Beneil Dariush and Charles Oliveira was scrapped.
On the feet Burns has the power advantage while Muhammad is a quality grappler in his own right going to the mat with Burns is fraught with danger. While I think if this goes all five Muhammad may outlast the Brazilian I can’t not tip Burns in a match that stylistically favours him. Back Burns to get the win with a sprinkle on him to stop Muhammad.
Gilbert Burns to win
$1.78 (2 Units)
Braxton Smith vs. Parker Porter
This is a great match up for Parker Portor who faces a very raw Braxton Smith. Smith has 6 professional fights which span almost 9 years and has five consecutive first round knockouts, none of which even made it to the halfway point in the opening round. While his big right hand may work against sloppy strikers, Porter has faced a much higher calibre of fighter than his foe. He also has the wrestling to grind the newcomer into oblivion and make him look he’s never taken a jiu jitsu class in his life on the ground. Should be a comfortable watch after the opening exchanges.
Parker Porter to win
$1.65 (4 Units)
