The UFC has now been back for a month and this will be the second pay-per-view card since the UFC’s return. This card doesn’t have quite the showstopper of a main event, but Nunes vs Spencer is an interesting fight involving the GOAT female fighter, and there are also two very important bantamweight fights with Garbrandt vs Assuncao and Sterling vs Sandhagen.
I have picks for four main card fights below with the odds from BetOnline.ag.
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Amanda Nunes vs Felicia Spencer
Amanda Nunes is the best female mixed martial artist of all-time and she should be a class above Felicia Spencer in this fight. Nunes is easily the better fighter on the feet, and I would even argue she’s the better fighter on the mat, even though the narrative is that Spencer has a path to victory through wrestling and grappling.
I personally don’t see any paths to victory for Spencer, so I like Nunes to keep her belt.
Play: Nunes -625
Cody Garbrandt vs Raphael Assuncao
I think Cody Garbrandt is overrated and he was exposed in his last three fights. Garbrandt beat several nobodies to earn his title shot and although he impressed against Cruz he really never engaged in that fight. He looked good avoiding Cruz’s attacks and dancing, but it was really only the fourth round where Garbrandt landed much of his own damage.
Garbrandt is going to have to push the action against Assunaco who is a very patient fighter. I think Cody could once again get frustrated and overly aggressive. I think Assuncao could win a close decision in this fight or possibly even get an uncharacteristic knockout if Garbrandt overextends himself.
Play: Assuncao +120
Aljamain Sterling vs Cory Sandhagen
The winner of this fight could be in line for a title shot. This is a very evenly matched fight, but I’m siding with Cory Sandhagen. I just think he’s the more athletic and crafty fighter on the feet. I think he will be able to avoid takedowns, while edging out a striking decision utilizing footwork and angles.
Play: Sandhagen -102
Anthony Rocco Martin vs Neil Magny
I’m not high on Neil Magny. Yes, he looked good against Li Jingliang in his last fight, but I don’t think that grinding takedown, top control damage style will work against Rocco Martin who is very crafty on the ground.
I think Rocco Martin will have the edge on the feet and if the fight goes to the mat, which it likely will because I expect Magny to land a couple takedowns, I think Rocco Martin has the skills to threaten submissions and scramble back to the feet without taking much damage.
This could be a very impressive showing for Rocco Martin who I think has improved a lot and could be a threat moving up the welterweight rankings.
Play: Rocco Martin +121
In the last fight I like Sean O’Malley to easily defeat Eddie Wineland, but at odds of -440 I won’t be pulling the trigger on that bet myself.