By: Dane McGuire
UFC 251 Odds: Usman vs. Masvidal Betting Prediction
Absence makes the heart grow fonder–that saying definitely applies to the UFC action going down on July 11 from Fight Island in Abu Dhabi. The UFC 251 card is stacked with three title fights. Check out our main event breakdown below!
Main Event: C) Kamaru Usman vs. Jorge Masvidal (Welterweight Championship)
In our hearts, we want to pick Jorge Masvidal and some of us will still be rooting for him come fight night, but it just feels like this was too short notice of a fight for Masvidal. Still, this fight could depend on his ability to keep things upright and mute the wrestling of Usman.
Usman has probably watched Masvidal’s five-second knee KO of fellow wrestler Ben Askren countless times, just like the rest of the combat sports world.
However, as Bleacher Report’s Scott Harris said, “Like many “superfights” this one has “anticlimactic” written all over it. Usman has the wrestling to bring down a tractor-trailer. Masvidal has sharp boxing and amazing clinch skills, but he’s giving up size and pure power to one of the best in the world today.”
According to UFC Stats, Usman leads almost every category except striking defense and takedown accuracy. Masvidal also leads in submission attempts per 15 minutes but the difference is just 0.2 Usman’s takedown defense is also 100 percent so he shouldn’t get out-wrestled and is 5-0 in his last five bouts.
Usman is also a switch-stance fighter, so that may be a factor on the feet. This fight could just be a question of if “Marty” takes down Masvidal and smothers him or uses ground and pound over the course of 25 minutes or so.
Why Masvidal Will Falter Against Usman: UFC 251 Betting Prediction
As Combat Press noted, “Masvidal will not fare well. He will hold the striking advantage, but not by much. Usman has steadily been improving his striking game, which was apparent in his last title defense against Colby Covington.
Usman is a much more complete mixed martial artist who boasts some of the most exhausting pressure and relentless pace, plus a superb ground game that has been almost impossible to stop in the UFC. The champ enters this fight 11-0 in the UFC and has looked better in every single one of his performances.”
Usman hasn’t won a fight by finish since 2017 and Masvidal’s average fight time is roughly 3-4 minutes shorter than the champion. Obviously not all of those fights are wins, but the longer the fight goes, the risk could still increase the risk for “The Nigerian Nightmare but we have to go with our heads and not hearts.
Prediction: C) Kamaru Usman retains via decision
