UFC Fight Night features many exciting fights, including Jake Collier vs Chase Sherman in the heavyweight division.
Building momentum for Collier and Sherman hasn’t been easy, but the winner will progress up the heavyweight rankings on Saturday at UFC Apex in Las Vegas.
The sportsbook has framed a close market, with Collier edging out favoritism at -130.
‘The Prototype’ Sticking to Plan
Not everything in Collier’s career has gone to script. He was banned after testing positive for an illegal drug, which he claimed was an over-the-counter pre-workout supplement.
The ban caused him to miss serious time in the Octagon, which spanned from 2017 to 2020. He is 1-2 since the ban, but he’s just getting back into this work and should pose a threat to Sherman.
“I look at myself as one of the cleanest fighters there are and I failed a drug test for something that was an over-the-counter pre-workout,” Collier told UFC.com. It kind of sucked at first, but it’s kind of like, ‘There’s nothing you can do besides train and get better; focus on the future.’
“So that’s all I’ve been doing is trying to get better, trying to evolve, and I think this time off has helped me grow as a fighter.”
He has a chance to get his career back on track after losing to Carlos Felipe at UFC 263. Collier landed 130 significant strikes compared to 94 from Felipe, but the judges awarded Felipe the victory by unanimous decision.
Collier could vent his frustration against Sherman. He has the slight reach advantage and betting online markets favor him to get the job done.
Sherman: Not Yet a Tank
It’s hard not to like Sherman. The former bare-knuckle boxer gives his everything when stepping into the Octagon, but he needs to turn his form around.
The 32-year-old from Mississippi lost two fights in 2021 to Andrei Arlovski and Parker Porter. The losses came via decision, so he wasn’t able to land his big right hand to end the fight.
He showed that power when knocking out Ike Villanueva in the second round in 2020, so anything close to that form could see him scoring a KO victory.
However, the unfortunate truth about Sherman is that he’s only 3-7 in the UFC, which isn’t an imposing record.
Bettors have had a hard time trusting Sherman, who might have the name of a tank, but he’s not steamrolling the opposition like most thought he would.
UFC odds have Sherman at even money to win. It’s a short price considering his two-fight losing streak, but his power is being respected.
Collier for the Win
It’s a tough matchup to predict because they’re hard-hitting heavyweights, but Collier has looked more impressive.
We thought he was unlucky not to win at UFC 263 and he can avenge the decision with a win against Sherman.
Our UFC best bets have Collier winning before the final hooter goes off, which could result in a healthy payday. Under 2½ rounds pays +145, so parlay that into Collier winning for a handsome return.
