Gutierrez Favored to Beat 41-Year-Old
Chris Gutierrez has been best-backed at -225 to beat 41-year-old Frankie Edgar, who is retiring from the sport win or lose.
UFC odds have Edgar at +180 to pull off the upset but his recent form suggests he’ll need to turn back the clock to get his hand raised on Saturday at UFC 281.
Edgar Looking to Go Out With a Bang
The New Jersey native has lost his last two fights and he needs to call on his reserves to win his final fight with the UFC.
He fought twice in 2021 and lost to Cory Sandhagen and Marlon Vera. They weren’t easy fights to win, but he was knocked out on both occasions, which doesn’t make for good reading.
He lasted only 28 seconds against Sandhagen before being worn down in the third round by Vera, who ended it with just over a minute to go.
Las Vegas lines have taken this into account and installed him as the underdog. However, Edgar has wins over the likes of Pedro Munhoz and Cub Swanson. The overriding factor against him is that he owns only two wins in the last four years.
“I’m about to close out my fight career at UFC 281, and I’m doing it practically in my backyard over at Madison Square Garden in New York,” Edgar wrote for ESPN.
“There have been a lot of big moments over the years, lots of ups and downs — sometimes both ups and downs in the very same fight. And I’m looking forward to making more memories and contributions in the next chapter of my life”.
Gutierrez Facing Toughest Test
The 31-year-old Gutierrez hasn’t faced anyone close to the level of a prime Edgar, so he’s not a lock to win the fight at -225 with the sportsbook.
The Boston native is riding a six-fight win streak, which followed a loss in his UFC debut to Raoni Barcelos. He has come of age since the loss and scored victories over the likes of Ryan MacDonald, Vince Morales, and Danaa Batgerel.
His most recent win against Batgerel came via a second-round knockout, so he has power in his hands and that’s dangerous for Edgar, who hasn’t been able to avoid getting knocked out recently.
If Gutierrez can pressure the older fighter from the outset, he should tire Edgar and look to land a devastating blow late in the fight.
He’s a rising fighter in the bantamweight rankings, and although he has yet to be tested against a household name like Edgar, he’s trending in the right direction.
Edgar vs Gutierrez Head-to-Head
It’s the first meeting between Edgar and Gutierrez.
Edgar vs Gutierrez Fight Information
- Fight: Edgar (23-10-1) vs Gutierrez (18-3-2)
- Location: Madison Square Garden, New York City
- Day/Time: Saturday, Nov. 12, 8 p.m. ET
- Edgar vs Gutierrez Live Stream: UFC Fight Pass
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Edgar vs Gutierrez Betting Lines
Edgar vs Gutierrez Picks & Prediction
We would love to see Edgar win his final fight but it’s not a smart wager. We’re going with Gutierrez to continue his rise up the bantamweight rankings.
The -225 is worth including in UFC parlays and we wouldn’t overlook the chances of Gutierrez winning by knockout in the second round.
Chris Gutierrez is listed at -225 in our Vegas lines. This means that if you wager $100 on Gutierrez, you have a chance to win $44. Frankie Edgar is +180, offering a chance to win $180 on a $100 wager.
The implied probability attached to the betting lines gives Gutierrez a 69.23% chance to win, with Edgar at 35.71%.
