Our mouths are watering for UFC 277: Pena vs Nunes, which also features four excellent main card fights.
The co-main event between Brandon Moreno and Kai Kara-France could live up to the hype. UFC odds are also available for Derrick Lewis vs Sergei Pavlovich, Alexandre Pantoja vs Alex Perez and Magomed Ankalaev vs Anthony Smith.
It should be another intriguing edition of the pay-per-view card and the winner of the co-main gets a shot at the flyweight title.
Moreno vs Kai Kara-France
Moreno is the former UFC flyweight champion and he wants another shot at the title. However, it’s not going to be easy against New Zealand’s Kai Kara-France.
Kara-France is 24-9 after scoring a tough decision win over Askar Askarov, which was a quality win and it holds him in good stead against Moreno.
The Kiwi has knocked out Cody Garbrandt and Rogerio Bontorin, so the 29-year-old has plenty of power in his hands and the Kiwi fighters are dominating in the UFC.
He has been putting in the work to ensure he gives himself every chance to win.
“So just that mentality of the pursuit of being the best and just asking more of yourself, you have 24 hours in the day, what are you doing to maximize that and what are you doing to separate yourself from the rest? And that’s what I’ve done this camp,” Kara-France told Yahoo.
“I’ve just ticked all the boxes, made no excuses, and just done everything I can.”
UFC betting markets have Kara-France as the +170 underdog, which is understandable against a former champion. However, Moreno could struggle following his loss to champion Deiveson Figueiredo.
We don’t like the -215 odds for Moreno, so take the Kiwi underdog to cause a stir at UFC 277.
- Pick: Kai Kara-France +170
Lewis vs Pavlovich
Who doesn’t love a bit of Derrick Lewis? He’s one of the more popular UFC fighters but he’s the underdog to beat Pavlovich.
It hasn’t been smooth sailing for Lewis recently following a knockout loss to Tai Tuivasa. He was also knocked out by Ciryl Gane before knocking out Chris Daukaus in December.
His recent knockout losses are a concern, especially for a 37-year-old, and that’s where Sergei Pavlovich could take over.
The Russian is 15-1 with a reach advantage. He won his UFC debut against Shamil Abdurakhimov with a first-round knockout and it was an impressive introduction to the company.
There is still some unknown with Pavlovich but we’re prepared to take the betting online odds available. He’s the even-money favorite and he’s worth including in UFC 277 selections.
- Pick: Sergei Pavlovich (-140)
Pantoja vs Perez
Alexandre Pantoja isn’t a household name but he’s quietly going about his business in fine style.
The 32-year-old Brazilian scored a submission victory over Brandon Royval last year and that followed a stylish decision win over the dangerous Manel Kape.
He faces Alex Perez, who has had two fights canceled this year and he hasn’t fought since losing to Figueiredo at UFC 255 in 2020.
It has been a long time between drinks for Perez and we don’t think he’ll be up to the mark in his return.
Bookmakers agree with Perez listed as the +150 underdog. We’re taking the -180 with Pantoja, who should go about his business with a solid victory and improve to 25-5.
- Pick: Alexandre Pantoja -180
Ankalaev vs Smith
Magomed Ankalaev is the biggest favorite on the card at -600, and with good reason.
The 17-1 fighter has struggled to find opponents willing to take him on, but Anthony “Lionheart” Smith is always up for the challenge.
Ankalaev has fought some tough fighters since arriving in the UFC, but he doesn’t have a signature win next to his name, which is no fault of his own.
Beating Smith wouldn’t be that signature win, but Smith is 36-16 and has more experience than most in the UFC.
The sportsbook has Smith at +400, which would have been enticing had he not been matched up against Ankalaev.
It’s a short price to take but we can’t bet against the favorite in this situation.
