One thing is for certain for UFC 271: Someone will get the knocked the “bleep” out. Put two hungry (some say underpaid) mixed martial artists in there and let them slug it out until someone goes limp. “Just bleed!” Even better: the online sportsbook has several props to bet so your adrenaline rush can come with a side of cash.
- Date: Saturday, 6 p.m. ET
- Venue: Toyota Center, Houston, TX
- Watch on: UFC Fight Pass, ESPN+, ESPN, Pay-per-view
UFC 271 Props
Wells Cracks The Blood Diamond
The UFC is doing Israel Adesanya’s boy, Mike Matheta, aka “Blood Diamond,” no favors by throwing him in against Jeremiah Wells. The Philadelphian debuted by knocking out Warlley Alves, a fighter who has a submission win over two-time title challenger Colby Covington.
Wells (9-2-1) isn’t just a knockout artist. He’s got a full-blown wrestling and jiu-jitsu game to back him up. So whether it’s smashing Blood Diamond (3-0-0) on their feet or on the mat, he should be able to pull it off. Alternatively, you can bet online on this one to not go to a decision at a whopping -400.
Pick: Wells to Win In Round 1 (+140)
Hernandez Bombs on Moicano
Another fight to keep an eye on in the early prelims is Alexander Hernandez and Renato Moicano. These lightweights have been around the UFC and have fought some big names. It’s curious to see Hernandez (13-4-0) as the underdog here as he hits hard and Moicano (15-4-1) has been chin-checked repeatedly.
Hernandez’s grappling is good enough to keep this fight standing and when that happens, he should land that one bomb to put Moicano to sleep. This one could just be the best UFC bet for the prelims.
Pick: Hernandez To Win By KO, TKO, DQ or Submission (+260)
Cannonier, Brunson to Flatten One Another
Look at the UFC betting odds and you’ll see that the oddsmakers are confident this one won’t need the judges. Why would it? Jared Cannonier and Derek Brunson are bruisers at 185 pounds with dynamite in their fists. Don’t let Brunson’s (23-7-0) recent string of decision victories fool you: This man throws heavy.
Cannonier (14-5-0) is no different as nine of his 14 career victories have come via knockout. He too is fast and explosive and his wrestling is getting better. Brunson may elect to mix in some takedowns, but he won’t keep Cannonier on his back for too long. This one will be contested on its feet and someone’s lights are going out.
Pick: Will The Fight Go The Distance – No (-165)
Lewis Adds Another KO At Tuivasa’s Expense
Another Australasian fighter finds themselves in a tough spot as Tai “Bam Bam” Tuivasa fights Derrick “The Black Beast” Lewis. My oh my, as their nicknames suggest, these big boys are going to swing lunchbox-sized fists at each other until someone loses consciousness. And it could happen early.
These heavyweights have a combined 33 finishes. Lewis (26-8-0) has the UFC record for most knockout wins. Tuivasa (14-3-0) is faster and more agile than Lewis. But the same was said for most of the fighters Lewis knocked out. In the end, Tuivasa is still too hittable and Lewis will put him down within five minutes.
