In just a little less than two weeks, MMA fans, as UFC 274 is on the May horizon. With the event on May 7th, sports bettors cannot wait to see the fight between Rose Namajunas and Carla Esparza. Furthermore, the main is Charles Oliveira (our top pick) facing Justin Gaethje. In this article, we have the top picks for UFC 274, which shapes up to be a high-impact night. The action takes place from the Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona.
The main event features Charles Oliveira facing off against Justin Gaethe next Saturday night. The Brazilian MMA artist is the Lightweight Champion. He comes in with a 32-8-1 record, nine knockouts, and 20 submissions. Oliveira comes in fifth among all fighters in their pound-for-pound rankings. His last fight saw him defend his championship after Dustin Poirier. He got knocked down, got back up, and made Poirier submit in Round Three.
As for Justin Goethe, the American is getting his second chance at the belt. His record is 23-3-0 in his career. On paper, these two are not on the same side of the spectrum. The problem for Gaethje is that he has not fared quite as well as Oliveira has against mutual opponents. That being said, Gaethje is the interim Lightweight Champion. Now, the odds are gathered from prime UFC Vegas betting sites below:
| UFC 274 Odds -- Main Matches |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charles Oliveira | -165 | -165 | -170 |
| Justin Gaethje | +140 | +135 | +140 |
| Rose Namajunas | -175 | -180 | -190 |
| Carla Esparza | +145 | +150 | +155 |
| Michael Chandler | -400 | -400 | -400 |
| Tony Ferguson | +300 | +300 | +295 |
Also, he enters this meeting with a chance to avenge the showing against Khabib Nurmagomedov. Gaethje, at 33 years old, has taken his fair share of shots. Think about it; he may only have 26 bouts at this level. However, there was the two years of military service and many Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu fights. Keep in mind, 19 of his 23 wins come by knockout. The American has quite a wrestling pedigree but his significant strikes are elite.
Now, Gaetheje comes in as an underdog for the UFC Vegas Online Betting odds, while Oliveira is listed as a -160 to -180 favorite. The money may run a little bit toward Oliveira as we get closer to next Saturday. However, expect nothing too drastic as far as betting swings.
There is no doubt that Charles Oliveira would like an easier fight in this title defense against Justin Gaethje. For his part, the Brazilian is 32-years-old himself. He knows that the Lightweight division is what it is. All the Brazilian can do now is fight who is in front of him. For what it is worth, Gaethje is ranked #1 for all lightweights. Oliveira knows his opponent is dangerous whether upright or on the mat.
Oliveira is one of those cardiac fighters to watch. It looks like he is out of it one minute and then the Brazilian delivers in the clutch. He has done it in his last few fights, highlighted in the Chandler and Poirier fights. His resolve is often on another level – reminiscent on the best champions in the UFC. It is amazing to think he has a 23-3 record heading into UFC 274.
Consequently, Oliveira knows he will be in a war with Gaethje next Saturday night. Furthermore the UFC 274 top picks favorite, the Brazilian may be worth near even-money for a late submission win as well. Gaethje is a bit susceptible to high-volume punchers but Oliveira is an all-timer when it comes to finishes in UFC (18 in all). He possesses an array of moves that the American maybe has not seen.
So, Oliveira has odds going as short as -200 going into May 7th, take the Brazilian to defend his crown once again in dramatic fashion. However, BetUS offers good value here at -165. Take advantage of it!
In maybe the best matchup of next Saturday night, Rose Namajunas will get her revenge in a rematch from a fight nearly 7 1/2 years ago. The American goes up against Carla Esparza next Saturday night in Phoenix. After getting revenge against Jessica Andrade and fighting off Zhang Weili twice, she aims for Esparza next. Currently, Namajunas is the #3 pound-for-pound fighter in the Women’s UFC rankings.
Surprisingly, most are perplexed that Esparza is as much of an underdog as she is. That is not her fault but she has kept in excellent shape. If it was not for Esparza’s age (34) maybe, she would almost be a favorite here. The American’s ring experience and ability is on the same level as Namajunas at the least. That has to be considered when looking at this fight. These two could beat each other up and it could end in an instant.
This makes UFC 274 even more exhilarating for bettors and fans to tune in. Everyone knows that both fighters are very aggressive with power shots that can come from any and all angles. However, Namajunas is certifiably resolute in the fact that she has wanted this bout for years. Now, she has it!
Jabbing around with Vegas pundits, this tilt leans toward Namajunas with -175 to -200 odds. Esparza is a game underdog at around +150 to +160. Again, the feeling is Esparza will test the champion. Alas, we are siding again with Namajunas via a surprise knockout. Also, it’s worth checking out some fine NHL Vegas odds and bets, as the playoffs approach.
Last we examine an easier fight between Michael Chandler and Tony Ferguson. Chandler is a heavy favorite next Saturday over Ferguson, who has lost his last three fights as Father Time is beginning to defeat the 38-year old.
Expect Chandler, who is not far behind at 35, to bounce back here. Take the younger American fighter even with the inflated odds in his favor.
