Let’s take a quick look at the UFC 241 current odds for the main event:
It’s been more than a year and 15 Ultimate Fighting Challenge events since Daniel Cormier stunned the fighting world and knocked out heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic in the first round.
Now, it’s a rematch in UFC 241: Cormier vs. Miocic 2. Will the new champ retain his title or will the former king return to his throne?
“It was going good, and he just won the lottery,” Miocic said of the UFC 226 fight in July 2018.
Miocic was in control of the championship before Cormier faked an uppercut, came over the top with a right-handed blow and floored the defending champ. With Miocic on the canvas, Cormier landed multiple shots before the referee called the contest.
“I have a chance to get my belt back, and I want that belt,” added Miocic, whose last victory was in UFC 220 in January 2018.
The main event is just one of 13 fights on the UFC 241 card, which will be held on Saturday, August 17 at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California. Cormier (-145) is the king in UFC 241 Odds, while Miocic (+115) is better than even money to take back his crown (UFC Odds provided by Bovada).
The four early preliminary fights get underway at 6:15 p.m. ET and can be viewed on ESPN+. The four prelim fights are scheduled for 8 p.m. on ESPN, while the main card of five fights is a pay-per-view event and starts at 10 p.m.
Nate Diaz (-115) steps back into the Octagon for the first time since August 2016 in one of the other four fights on the main card. He collides with Anthony Pettis (-115), who made his UFC welterweight debut in March a winning one. The money line in UFC Vegas Odds is dead even on this fight.
Paulo Costa (+150) puts his perfect record on the line in a middleweight bout against Yoel Romero (-185). The “Soldier of God” has a UFC record of 9-2 with his only losses coming against current champ Robert Whittaker.
Ian Heinisch (-200) looks to extend his five-fight winning streak in a middleweight bout against Derek Brunson (+160). Heinisch is one of the top UFC Picks with just one defeat in his entire career.
Undefeated UFC fighter Sodiq Yusuff (-380) is the headliner on the preliminary card as the Nigeria native takes on Gabriel Bentiez (+290), who is aiming for his first three-fight winning streak in this featherweight matchup.
The UFC Vegas Odds are fixed when you make your bet, but the odds can change as fight night approaches, especially if a lot of money is wagered on one fighter over the other.
Max Holloway (-400) was a huge favorite when he defended his featherweight title in UFC 240 last month. Now, it’s the heavyweight’s turn. Let’s take a look at the top bouts and make some UFC 241 Picks:
Here’s the fight many have been waiting for with the heavyweight championship on the line. Two gladiators with a lot of history take to the Octagon for a rematch after Cormier dethroned Miocic in UFC 226.
Miocic has a significant eight-inch height advantage, which forces the champ to find his way inside. The 36-year-old Miocic will develop a strategy to take advantage of his size and reach, but can it he make it last the five championship rounds? Oddsmakers say no.
DC may be small in stature but he packs a powerful punch — one that may be the difference again. He was gaining momentum in the two heavyweight’s first fight before he ended it in the opening round. He’s a crafty fighter and a deserving champion.
“I understand that he’s going to be better, but when I think about the fight and the little bit of time we fought before, I just don’t think he’s good enough to beat me,” Cormier said.
Pick — Cormier (-145)
How much rust will Diaz carry into this match? It’s an important question considering the California native hasn’t had a fight in 2 1/2 years. He split two high-profile matches with Conor McGregor before taking some time off. In the past, the younger Diaz has struggled at welterweight, but recent photos on social media show he’s once again ready for prime time.
Pettis, who has lost six of his last 10 fights, has seen it all in the Octagon. The 32-year-old has a 22-8 pro record and is the former lightweight champion.
“We’ve just always had this drama,” Pettis said of his UFC 241 opponent. “Every time we saw each other, something was going to happen.”
Pick — Diaz (-115)
The undefeated Costa (12-0 MMA, 4-0 UFC) is currently ranked No. 13 in the latest middleweight rankings, while two-time UFC title challenger Romero (13-3 MMA, 9-2 UFC) is No. 3.
Romero is a patient fighter with a tight defense. He also has a lot of experience against top UFC contenders, so the confident Costa will have to be at his best to remain unbeaten. The Brazil native, who has won 11 of his 12 professional bouts by knockout, has never faced a talent like Romero, who has won seven of his nine victories in the Octagon by KO.
Pick — Romero (-185)
See below the top sportsbooks where you can wager online and choose the best one for you:
