SMUGGLING DUDS UFC 247 GAMBLING GUIDE

So one thing we know for sure is that when it comes to a UFC card, there is always an upset. So who will it be at UFC 247? Or will we actually have an event where the favourites clean up?

Main Card (BT Sport 2)
Jon Jones (c) vs. Dominick Reyes (Light Heavyweight)
We all know how good Jones is so lets take a closer look at what threat his opponent, 'The Devastator' might bring. At 30 years of age he is slightly younger, he's 6'4'' which means he matches Jones in height, has an impressive record of 12-0, 7 by way of knockout which proves he can throw a punch and has gone 3 rounds on a few occassions which means there is a bit of gas in the tank. Will any of this matter once the cage door closes? Absolutely not. The UFC have a great way or getting us to think Jones' opponents might just have a chance, but ultimately they always crumble and never have an answer for the champions experience and control. Should you even bother putting some money on Reyes? Of course! We are still kicking ourselves we didn't have a flutter on Roxanne Modafferi at 5-1 against Maycee Barber last month! This is MMA, anything can and does happen but the chances for an upset in this main event are very very slim.
WINNER: Jones
METHOD: Decision

Valentina Shevchenko (c) vs. Katlyn Chookagian (Women's Flyweight)
In some ways this is quite similar to the main event. Deep down we all know Chookagian doesn't stand a chance against the champion but there is still a 'What if?' that makes us think she does. The reality is, is that Chookagian hasn't shown us anything that makes us think she has what it takes to defeat the Soviet superstar. It is doubtful Shevchenko will get the stoppage as she may opt for a series of take downs rather than rely on her Thai Boxing. Chookagian will do her best to create some distance but this won't be a pleasant night at the office for her.
WINNER: Shevchenko
METHOD: KO/TKO

Juan Adams vs. Justin Tafa (Heavyweight)
Following success on Dana White's Contender Series, and an impressive UFC debut, Juan Adams has found himself in a bit of a pickle, losing his last two bouts and not looking particularly impressive. Self proclaimed 'Bad Man' Tafa entered the UFC with limited pro experience and on his debut in Oct of last year, it showed. On paper this has all the makings of an absolute brawl. Let’s see who lands the first clean shot.
WINNER: Adams
METHOD: KO/TKO

Mirsad Bektić vs. Dan Ige (Featherweight)
Purely based on the fact Ige has found his rhythm of late and is riding a nice 4 fight win streak we probably would've went with him, but Bektic is arguably his toughest test to date and he's coming off a bad loss, he could bounce back in style here.
WINNER: Bektic
METHOD: Decison

Derrick Lewis vs. Ilir Latifi (Heavyweight)
Not so long ago we would've said Lewis by KO without hesitation but a couple of bad losses followed by a lackluster victory in his last outing we are not so sure. Latifi, when he chooses to utilise it, is actually a decent wrestler. If he goes for broke and put Lewis on his back he could stand a chance. This however, will be Latifi's first crack at heavyweight and it'll be interesting to see how he copes against 'The Black Beast' who enters this next fight tied at 10 for the most knockouts in UFC heavyweight history (Lewis currently shares that record with Cain Velasquez and Junior Dos Santos).
WINNER: Lewis
METHOD: KO/TKO

Preliminary Card (BT Sport 2)
Trevin Giles vs. Antonio Arroyo (Middleweight)
If Giles loses here its inevitable he's getting cut. He must win and has to do it convincingly. Another success story from Dana White's Contender Series, Arroyo is keen to solidify his status on the UFC roster, and needs to impress his employers here too. Farewell Giles.
WINNER: Arroyo
METHOD: Decision

Alex Morono vs. Kalinn Williams (Welterweight)
Williams makes his debut after impressing on the domestic scene. As is always the case, he'll be made to see this is a whole new ball game against seasoned UFC veteran Morono.
WINNER: Morono
METHOD: Decision

Lauren Murphy vs. Andrea Lee (Women's Flyweight)
You could say this is a tough one to call as it is inevitable its going the distant. We'll be surprised if this one goes to the ground at all so its a case of who impresses the judges the most standing up. Murphy did well in her last performance but Lee should keep her at bay for the full duration.
WINNER: Lee
METHOD: Decision

Early Preliminary Card (UFC Fight Pass)
Miles Johns vs. Mario Bautista (Bantamweight)
Johns to scrape a victory and go 11-0 in his pro MMA career. Perhaps leave this one off your accumulator.
WINNER: Johns
METHOD: Decision

Journey Newson vs. Domingo Pilarte (Bantamweight)
Both failed in their UFC debut but Newson should get back on track here. Possibly by KO.
WINNER: Newson
METHOD: KO/TKO

Andre Ewell vs. Jonathan Martinez (Bantamweight)
For some reason we think this will be one of those prelim bouts that has the potential to be amazing but never sees the light of day. We predict 'Dragon' to take out 'The Highlight Reel'
WINNER: Martinez
METHOD: KO/TKO