SMUGGLING DUDS UFC 288 GAMBLING GUIDE

The UFC returns to New Jersey with an impressive card featuring the return of Henry Cejudo!

Main Card (BT Sport)

Aljamain Sterling (C) vs. Henry Cejudo (Bantamweight)

The former champion called time on his combat sports career in May 2020, choosing to focus on family, media opportunities and coaching of elite athletes. During this time ‘Funk Master’ has continued to shine in the Bantamweight division, securing the belt along the way. Olympic medal winner Cejudo will come in as the underdog here but honestly, we won’t be surprised one bit if Cejudo defies the odds and puts him away in the first round. Returning to the Octagon and taking back the belt at 34 years of age is a big ask, but whilst he might be total cringe, ‘Triple C’ is the real deal.

WINNER: Cejudo

METHOD: KO/TKO

 

Belal Muhammad vs. Gilbert Burns (Welterweight)

A very intriguing match-up between two exceptional grapplers. Submission specialist Gilbert Burns only competed a couple of weeks ago (defeating Jorge Masvidal by decision) – will this work in his favour or not? Do not count Muhammad out because this one will go to the judges, but we’ll say ‘Durinho’ to get his hands raised.

WINNER: Burns

METHOD: Decision

 

Jessica Andrade vs. Yan Xionan (Women’s Strawweight)

This one should be an easy night at the office for the former champ. There is nothing in Xionan’s previous bouts that tells us she is a threat to Andrade. A clear decision or late knockout for the Brazilian

WINNER: Andrade

METHOD: KO/TKO

 

Movsar Evloev vs. Diego Lopes (Bantamweight)

Originally set to face redneck grappling sensation Bryce Mitchell, back injury means Evloev will now face last minute opponent Diego Lopes, an exciting fighter who once competed on DWCS. Lopes is worth a shout at such short notice, but the likely outcome is another Evleov decision.

WINNER: Evleov

METHOD: Decision

 

Kron Gracie vs. Charles Jourdain (Featherweight)

It has been a few years since Kron Gracie featured on a UFC card. The submission specialist took some time off following a decision loss to Cub Swanson back in 2019. Criticized for striking in his defeat to Swanson, expect Gracie to go back to basics and grind out a submission.

WINNER: Gracie

METHOD: Submission

 

Preliminary Card (BT Sport)

Drew Dober vs. Matt Freyola (Lightweight)

Two athletes with zero fear go head-to-head. What a scrap this is going to be! A real contender for fight of the night.

WINNER: Dober

METHOD: KO/TKO

 

Khaos Williams vs. Rolando Bedoya (Welterweight)

After cleaning up on the local circuit, Rolando Bedoya makes his UFC debut against a very tough fighter in the form of Khaos Williams. Whilst Bedoya comes with an almost perfect record, the experience and Octagon time of Williams will prevail.

WINNER: Williams

METHOD: Decision

 

Marina Rodriguez vs. Virna Jandiroba

Both have similar styles and are at the point in their careers so a very evenly matched bout. Toss a coin, this is going the distance though.

WINNER: Jandiroba

METHOD: Decision

 

Early Preliminary Card (UFC Fight Pass)

Braxton Smith vs. Parker Porter (Heavyweight)

Not a chance Porter wins this one. Smith to not let us down and come out swinging on his UFC debut.

WINNER: Smith

METHOD: KO/TKO

 

Phil Hawes vs. Ikram Aliskeorv (Middleweight)

Another product of DWCS steps under the bright lights. Whilst Hawes is a seasoned UFC veteran, he is not consistent enough for us to pick him against Aliskeorv.

WINNER: Aliskeorv

METHOD: Decision

 

Rafael Estevam vs. Zhalgas Shumagulov (Flyweight)

The DWCS stand out gets the win and puts an end to the Khazakhstan’s UFC career.

WINNER: Estevan

METHOD: KO/TKO

 

Joseph Holmes vs. Claudio Ribeiro (Middleweight)

This one will determine whether Ribeiro can cut it in the UFC as his debut in January did not go well at all. Joseph Holmes is no push over though so we think he might come up short once again.

WINNER: Holmes

METHOD: Submission

 

Daniel Santos vs. Johnny Munoz Jr (Bantamweight)

Santos to open up the card with another impressive knockout following his dominant performance last time out.

WINNER: Santos

METHOD: Ko/TKO

 

UFC 287 WILD CAR BET: Aljamain Sterling to defeat Henry Cejudo via Submission