UFC 252: We are back with recommended bets for this weekend’s UFC action, including a pick for the highly anticipated conclusion of a Heavyweight Championship Trilogy.
It’s been just over a month since the last UFC PPV event and even though fans have had to wait a while, UFC 252 should more than make up for the time apart. A couple of big names take to the octagon before the biggest fight in UFC Heavyweight history.
Miocic v Cormier 3
Two UFC legends, Stipe Miocic and Daniel Cormier, will meet for the third and final time this weekend to end a rivalry that stretches back to July 2018, when they first locked horns. In their first bout, the then Light Heavyweight Champion Cormier stepped up in weight and knocked out Miocic in the opening round with devastating right hand, solidifying his legacy as a ‘Champ-Champ’.
Miocic sought revenge, and although a frustrating year had passed, he succeeded by reclaiming his belt with a fourth round KO. That result looked rather unlikely after Cormier had dominated most exchanges in the opening three rounds, but his cardio let him down.
This weekend the score will be settled, and unsurprisingly, choosing a winner in this grudge match is a difficult task. They say ‘styles make fights’ and that certainly is the case here. Miocic (2.0) is a boxer at heart and a knockout merchant, whilst Cormier (1.83) is an Olympic wrestler who is a master on the ground.
Miocic holds the record in the UFC for the Most Consecutive Title Defenses at Heavyweight, in comparison to Cormier who has only ever fought against Miocic at 265lbs in the UFC. Cormier is also four years older and its widely anticipated that this will be his final fight, so the question is will he be motivated one last time?
I think yes, he may have taken his eye off the prize in their previous meeting due to commitments outside of the octagon, but he will be determined to leave the UFC a champion. What’s more, crucially, the octagon at The Apex where the fighters will clash is smaller in size, playing right into the hands of a wrestler looking to take the fight to the ground.
Back Daniel Cormier to win via KO/TKO/Submission
Sean O’Malley v Marlon Vera
Rarely can the hype around a fighter be compared to that of the rise of Conor McGregor, but “Suga” Sean O’Malley is on a path to match, if not exceed that of the Irishman. “The Suga Show” specialises in viral knockouts, and will be on the hunt to add another to his growing collection when he faces Marlon Vera in the co-main event of UFC252.
In our UFC 250 Preview, we backed O’Malley to win via KO and he did not disappoint…
https://twitter.com/btsportufc/status/1292889483675865089
Can Marlon Vera stop the hype train? All will be revealed this weekend, but what we do know is he will be the toughest test O’Malley has faced to date. The Ecuadorian has never been finished and has racked up nine UFC wins on his 15-6-1 record, including three straight bantamweight victories in 2019. He lost his last outing back in May but that was at featherweight, so you can discount it ahead of facing O’Malley.
“Suga” holds a flawless 12-0 record, with four UFC wins, and is looking to complete a hat-trick of first round KO wins before setting his sights at those in the upper echelons of the division. Vera will be tough to beat but O’Malley will get the job done. The hype is real.
Back Sean O’Malley to win via KO/TKO
Junior Dos Santos v Jairzinho Rozenstruik
Before the main events get underway, fans will be treated to an intriguing heavyweight matchup between Junior Dos Santos and Jairzinho Rozenstruik. Both of these top-level strikers come into this contest with something to prove.
JDS needs to win to avoid a trio of defeats on the bounce, which could see his glittering career fizzle out as he nudges towards his late thirties. His legendary status has been cemented since 2011 when he reigned supreme in the heavyweight division, but it’s that longevity (21-7) which may prove his downfall this weekend.
Rozenstruik on the other hand is on a mission to show that he is still a title contender despite his most recent defeat to Francis Ngannou. What’s more, Rozenstruik’s #6 ranking sees him one place below his upcoming opponent, providing extra motivation for the Suriname native.
That defeat is Rozenstruik’s only blemish on his 10-1 record, which features nine wins by knockout. Age is also on his side, and I expect a fast and explosive start from Rozenstruik that will see him get the win he craves.
Back Jairzinho Rozenstruik – Round One – KO/TKO
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