Here are your odds for Saturday’s UFC 261 card along with betting guidelines via the MGM sports book.
Kamaru Usman (-400) vs. Jorge Masvidal (+310)
Usman (18-1) is coming in as a heavy 4:1 favourite in his rematch against Masvidal (35-14). It will be interesting to see what Jorge is able to do with a full training camp under his belt this time around after accepting the fight on short notice the last time the two met.
John Bouchard Pick: Usman via Unanimous Decision
Zhang Weili (-200) vs. Rose Namajunas (+170)
Zhang’s betting line has varied slightly in the days leading up to fight night. In past iterations of her bouts, there are usually some larger bets on the champ just before the main card starts. So if you like her to repeat it’s best to lock your odds in now before the whale money starts flowing.
John Bouchard Pick: Zhang via 4th round TKO
Valentina Shevchenko (-455) vs. Jessica Andrade (+340)
Valentina hasn’t been defeated by a fighter not named Amanda Nunes in what seems like an eternity, and her betting line reflects that. That being said, most of her fights usually have lines in the -700 range so if ever you’re going to get a wager in on her, these might be some of the best odds you’ll see.
John Bouchard Pick: Shevchenko via Unanimous Decision
Uriah Hall (+105) vs. Chris Weidman (-125)
Weidman currently holds the distinction of being a slight favourite in this fight, which is great if you like Hall to emerge victorious. Weidman has been largely inactive the last 3 years so it will be interesting to see which version of the former middleweight champ shows up on Saturday.
John Bouchard Pick: Hall via 3rd round KO
Anthony Smith (+165) vs. Jimmy Crute (-200)
Jimmy “The Brute” Crute comes in as a 2:1 betting favourite in his matchup against Anthony Smith. The younger Crute will be looking to add a “name” to his resume by taking care of the #6 ranked light heavyweight fighter in the division. Smith is just 2 years removed from challenging Jon Jones for the belt, and will be hoping to prove he’s got one last run towards UFC gold still in his system.
John Bouchard Pick: Crute via 2nd round TKO