Fight Island is finally a reality as the Ultimate Fighting Championship gets ready for its much awaited event UFC 251: Usman vs Masvidal. UFC 251 will take place on Yas Island off the coast of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The main card is scheduled to start at 10 PM ET on July 11, 2020. Fight fans are salivating over this main event with “Gamebred” stepping into the title fight on six days’ notice to take on the “Nigerian Nightmare”. The odds are favoring Usman but Masvidal could be the one fighter capable of pulling off such a dramatic upset. Find out how to bet in our Kamaru Usman vs Jorge Masvidal Betting Predictions for UFC 251.
It wouldn’t be the UFC if it there were no late last-minute dramas as Jorge Masvidal steps in for Gilbert Burns who tested for positive for COVID-19 as part of the UFC’s strict medical protocols. It is widely understood that Masvidal was the first-choice of the UFC to headline Fight Island before contract talks with Masvidal broke down and a fight with Burns was then booked. Masvidal accepted the fight with 6 days’ notice which is predictably causing the odds to swing against him among most operators. It is understandable to have Usman as the favorite but with operators like Fanduel having Usman at odds like -300, I don’t feel that strongly about a bet on Usman winning. Other online bookmakers such as Sugarhouse and 888sport have Usman at a more modest -265 and -263 respectively which are more enticing. Explore our site to find more about legal sports betting in NJ. There’s also plenty of value in a Masvidal bet especially if combined with other bets. A $100 parlay bet on 888sport for Masvidal and the underdog of the Alexander Volkanovsi vs Max Halloway co-main event (Holloway +185) will see returns of $883.50. You can limit your losses if Masvidal loses by placing a single bet on an Usman victory. Another safe bet that is worth looking into is for the fight not go the distance. Find out more below in my prediction to find out why.
Usman is undoubtedly a worthy champion having gone unbeaten in his entire UFC career but the Welterweight champion was preparing for a totally different fight before Burns pulled out. This is a significant development, just think Tony Ferguson vs Justin Gaethje and how that fight played out. Usman could be similarly unprepared for the type of fight Masvidal will bring. Burns was a more of a grappler than a striker and with Masvidal you are getting an elite striker who his stand-up as his main weapon. Usman also had a 5-inch reach advantage over Burns, something he wont enjoy against Masvidal who he only has an inch advantage over. Still, the short notice does present some very real obstacles for Masvidal. His last fight came against Nate Diaz in November 2019, and despite claiming to be constantly training, it’s pretty hard to imagine him having the same peak cardio that a regular fight camp can give. He also had to travel from the USA to the United Arab Emirates, which is not ideal given its already fight week. That’s part of the reason why I don’t think this fight will go the distance. In my opinion, For Masvidal to win he needs to win in the earlier rounds as there’s a big chance he will start fading in the championship rounds. I see Usman taking advantage and winning by TKO in the championship rounds if the fight gets there. Either way, this fight should not go to the scorecards.
