Gambling 254 Predictions

Olson is back again with more predictions and best bets for UFC 254 which features an incredible card of great fighters. Follow along with Olson’s best bets and DFS lineup advice.

• UFC betting sites have released their full slate of odds and props for the UFC 254 preliminary card. Let’s step inside the octagon to examine these odds, identify potential value or upsets, and liver kick these predictions. Here's a look at the #UFC254 card and the very early fight times.
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• Place your legal, online Bellator 254 sports bets in CO, IN, NJ, TN and WV at BetMGM, the King of Sportsbooks. New customer offer. Terms and conditions apply. Macfarlane: Betting odds, predictions and picks. Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 11:30 a.m.

On Saturday, October 24th, the UFC will be back on PPV with an explosive show from the Flash Forum on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Fight Island will be rocking as UFC 254: Nurmagomedov vs. Gaethje is stacked with roughly a dozen action-packed fights.

This PPV event features a highly anticipated lightweight title fight as the undefeated UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov takes on the interim lightweight champion Justin Gaethje.

Also on the main card are four additional Top 12 ranked bouts and plenty of notable names spread throughout a handful of different divisions.

This UFC 254 page will act as your one-stop shop to find all of the latest news, betting information, predictions, and more. It will be consistently updated with the latest information as we get closer to fight night.

If you are looking to bet on UFC 254: Nurmagomedov vs Gaethje then step inside the betting octagon with us and check out our complete UFC 254 betting guide.

Where to Bet on UFC 254 – Best UFC Betting Sites

Just like the UFC is with the sport of MMA, our list of the best UFC 254 betting sites features the cream of the crop in the world of online betting sites.

All of these UFC 254 betting sites are thoroughly examined and put through a rigorous “training camp” of tests to ensure that they are the best of the best.

Each one of these MMA betting sites features a wide range of betting options so that you can truly capitalize on this exciting event.

Don’t be stuck with antiquated sites that limit you to just the standard wagers of moneylines and totals.

Instead, take advantage of the variety of options found at betting sites with the best UFC 254 odds that includes prop bets like method of decision, round betting, and more.

Another great feature with all of these sports betting websites on our list is that they’ve proven to be completely trustworthy. These sites are protected with the latest security and encryption to ensure that your money and personal information are safe.

Furthermore, our list of the best UFC 254 betting sites offers industry-leading bonuses for first-time users, reloads, special event promotions, and more.

Last, but not least, our handpicked list of UFC 254 betting websites offer the best odds for this PPV spectacle. Not only will you find the latest betting lines for UFC 254, but you can also sign up for more than one of these sites in order to take advantage of bonuses and shop around for betting value.

Once you sign up for one of these UFC online sportsbooks, go ahead and take advantage of the rest of our UFC 254 betting guide.

UFC 254 Fight Card

The UFC 254 PPV is loaded with a stacked card from the prelims to the main event. The following is a tentatively scheduled lineup. As always, card is subject to change:

UFC 254 Main Card

• Lightweight: Khabib Nurmagomedov (28-0) vs Justin Gaethje (22-2)
• Middleweight: Robert Whittaker (21-5) vs Jared Cannonier (13-4)
• Heavyweight: Alexander Volkov (31-8) vs Walt Harris (13-8)
• Women’s Flyweight: Lilya Shakirova (8-1-0) vs Lauren Taylor (13-4)
• Light Heavyweight: Magomed Ankalayev (13-1) vs Ion Cutelaba (15-5)

UFC 254 Preliminary Card

• Heavyweight: Stefan Struve (29-12) vs Tai Tuivasa (9-3)
• Light Heavyweight: Da Un Jung (13-2) vs Sam Alvey (33-14)
• Middleweight: Phil Hawes (8-2) vs Jacob Malkoun (3-0)
• Women’s Flyweight: Liana Jojua (8-3) vs Miranda Maverick (7-2)
• Welterweight: Alex Oliveira (22-8-1) vs Shavkat Rakmonov (12-0-0)
• Bantamweight: Casey Kenney (15-2-1) vs Nathaniel Wood (17-4-0)

UFC 254 Betting Odds

• Khabib Nurmagomedov (-335) vs Justin Gaethje (+275)
• Robert Whittaker (-101) vs Jared Cannonier (-119)
• Alexander Volkov (-151) vs Walt Harris (+131)
• Magomed Ankalayev (-270) vs Ion Cutelaba (+230)
• Stefan Struve (-110) vs Tai Tuivasa (-110)
• Da Un Jung (-330) vs Sam Alvey (+255)
• Phil Hawes (-255) vs Jacob Malkoun (+215)
• Liana Jojua (+310) vs Miranda Maverick (-375)
• Casey Kenney (-185) vs Nathaniel Wood (+160)
• Alex Oliveira (-153) vs Shavkat Rakmonov (+133)
• Lilya Shakirova (+210) vs Lauren Taylor (-250)
• Umar Nurmagomedov vs Sergey Morozov – CANCELLED

These betting odds for UFC 254 are courtesy of BetOnline.

UFC 254 Predictions

Here’s a quick look at our UFC 254 predictions:

Khabib Nurmagomedov (28-0) vs Justin Gaethje (22-2)

The undefeated lightweight champ Khabib Nurmagomedov puts his unblemished record and the UFC lightweight title on the line against the ferocious, hard-hitting interim lightweight champ Justin Gaethje.

Nurmagomedov will get the win in this highly contested matchup due to his smothering style, unique takedown attempts, and brutal ground and pound.

Robert Whittaker (21-5) vs Jared Cannonier (13-4)

Former middleweight champ Robert Whittaker will face Jared Cannonier in the UFC 254 co-main event to determine the #1 contender for the UFC middleweight belt currently around the waist of Israel Adesanya.

The #1 ranked Whittaker will get the win in this bout over the #3 ranked Cannonier due to his crisp striking, powerful punches, speed, and experience.

Alexander Volkov (31-8) vs Walt Harris (13-8)

In a battle of Top 8 heavyweights, the #6 Alexander Volkov takes on the #8 Walt Harris. This is going to be a hard-hitting fight that Harris should be able to come away with the win.

Harris has the power advantage in this explosive bout, which should end with someone tasting the mat.

Rafael dos Anjos (29-13) vs Islam Makhachev (18-1)

In the second lightweight bout of the main card, the 12th ranked Islam Makhachev battles the 9th ranked Rafael dos Anjos.

Makhachev is rising up the ranks in the lightweight division with six straight wins. Rafael dos Anjos has dropped four of his last five contests and is sliding out of the Top 10.

Makhachev is six years younger, more athletic, taller, and has the reach advantage. Consider taking him in a moneyline wager as he will grind out a victory in what will be the toughest fight of his UFC career to date.

This is fight has been cancelled due to Rafael dos Anjos testing positive, we’ll keep you updated to let you know if the UFC names a replacement.

Cynthia Calvillo (9-1-1) vs Lauren Taylor (13-4)

The only women’s bout on the main card is a Top 4 flyweight showdown between the 2nd ranked Cynthia Calvillo and the 4th ranked Lauren Murphy.

Both competitors enter this weekend’s contest on a multi-fight winning streak, but it’s Calvillo who has the more impressive octagon resume so far.

Murphy is the bigger of the two, but the grittiness of Calvillo should be the difference in a contest that has a great shot at going the full three rounds.

Magomed Ankalayev (13-1) vs Ion Cutelaba (15-5)

This is the one bout for the entire UFC 254 card where both combatants strongly dislike each other. Furthermore, there’s plenty of drama and backstory to this matchup that will make this PPV opener a must-see fight.

These two light heavyweight fighters saw their first contest end in controversy. A rematch was booked right away only to get postponed twice before finally making it to the UFC 254 card. Since the first bout, the bad blood and trash-talking has increased between the two.

Ankalaev is the more polished fighter with the advantage in striking and overall skills. Cutelaba is a powerhouse brawler looking for the one-punch knockout. Ankalaev’s striking will be the difference in this bout as the Russian should pick up a TKO/KO victory.

Stefan Struve (29-12) vs Tai Tuivasa (9-3)

Tai Tuivasa returns to the UFC after being released earlier this year due to losing three fights in a row. The heavyweight started off 9-0 but went on a losing streak once the competition got harder. He will take on Stefan Struve who is the tallest fighter in the UFC.

Struve has dropped four of his last five contests and hasn’t been a contender for many years now.

This heavyweight battle is wide open for either man to win.

Tuivasa’s desperation will hopefully showcase the skills that got him to the UFC in the first place. After one year off, the Australian should be fresh and refocused to take down the struggling Struve.

Da Un Jung (13-2) vs Sam Alvey (33-14)

Da Un Jung has won 11 straight fights as he enters this weekend’s light heavyweight bout against Sam Alvey. Jung is 2-0 inside the octagon and has only gone the distance in two of his 15 pro bouts with 10 TKO/KO wins on his resume.

Sam Alvey is fighting for his UFC life as he’s dropped four straight bouts and is in desperate need of a win or at least a draw.

Jung has a slight height and reach advantages, which many believe will help the South Korean striker to edge out Alvey in this prelim fight.

Phil Hawes (8-2) vs Jacob Malkoun (3-0)

Hawes earned his UFC contract after a 1st round KO performance on DWCS. He’s finished off four straight opponents and is riding into this contest with a lot of momentum.

The 24-year-old prospect Jacob Malkoun will be making his octagon debut in this middleweight bout. Malkoun is a training partner of Robert Whittaker and has shown some striking prowess of his own.

Whoever can establish their preferred striking distance will enjoy their first UFC victory. Let’s give the edge to Malkoun in this bout as he has the higher ceiling. Either way, someone is going to get knocked out in this contest.

Umar Nurmagomedov (12-0) vs Sergey Morozov (16-4)

Umar Nurmagomedov is an undefeated 24-year-old prospect and the cousin of Khabib. He will make his octagon debut this weekend in a bantamweight fight against Sergey Morozov.

Morozov will also make his octagon debut this Saturday after spending the majority of his career in M-1. He’s won five straight fights and has scored stoppages in 11 of his 16 pro wins.

Both men have a lot to prove inside the octagon, but you have to like Nurmagomedov in this one. He trains with his famous fighting family and should be just as disciplined and skilled as the rest of them. Take Nurmagomedov to pick up the win in his UFC debut.

This is fight has been cancelled due to Umar Nurmagomedov being hospitalized for Staph infenction, we’ll keep you updated to let you know if the UFC names a replacement.

Liana Jojua (8-3) vs Miranda Maverick (7-2)

Liana Jojua returns to Fight Island where she picked up a win in July. Both of her UFC bouts have taken place in the United Arab Emirates. She’s 1-1 inside the octagon and will welcome the former Invicta FC fighter Miranda Maverick to the UFC.

Maverick’s most notable accomplishment was winning an eight-woman flyweight grand prix last year known as the Invicta FC Phoenix Series 2.

This will be a grappling matchup between two combatants who can win on the mat. I like Maverick to pull off the win by getting the better of Jojua on the mat.

Casey Kenney (15-2-1) vs Nathaniel Wood (17-4)

Both men are about the same height and weight, so neither fighter will have a size advantage. Furthermore, they’re both pretty close in striking and grappling. So, this is going to be a very competitive matchup.

I think we have a fight 😏🤝👊🏻

— Nathaniel wood (@TheProspectMMA) October 6, 2020

Typically, when fighters are close on paper, fights end up going the distance since neither man has a clear cut advantage or path to victory.

With that said, I expect this bout to go the full three rounds and be a contender for a fight night bonus.

Kenney has gone the distance in 10 of his last 12 bouts including four of his five UFC contests. Wood went to a decision in his last fight, but has only gone the distance in three of his 20 pro bouts.

Gambling 254 Predictions 2020

Kenney has never been stopped in a pro fight and I don’t see it happening here. I expect the American to outgun the Brit and come away with the unanimous decision victory.

Alex Oliveira (21-8-1) vs Shavkat Rakhmonov (12-0)

Oliveira might not be great in any discipline, but he’s good enough. In fact, he’s been good enough since joining the UFC in early 2015. Additionally, he’s been good enough to take on ranked fighters in two different weight classes.

Oliveira is the perfect example of a rugged, grizzled veteran. He doesn’t shy away from a firefight and he’s extremely tough to finish. He’s only been knocked out once in 33 pro fights.

He’s also been outclassed on the mat three different times, but Cowboy won’t have to worry about that at UFC 254 as his opponent isn’t a submission specialist. Instead, he’s more of a mauler who takes advantage of opportunities to choke someone out.

With that said, I do see Rakhmonov coming away with a decision win in this contest. It’s going to be the toughest fight of his career to date and Oliveira is just too hard to put away.

I expect the undefeated welterweight prospect to outstrike and outwork Oliveira while also scoring a few takedowns along the way.

Nurmagomedov vs Gaethje – UFC 254 Main Event Analysis

Without a doubt, Justin Gaethje is the toughest challenge that the unbeaten Khabib Nurmagomedov has faced inside the octagon. Not only is Gaethje a dangerous striker with 19 TKO/KO wins on his resume, but he also has a strong wrestling background:

“I’ve wrestled my whole life. I wrestle a lot in there. A huge part of wrestling is not being able to let someone take you down and hold you down. That was my main focus my whole life when I wrestled. I never had a great offense but you could not take me down, you could not hold me down. I’m going to use that.”

Gaethje has the power to knockout Nurmagomedov and the striking skills to pick Khabib apart, which we saw in a masterful performance against Tony Ferguson in May.

Despite Gaethje’s wrestling background, Nurmagomedov isn’t going to shy away from trying to take down his opponent. In fact, the confident champion shared his game plan with the media on how he will beat Gaethje:

“I’m going to try wrestling with him. If he’s going to defend my takedown one time, I’m going to try second, third, 100 times. Of course, I’m going to box with him and kick with him. It’s going to be kickboxing and wrestling – like, mixed. My goal is to make him tired. I’m going to make him tired. This is my goal. Maybe in Round No. 3 or Round No. 4, my plan is (to) finish him.”

For his part, Gaethje predicts that he will beat Nurmagomedov so badly that the champ will be forced to submit.

How Will This Fight End?

Nurmagomedov easily defeated his McGregor and Poirier in his last two fights as they lacked the grappling chops to match up with Khabib. However, Gaethje is on par with the unbeaten champ in this department.

The last time Nurmagomedov faced tough, well-rounded competition like Gaethje was Al Iaquinta and Edson Barboza who both took Khabib the full distance. The Iaquinta fight was a five-round contest just like this UFC 254 main event bout.

Gaethje has what it takes to push Nurmagomedov to the limits and the full five rounds. With that said, expect the champ to edge out the challenger via decision in a fantastic battle on Fight Island.

Best UFC 254 Bets

Check out our picks for the best UFC 254 bets:

Nurmagomedov vs Gaethje Over 4.5 Round (+130)

Whatever this bout’s Over/Under is listed at, take the Over. These two champs are evenly matched and you can expect them to go the full five rounds.

Whittaker to Win Via Decision

Cannonier’s drop-down to middleweight has been a huge success as he’s gone 3-0. However, Whittaker is fully healthy now and looked great against Darren Till in July. Whittaker will pick apart Cannonier in this bout, but he will need the scorecards for the win.
Volkov vs Harris Ends Inside the Distance

In a combined 60 total fights, these men have gone the distance in just 15 of them. Furthermore, Harris has only ever gone the distance in three of his 21 pro contests. With 41 stoppage wins between the two, expect this heavyweight showdown to end inside the distance.

Makhachev Beats dos Anjos via Decision

24 of Rafael dos Anjos’ 42 professional fights have gone the distance. He’s 14-10 in those contests. Four of Makhachev’s last six bouts have gone the distance. For his career, Makhachev is 8-0 when going to a decision.

These two fighters are heading in opposite directions in their careers as dos Anjos has dropped four of his last five bouts, while Makhachev has won six straight. Rafael dos Anjos lost all four of those bouts via decision and he will drop another fight via decision this weekend.

Ankalaev Beats Cutelaba Inside the Distance

Combined, these two men have gone the distance in seven of 34 total fights. In fact, Cutelaba has gone the distance just twice. Both men have combined to score 20 TKO/KO wins as well.

In their first fight, Ankalaev won via 1st round TKO. Don’t expect it to be that quick in the rematch, but also keep an eye on the Over/Under as it could be offer better value in addition to this prop bet. Take Ankalaev to win inside the distance.

UFC 254 News

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In a flyweight title fight on the main card, Thursday, Juliana Velasquez and Ilima-Lei Macfarlane meet at Bellator 254 at the Mohegan Sun Area in Uncasville, Conn. The main card begins at 10 p.m. ET.

Tune in to Bellator 254 this Thursday, Dec. 10th, prelims at 6 PM on CBS Sports Network

Velasquez vs. Macfarlane: Tale of the tape

Velasquez (10-0) and Macfarlane (11-0) scrap for the flyweight strap. The unbeaten Velasquez has picked up five wins with the company, including three victories inside the distance. Two of the wins have come via KO/TKO, with one submission win in her debut over three years ago. Last time out she went the distance, getting her arm raised in a unanimous decision victory over Bruna Ellen.

As far as Macfarlane is concerned, she has the most consecutive Bellator wins by a female fighter, and her seven stoppage wins are also the most among females. She has also held the title for over three years dating back to Nov. 2017 in a submission win over Emily Ducote. Eight of her 11 fights have finished inside the distance, with six coming via submission. She has proven herself to be one of the best grapplers, not only among female fighters but in all of Bellator. Velasquez will have to be on her toes with a strong defense.

Place your legal, online Bellator 254 sports bets in CO, IN, NJ, TN and WV at BetMGM, the King of Sportsbooks. New customer offer. Terms and conditions apply. Bet now!

Velasquez vs. Macfarlane: Betting odds, predictions and picks

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 11:30 a.m. ET.

I am looking for this fight to go the distance, and it’s time to see a changing of the card in the women’s flyweight division, too. Macfarlane (+120) has been a worthy champion for a number of years, and she’ll be looking to get this fight to the canvas quickly, where she has the advantage. VELASQUEZ (-145) will be able to avoid that, and keep it upright, looking to wow the judges to win on points.

Get some action on Bellator 254 by placing a legal sports bet at BetMGM. If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

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Gambling 254 Predictions 2019

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