UFC 276 Preview and Odds
Pedro Munhoz (+250) vs. Sean O’Malley (-340)
This fight is a classic bantamweight match up between a veteran in Munhoz and an up-and-comer in O’Malley, but it really should not be close at all. Munhoz is on a 4 fight losing streak, most recently to Dominick Cruz on December 11. The only redeeming factor of this have been the quality of Munhoz’s opponents, including the veteran Cruz.
Even still, the 35 year old Brazilian will face a tough challenge in O’Malley though. The Helena, MT native has been absolutely dominant in his past few fights, most recently also on December 11 with a first round knockout of Raulian Paiva.
“Sugar” O’Malley is the betting favorite and barring a big upset should be able to extend his winning streak to 6. If someone is looking for any extra prop bets, O’Malley has finished all of his 5 past victories in knockouts and oddsmakers have it +160 he will do it again.
Robbie Lawler (-125) vs. Bryan Barberena (-102)
This fight is one of a few very close fights on this card. Both of these veteran fighters are coming off of wins, with Lawler knocking out Nick Diaz on September 25 and Barberena winning by decision against Matt Brown September 25.
Saturday’s fight between the two welterweights will be Lawler’s third in three years, with only the Diaz fight and a bout against Neal Magny on August 29, 2020, a fight Lawler lost.
Barberena is on a two fight win streak, as the fighter from Montclair, CA also beat Darian Weeks on decision on December 4 of last year.
This fight is really a coin flip, with Lawler maybe just taking it in an Glover Texiera-esque victory, as the 40-year-old looks to cap off his very decorated career with some wins.
Sean Strickland (-122) vs. Alex Pereira (-104)
In another very close fight, two experienced middleweights will be going at it in a very interesting technique matchup. Strickland’s unflinching strand-up approach, as well as his brown-belt in jiujitsu, will make for an unpredictable fight against Pereira’s kickboxing style.
Strickland, an Anaheim native, is currently riding a 4 fight win streak, most recently against Jack Hermansson a few months go on February 5. That fight was a main event the went all 5 rounds, as well as the previous 2 fights before then. (Strickland is +240 to win Saturday’s matchup by decision)
Pereira on the other hand is entering only his third UFC fight unbeaten at the age of 34, with his most recent win coming by decision on March 22 against Bruno Silva.
Once again, this fight will be a coin toss, with Strickland’s knockout ability and strong chin maybe just enough to make it a fifth win in a row.
Alexander Volkanovski (-195) vs. Max Holloway (+165)
In what will be the first title fight of the night, Alexander “The Great” Volkanovski will be defending his featherweight belt for the fourth time since winning his belt on December 14, 2019 against none other than Holloway himself.
Since losing against Volkanovski again on July 12, 2020, Holloway has taken care of business in his past two fights with wins over well respected fighters in Calvin Kattar and Yair Rodriguez, both of which were decisions.
This fight should be Volkanovski’s third win against “Blessed” Holloway. But it won’t be easy and -195 moneyline is disrespectful Holloway. No one would judge you for picking Alexander “The Great,” but +165 on Holloway can get you way more.
Israel Adesanya (-520) vs. Jared Cannonier (+350)
Jared “The Killa Gorilla” Cannonier deserves some respect. He’s coming off of two wins against solid middleweight fighters in Kevin Gastellum and Derek Brunson. The Dallas, TX native has an arsenal of ways to win, with both knockouts and decisions throuhgout his career could give Adesanya something to think about.
But probably not.
Adesanya will be defending his belt for the 5th time, after 4 previous defenses. “The Last Stylebender” should go into this fight knowing that he is well deserving of being the heavy betting favorite and should make easy work of Cannonier.
UFC 276 will be taking place in at the T-Mobile Arena in Paradise, Nevada on July 2. Early prelims start at 5 p.m. (central time), prelims start at 7, and the main card will be at 9. The early prelims and prelims can be streamed on ESPN+ and the pay-per-view for the main event can be bought from ESPN.
Anthony Bailey
