The UFC heads to Rotterdam, Netherlands this Saturday in an attempt to carry on with normal life after the May-Mac circus finally ended last week. With UFC Fight Night 115, we get a typical Fight Pass card – some solid fights and pretty much zero hype. Basically, we’re getting an appetizer course before Dana White and Co. get into a packed fall/winter season.
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Still, there are a few things to like about this card: heavyweight Alexander Volkov could emerge as a contender in the main event against Stefan Struve. The Russian is coming off a big win over Roy Nelson and jumps right back into the fray against another longtime UFC vet.
Germaine de Randamie fights for the first time since being stripped of the featherweight belt. While she’ll be fighting in her home country, she pissed off a lot of fans by refusing to fight Cyborg. She might have a hometown crowd behind her, but pretty much everyone else will be hoping she gets beat down.
We’ll also be covering an underrated lightweight scrap between Rustam Khabilov and Desmond Green, and a welterweight tilt between Bryan Barberena AKA Hype Killer and a much-hyped Leon Edwards. Both matchups feature fighters that have top-10 potential.
Let’s get into your betting options, courtesy of the UFC odds at BookMaker.eu.
Stefan Struve -105 vs Alexander Volkov -125
Over/under 1.5 rounds, over -170, under +150
Toppling the Skyscraper
Struve’s UFC losses follow a pattern: the 7-foot Dutchman gets walked down, popped on the chin, and his his ridiculously long legs go limp beneath him. Wanna know what Volkov’s good at? Taking punches and bringing the thunder. Go watch his fight with Bellator champion Vitaly Minakov to see how much punishment he can take. Struve doesn’t hit as hard as Minakov. “Skyscraper’s” height won’t even be as big advantage as it usually is either: Volkov is 6’7” and agile for his size.
Betting Tip
Lay the price on Volkov to win. He’s got the right style and tools for this matchup, and is already a fighter to watch in the heavyweight division.
Our pick: Volkov to win -125
Rustam Khabilov -325 vs Desmond Green +255
Over/under 2.5 rounds, over -350, under +290
Too Mean for Green
Desmond Green is the type of dude that does best when he’s in a dogfight. Unfortunately, getting into a battle of attrition with a Dagestani pitbull like Rustam Khabilov is about as smart as getting into a land war in Russia during winter. Plus, Khabilov is a step up in competition. I’m not saying he dominates Green, who is a tough motha in his own right, but Khabilov has enough advantages for me to fade the American.
Betting Tip
If you still have doubts about Khabilov, take the over on rounds here. Neither guy finishes fights at more than 50 percent clip.
Our Pick: Over 2.5 rounds -350
Bryan Barberena +235 vs Leon Edwards -295
Over/under 2.5 rounds, over -240, under +200
Barberena Gets Buzzed
Just a few fights ago, the 25-year old Edwards was an athletic kickboxer. Today, the Brit is a three-dimensional fighter fire-tested by some very good wrestlers. Barberena has gutted out wins against athletic types – like Sage Northcutt and Warlley Alves – but Edwards has proved he can beat out grinders.
Betting Tip
We lean heavy on Edwards, but there is definitely some upset potential in Barberena. Hedge against this by going over on rounds – Edwards has gone to the final frame in five straight and Barberena has heard a final bell in three of his last five.
Our Pick: Over 2.5 rounds at -240
Check out the latest UFC betting odds for UFC Fight Night 115.
