UFC 230 Predictions
The UFC Heavyweight Championship is up for grabs tonight in the main event of UFC 230. Here’s our predictions for three of the night’s featured bouts.
UFC 230 will be held from Madison Square Garden in New York city. The main card for the event will begin at 10PM ET and air live on PPV.
24317 Derrick Lewis vs. 24318 Daniel Cormier
Tonight’s main event features Daniel Cormier (21-1) defending his newly-won UFC Heavyweight Championship against Derrick Lewis (21-5). According to the latest oddsmakers at BetNow.eu, Cormier is the heavy favorite, as he is getting odds of -650 to win. Lewis is listed with a money line of +475 to win. Lewis actually just fought a month ago at UFC 229, knocking out Alexander Volkov. He has a major size edge on Cormier and huge punching power, but has questionable cardio and an ailing back that leaves him somewhat immobile. Cormier, who is also the light heavyweight champion, won the heavyweight belt in July with a knockout of Stipe Miocic. He comes into this fight with a hand injury, which could be an issue. Cormier has gained confidence in his striking, but if he is smart he will make Lewis grapple and tire quickly. From there, Cormier can control the fight and win by ground-and-pound or submission. If he decides to stand with Lewis, Lewis can land one of those big punches and pull off the upset. I don’t love the line for Cormier, but think he will win, so consider using him as part of a parlay. UFC 230 Prediction: Daniel Cormier -650
24305 Chris Weidman vs. 24306 Ronaldo Souza
The co-main event is a middleweight bout between former champ Chris Weidman (14-3) and top contender Ronaldo Souza (25-6). According to the latest oddsmakers, Weidman is listed as a -170 favorite to win. Souza is being given odds of +150 to prevail. Weidman ended a 3-fight losing streak in July of 2017 with a win over Kelvin Gastelum, but injuries have plagued him over the years. Souza last fought in May, losing a split decision to Gastelum. Despite the different results against common opponents, I like the underdog in this one. Weidman hasn’t been able to get into cage often, which should impact his conditioning and movement. Souza has the capability of winning this fight anywhere it goes and I expect his pace to be too much for Weidman, who will get caught in a submission in the third round. UFC 230 Prediction: Ronaldo Souza +150
24309 Derek Brunson vs. 24310 Israel Adesanya
In another middleweight contest, Derek Brunson (18-6) faces unbeaten fighter Israel Adesanya (14-0). Oddsmakers have Adesanya as the favorite, giving him odds of -300 to win. Brunson is listed with a money line of +250 to prevail. Brunson is coming off a KO loss to Souza back in January, but he is just 2-3 in his last five fights. Adesanya has won his first three fights in the UFC, but facing a dangerous opponent. Brunson is a kill-or-be-killed type of guy. Eight of his last nine fights have been decided in the first round. He comes out fast and is looking for the KO and willing to eat a punch to get it. Adesanya is more composed and takes his time. I think that could be an issue here. Brunson is going to force Adesanya to fight his pace and I think it will force the unbeaten fighter into a mistake. I like Brunson to land that key punch early and get the win in an upset. UFC 230 Prediction: Derek Brunson +250