UFC 282: Blachowicz vs. Ankalaev
Ready for Blachowicz vs Ankalaev? Free UFC 282: Blachowicz vs. Ankalaev and betting odds & predictions? Here is a full breakdown of the leadup, what to expect during the fight, and some logical outcomes.
Event: UFC 282: Blachowicz vs. Ankalaev
Date: December 10th, 2022
Time: Main Card: 10:00 P.M. EST.
Location: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada
Free UFC 282 Pick: Jan Blachowicz +235 vs Magomed Ankalaev -280 (Bet Now!)
In a complete turn around of events, we’re now witnessing former champion, Jan Blachowicz, take on up and comer, Magomed Ankalaev, for the vacant Light Heavyweight title.
Unfortunately, champion Jiri Prochazka, who was slated to defend his belt against Glover Teixeira, suffered a brutal shoulder injury, forcing him to vacate the title. Afterwards, Glover was given the opportunity to fight Ankalaev for the belt, but passed it up due to the short notice.
Now we have polish power taking on the devastating Dagestani powerhouse, in what appears to be an amazing clash of styles. Both fighters carry significant knockout power, and good wrestling, even extremely good wrestling for the Russian.
Magomed’s currently posting a 18-1 record, with his sole loss coming via submission by the almighty ground fighter, Paul Craig, in his UFC debut. Ever since, he’s knocked out several top tier fighters, including Anthony Smith and Ion Cutelaba(twice).
While speaking of Jan, he’s only lost to Glover in his last 7 fights, and beat several world champions, including Israel Adesanya, and Luke Rockhold. Furthermore, he’s finished Dominick Reyes, Corey Anderson, and Rakic in his last bout.
MMA Prediction: Jan Blachowicz
After careful consideration, we’re fading the public and taking the former champ to beat Ankalaev. Reasons being, his track record in the UFC is more deep, and he’s always one punch away from victory.
With these types of odds, in a seemingly close heavyweight fight, Jan carries all the possible value in this matchup.
Free UFC 282 Pick: Paddy Pimblett -245 vs Jared Gordon +205 (Bet Now!)
Liverpool’s finest, Paddy “The Baddy” Pimblett co headlines for the first time on this PPV. He’s taking on a veteran in Jared “Flash” Gordon, who’s fought in 10 UFC fights, and posting a 6-4 record.
In his time in the promotion, he’s been knocked out 3 times, and submitted once. In his wins, he’s carrying 5 decisions, and just 1 knockout.
Regarding Paddy, he’s 3-0 in the UFC, claiming 3 finishes and performance of the night bonuses, every time he’s hit the octagon. Moreover, he submitted well rounded wrestler, Jordan Leavitt, in his last time out.
MMA Prediction: Paddy Pimblett
While Gordon clearly has the experience advantage, that’s about it in this matchup. Pimblett’s the more well rounded fighter, as he has dynamite in his hands, and crafty on the ground.
To add to this, Gordan’s been knocked out/submitted multiple times already in the UFC, and Paddy appears to be miles ahead of those fighters(besides Charles Oliveira of course).
Free UFC 282 Pick: Darren Till +155 vs Dricus Du Plessis -180 (Bet Now!)
One of the UK’s greatest stars in Darren Till, is back in the cage for vengeance against South African Fighter, Dricus Du Plessis. Till had a ton of hype behind him to start off his career, as he stormed the UFC undefeated, than went 6-0-1 in the Octagon.
Lamentably, he ran into the champion Tyron Woodley, and has never looked the same. Since that fight, he’s only won once, by split decision, in a controversial win to say the least.
With all that being said, he took some time off and surrounded himself with dominant fighters like Khamzat Chimaev, so the world is his oyster.
Regarding Du Plessis, he’s currently 17-2, and impressively undefeated in the UFC. Although he’s only fought 3 times, captured 3 straight wins, with 2 knockouts, and a unanimous decision win over veteran, Brad Tavares.
MMA Prediction: Darren Till
The big question in his matchup is can Darren Till get back to his former self, and overwhelm Du Plessis with advanced striking and relentless pressure? In our opinion, Darren has way more experience, with higher caliber opponents, and this opponent should bring out the best in him.
He’s tended to struggle with wrestlers/grapplers, and overwhelm most strikers, and for all reasons mentioned, we’re taking Darren Till to get back on track on Saturday Night.
Rest of the Fights: Odds & Picks
Santiago Ponzinibbio +310 vs. Alex Morono -380
Pick: Morono
Bryce Mitchell +115 vs. Ilia Topuria -135
Pick: Mitchell
Raul Rosas Jr. -250 vs. Jay Perrin +200
Pick: Rosas Jr.
Chris Curtis +140 vs. Joaquin Buckley -165
Pick: Curtis