On Saturday night, the UFC will set up shop in Nashville, Tennessee with UFN: Swanson vs. Lobov, an event that isn’t getting much love from the MMA hardcores, let alone any fans from the mainstream. But take one look, up and down this card, and you will find some quality match-ups, with a variety of value in many of them.
In the main event, featherweight slugger Cub Swanson (-750) is set to take on Artem Lobov (+525), a training partner of Conor McGregor’s, who no doubt is picking his boy to pull off the massive upset.
It’s safe to say the betting public disagree, as do I, but -750 on Cub is simply not worth putting any money down on. Instead, when you see those types of odds, the pundits are basically looking for a finish in this one, and when it comes to Swanson, that usually happens with his fists.
Unfortunately, with this bout, and the whole card in fact, our options are limited. For the most part, the only prop available for a Swanson finish is one that sees him simply winning inside the distance (-265). Truth be told … I wouldn’t touch that, even though it’s widely considered a lock. This is MMA, and as we’ve seen for a few decades now, anything can happen. I do not see value in this number, even if you are just padding your bankroll.
In the co-main event, we have lightweight Al Iaquinta (-420) taking on the very first winner of The Ultimate Fighter (and no, it’s not and never ever was Forest Griffin), Diego Sanchez (+335), in a solid matchup of two guys, despite what they’ve said in the lead-up, will eventually throw down.
Al is on a four fight win streak. Awesome right? Problem is, this will be his first bout in over 2 years, while Diego has competed four times during his absence, going 2-2. This right here should raise some “hang on” flags with Iaquinta being such a favorite.
For all we know, Diego’s body has taken on to much MMA damage over the years, and is privy to getting finished, ala what Joe Lauzon did to him two fights ago. But this is an argument I’m not buying. I sense a disturbance in the force here, and think Diego can pull off the “upset”. Taking him straight up at +335 would not be a bad idea.
As for the rest of card, and like I mentioned earlier, our options are limited to straight up bets or some over/under’s with the number at 1 ½ rounds. With that being said, here what’s caught my eye:
Ovince Saint Preux vs. Marcos Rogerio De Lima Over 1 ½ Rounds: +130
John Dodson vs. Eddie Wineland Under 2 ½ Rounds: +120
Joe Lauzon vs. Stevie Ray Over 2 ½ Rounds: -135
Mike Perry vs. Jake Ellenberger Under 1 ½ Rounds: +100
Alexis Davis vs. Cindy Dandois Under 2 ½ Rounds: -130
Bryan Barberena vs. Joe Proctor Under 2 ½ Rounds: +115
Agree or disagree with these Fun Bets? Let me know your thoughts by hitting me up on social media, using @ShowdownJoe on Twitter, Facebook and on Instagram.
