DraftKings Network - Everything you need to know for Marcin Tybura vs. Maxim Grishin at UFC 251Another great SB Nation bloghttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/52893/DKN_Favicon_32x32..png2020-07-11T11:05:06-07:00http://dknetwork.draftkings.com/rss/stream/210805242020-07-11T11:05:06-07:002020-07-11T11:05:06-07:00Tale of the tape for Marcin Tybura vs. Maxim Grishin
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<img alt="Marcin Tybura poses for a post fight portrait backstage during the UFC Fight Night event at Chartway Arena on February 29, 2020 in Norfolk, Virginia." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/dHc94dV_Jsfh2A7r4mtN68dYrq0=/1x0:4000x2666/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67029784/1204231648.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Mike Roach/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Marcin Tybura and Maxim Grishin square off in a heavyweight bout at UFC 251 from Fight Island on July 11th. We break down the odds.</p> <h2 id="3wHvQ7">UPDATE: <a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/2020/7/11/21311961/marcin-tybura-vs-maxim-grishin-picks-ufc-251-predictions-odds-betting-ko-tko-decision-submission">Fight day odds and betting splits for Tybura-Grishin</a>
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<p id="VeYgSu">Two heavyweights that are picked as dead even by bookmakers, one of whom makes their UFC debut, square off when Marcin Tybura takes on Maxim Grishin at UFC 251 on Saturday night in Abu Dhabi.</p>
<p id="bYvbWY">Tybura is 18-6, 5-5 in the UFC, and serves at gatekeeper for his newcomer opponent here. He averages just 3.52 strikes per minute, which means he’s getting the fight on the ground with his 1.54 takedowns per 15. The 34-year-old from Poland has 13 career stoppages, one more via knockout than submission. </p>
<p id="dsTyHo">Grishin is 30-7-2, but has only lost once since 2012 and is 19-1-2 since. He was 4-0-2 in the Professional Fighters League, and moves up to the UFC with 21 stoppages, 15 by knockout. The 36-year-old from Tambov, Russia had a majority draw for his last fight with Jordan Johnson in October of last year.</p>
<p id="vYBIS5">Here are the betting odds at <a href="https://sportsbook.draftkings.com/gateway?s=972217323&bTag=a_6417b_713c_">DraftKings Sportsbook</a> for Marcin Tybura vs. Maxim Grishin at UFC 251 on July 11th:</p>
<h2 id="CIATLL">Money line odds</h2>
<p id="A3wDXp">Marcin Tybura: -112<br>Maxim Grishin: -112</p>
<p id="9ApZzo"><em>Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ/WV/PA) or 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN) or 1-800-522-4700 (NH/CO). NH/NJ/WV/IN/PA/CO only. 21+ (18+ NH). Eligibility Restrictions Apply. See website for details.</em></p>
https://dknetwork.draftkings.com/2020/7/8/21306241/marcin-tybura-vs-maxim-grishin-odds-ufc-251-fight-island-rounds-win-by-ko-submission-decisionCollin Sherwin2020-07-11T08:32:39-07:002020-07-11T08:32:39-07:00Lineup advice for UFC 251 $2.25M The Island Millionaire contest
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<img alt="Opponents Kamaru Usman of Nigeria and Jorge Masvidal face off during the UFC 251 official weigh-in inside Flash Forum at UFC Fight Island on July 10, 2020 on Yas Island Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/x1Pwo7GNheTXd2Vc4v-ucJp0H2I=/0x70:4459x3043/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67045286/1255420277.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC</figcaption>
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<p>UFC 251 kicks off a 13-fight card starting at 6:00 p.m. ET on ESPN+. We’ve got picks and lineup strategy to help you in DraftKings contest where someone goes home with $1 million.</p> <p id="NaA63Z">Tonight’s UFC 251 card has plenty of contests available at DraftKings, but The Island Millionaire has a $2.25 million prize pool, and $1 million guaranteed to the winner for just a $25 entry. That same winner will also earn a ticket to the Big Game in America’s Next Great City, Tampa, Florida, on Feburary 7th to compete for another $1M top prize</p>
<p id="yzrJVR">Contestants will select six fighters and must not exceed the salary cap of $50,000. And with a premium on stopping your opponent early, picking fighters that can end things in one round or less would be a great way to advance to the top of the table.</p>
<p id="bKYm0S">Here’s how the scoring works, and notice how heavily it leans towards winning big and early:</p>
<p id="EVhhmy"><strong>Moves</strong></p>
<p id="lw5Qn8">Significant Strikes: +0.5 Pts<br>Advance: +3 Pts<br>Takedown: +5 Pts<br>Reversal/Sweep: +5 Pts<br>Knockdown: +10 Pts</p>
<p id="MNLvA3"><strong>Fight Conclusion Bonuses</strong></p>
<p id="mNs4ej">1st Round Win: +90 Pts<br>2nd Round Win: +70 Pts<br>3rd Round Win: +45 Pts<br>4th Round Win: +40 Pts<br>5th Round Win: +40 Pts<br>Decision Win: +30 Pts<br><br>Here are our best bets for Draft Kings The Island Millionaire for UFC 251.</p>
<h2 id="glKpwK">Rose Namajunas ($9,000)</h2>
<p id="nQTHZj">There’s a strong chance “Thug” gets an early stoppage here and ends this, which she has done in six of her eight career wins. This is a revenge fight for her, and she was ahead on DFS and judges points before being slammed by Jessica Andrade the last time they faced each other. That’s unlikely to happen again, so we’ll pay the premium for her tonight.</p>
<h2 id="ZJKk2x">Volkan Oezdemir ($8,400)</h2>
<p id="WITfqN">We’ve been wrong before, but <a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/2020/7/11/21306370/volkan-oezdemir-vs-jiri-prochazka-dfs-picks-predictions-odds-ufc-251-daily-fantasy-sports-mma">this one is based on scouting</a>: We thnk Oezdemir gets an early stoppage, and thus has value on DFS rosters. His opponent Jiri Prochazka may continue to develop, but new UFC fighters that move up in opponent quality don’t often succeed the first time through.</p>
<h2 id="9Ec1Sk">Marcin Tybura ($8,100)</h2>
<p id="WmWbNX">Maxim Grishin is giving up 30 pounds and way too much UFC experience here. We’ll be on Tybura, and hope Grishin finds a path in the promotion after a full camp instead of as a replacement fighter that’s playing up a division. Grishin might be a light heavyweight naturally instead of a heavyweight, but this is just asking too much on short notice despite his talent. Tybura averages 1.54 takedowns per 15 minutes, and if he can get Grishin on the mat he’s got 14 kilograms he can use to lean on his opponent and wear him down.</p>
https://dknetwork.draftkings.com/2020/7/11/21321012/ufc-251-daily-fantasy-sports-dfs-picks-lineup-strategy-kamaru-usman-vs-jorge-masvidal-namajunasCollin Sherwin2020-07-11T07:10:00-07:002020-07-11T07:10:00-07:00How the public is betting Marcin Tybura vs. Maxim Grishin
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<img alt="Marcin Tybura of Poland and Maxim Grishin of Russia face off during the UFC 251 official weigh-in inside Flash Forum at UFC Fight Island on July 10, 2020 on Yas Island Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/akJhHhel41AI6Zf_6jb265FjK28=/0x55:4077x2773/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67045111/1226031020.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Marcin Tybura faces off against Maxim Grishin in a heavyweight bout at UFC 251 from Fight Island on July 11th. We break down how the betting public is picking the fight.</p> <p id="3wHvQ7">Two heavyweights that are picked as dead even by bookmakers square off when Marcin Tybura takes on replacement fighter Maxim Grishin at UFC 251 tonight in Abu Dhabi. To be remembered when handicapping this fight is the weight advantage for Tybura, who came in at 252 lbs. yesterday at weigh-in, while the substitute Grishin was only at 223 lbs. </p>
<p id="bYvbWY">Tybura is 18-6, 5-5 in the UFC, and serves at gatekeeper for his newcomer opponent here. He averages just 3.52 strikes per minute, which means he’s getting the fight on the ground with his 1.54 takedowns per 15 if possible. The 34-year-old from Poland has 13 career stoppages, one more via knockout than submission. </p>
<p id="dsTyHo">Grishin is 30-7-2, but has only lost once since 2012 and is 19-1-2 since. He was 4-0-2 in the Professional Fighters League, and moves up to the UFC with 21 stoppages, 15 by knockout. The 36-year-old is from Tambov, Russia, and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrBoETJBDVw">here’s a highlight video</a> if you want to see what he’s got to offer. </p>
<p id="5aSjpG">Here are the betting splits at <a href="https://sportsbook.draftkings.com/gateway?s=972217323&bTag=a_6417b_713c_">DraftKings Sportsbook</a> for Marcin Tybura vs. Maxim Grishin at UFC 251 on July 11th:</p>
<h2 id="CIATLL">Betting splits</h2>
<p id="A3wDXp">Marcin Tybura: -112 (37% of action, 24% of bets)<br>Maxim Grishin: -112 (63% of action, 76% of bets)</p>
<p id="9ApZzo"><em>Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ/WV/PA) or 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN) or 1-800-522-4700 (NH/CO). NH/NJ/WV/IN/PA/CO only. 21+ (18+ NH). Eligibility Restrictions Apply. See website for details.</em></p>
https://dknetwork.draftkings.com/2020/7/11/21311961/marcin-tybura-vs-maxim-grishin-picks-ufc-251-predictions-odds-betting-ko-tko-decision-submissionCollin Sherwin2020-07-11T05:00:00-07:002020-07-11T05:00:00-07:00DFS considerations for Marcin Tybura vs. Maxim Grishin
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<img alt="Marcin Tybura of Poland and Maxim Grishin of Russia face off during the UFC 251 official weigh-in inside Flash Forum at UFC Fight Island on July 10, 2020 on Yas Island Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/1BnrdrzMSmmVn51gnjZpJgYT8-k=/0x55:4077x2773/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67044772/1226031020.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Marcin Tybura faces off against Maxim Grishin in a heavyweight bout at UFC 251 from Fight Island on July 11th. We break down what to consider in setting your DFS lineups.</p> <p id="3wHvQ7">Two heavyweights that said to be dead even by bookmakers square off when Marcin Tybura takes on Maxim Grishin at UFC 251 tonight in Abu Dhabi. But which of the two is more likely to score extra DFS points in a win?</p>
<h2 id="6W4agx"><a href="https://www.draftkings.com/gateway?s=807561836">DraftKings DFS Values</a></h2>
<p id="EC2xww">Marcin Tybura: $8,100<br>Maxim Grishin: $7,900</p>
<p id="op7pkm">It’s a dead heat on the odds board, with both fighters listed at -112.</p>
<p id="9ApZzo">The biggest thing to be noticed here is the massive weight advantage for Tybura on the scales yesterday. He came in at 252 lbs., while Grishin tipped them at 223 lbs. And Tybura can get it on the mat if needed, as he averages 1.54 takedowns per full fight in his 5-4 UFC career. He’s also got six career submission victories, though none as of late.</p>
<p id="8Q8sHV">Grishin has won seven and drawn two in his last nine fights, and clearly has KO power. But is it overwhelming and fast enough to give up 30 pounds on short notice (he’s a last-minute replacement for Alexander Romanov) to a fighter with UFC experience? Seems like a tall order. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrBoETJBDVw">Here’s a highlight video</a> if you want to see what he’s got to offer. </p>
<p id="J2BoGX">Giving up that much weight on short notice and entering the UFC for the first time seems like a recipe for disaster. We’ll be on Tybura, and hope Grishin finds a path in the promotion after a full camp. And with his build, that path might be at light heavyweight (205 lbs.) instead of heavyweight (265 lbs.).</p>
https://dknetwork.draftkings.com/2020/7/11/21306374/marcin-tybura-vs-maxim-grishin-dfs-picks-predictions-ufc-251-daily-fantasy-sports-mmaCollin Sherwin2020-07-10T22:10:28-07:002020-07-10T22:10:28-07:00UFC 251 Picks, UFC Fight Island DraftKings Preview, MMA Predictions
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<img alt="UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman prepares for his title defense against Colby Covington during UFC 245 at T-Mobile Arena on December 14, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Usman retained his title with a fifth-round TKO." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/n9uDB3Nb9kIwRq6Sw8msZZc9K5g=/0x28:5032x3383/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67036134/1194033571.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Steve Marcus/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Pat Mayo steps aside for Paul Shaughnessy and Fight Network‘s Cody Saftic, who make their UFC 251 picks for the Kamaru Usman vs. Jorge Masvidal slate.</p> <p id="W3UtBr"><a href="https://twitter.com/ThePME">Pat Mayo</a> steps aside for <a href="https://twitter.com/PaulShag">Paul Shaughnessy</a> and Fight Network‘s <a href="https://twitter.com/CjSaftic">Cody Saftic</a>, who make their UFC 251 picks for the Kamaru Usman vs. Jorge Masvidal <a href="https://www.draftkings.com/"><strong>DraftKings</strong></a> slate. The card goes down Saturday, July 11th at Fight Island<strong>.</strong> The guys discuss the value differences between <a href="https://www.draftkings.com/"><strong>DraftKings</strong></a> pricing and Vegas odds, which fighters to target for your DFS lineups and the best bets to get a quick finish.</p>
<p id="Rcf6K5">Set your <a href="https://www.draftkings.com/draft/contest/87791146"><strong>MMA Millionaire</strong></a> lineups here: <a href="https://www.draftkings.com/draft/contest/87791146"><strong>MMA $2.25M The Island Millionaire [$1M to 1st! + ToC Entry]</strong></a><strong>.</strong></p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="lSjPE5">
<p id="lQaIf1"><strong>UFC 251 Picks </strong>— <a href="https://bit.ly/UFC251Vid">Full Fight Picks</a> | <a href="https://bit.ly/UFC251Pod">Podcast</a> | <a href="http://bit.ly/PMEiTunes">Apple</a> | <a href="https://goo.gl/VboemH">Spotify</a> | <a href="https://goo.gl/3jMS0y">Stitcher</a> | <a href="http://bit.ly/GooglePodPME">Google</a></p>
<p id="kTkLi1"><strong>UFC 251 Fights </strong>—<strong> </strong> <a href="https://youtu.be/0JHlrfU_k0M?t=4257">DraftKings Picks</a> | <a href="https://youtu.be/0JHlrfU_k0M?t=181">Usman vs Masvidal</a> | <a href="https://youtu.be/0JHlrfU_k0M">Volkanovski vs Holloway</a> </p>
<h3 id="6Se3de">UFC 251 Picks: Show Index</h3>
<p id="N02PG1">SHOW INDEX</p>
<p id="Ude3qt">3:01 Usman vs. Masvidal<br>12:03 Volkanovski vs. Holloway <br>19:10 Yan vs. Aldo<br>22:48 Namajunas vs. Andrade<br>28:25 Ribas vs. VanZant<br>34:51 Oezdemir vs. Prochazka<br>39:01 Salikhov vs. Zaleski<br>42:49 Amirkhani vs. Henry<br>44:38 Santos vs. Bogatov<br>49:17 Tybura vs. Grishin<br>54:18 Paiva vs. Zhumagulov<br>1:01:15 Rosa vs. Melo<br>1:05:12 Day vs. Grant<br>1:10:57 DraftKings Picks<br>1:22:53 Quick Picks</p>
<p id="lYCiAF"><a href="https://www.draftkings.com/"><strong>DraftKings</strong></a> is hosting a massive fantasy <a href="https://www.draftkings.com/draft/contest/87791146"><strong>MMA Millionaire tournament</strong></a> that gives out $2.25 million in total prizes and pays out $1 million to the winner. The contest locks at 6:00 p.m. ET on Saturday. Set your lineups here: <a href="https://www.draftkings.com/draft/contest/87791146"><strong>MMA $2.25M The Island Millionaire [$1M to 1st! + ToC Entry]</strong></a><strong>.</strong></p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="Jshjce">
<p id="fxM6VY"><a href="https://sportsbook.draftkings.com/promos"><strong>UFC 251 - 50% Profit Boosts</strong></a>: The UFC is heading to Fight Island and we want to give you two (2) 50% Profit Boosts for UFC 251! Access the profit boosts <a href="https://sportsbook.draftkings.com/promos"><strong>here at the DraftKings Sportsbook promo page!</strong></a><strong> </strong>(opt-in required)</p>
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<p id="TMyAtd"><em>Pat Mayo is an award-winning video host and producer of long and short-form content, and the host of The Pat Mayo Experience daily talk show. (Subscribe for </em><a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOLQe-AojK3UPSoLhOSVKZOkrQAoVTiBj"><em>video</em></a><em> or </em><a href="https://goo.gl/f1R0j6"><em>audio</em></a><em>). Mayo (@ThePME) won the 2020 Fantasy Sports Writing Association Daily Fantasy Writer of the Year and Golf Writer of the Year awards, along with the Fantasy Sports Trade Association Best Sports Betting Analyst award, and was finalist for four FSWA Awards in 2020 (Best Podcast, Best Video, Daily Fantasy Writer of the Year, Golf Writer of the Year). His 21 FSWA nominations lead all writers this decade and are third-most all-time. Mayo has been recognized across multiple sports (Football, Baseball & Golf), mediums (Video, Writing & Podcasting), genre (Humor), and game formats (Daily Fantasy and Traditions Season Long). Beyond sports, Mayo covers everything from entertainment to pop culture to politics. If you have a fantasy question, general inquiry or snarky comment, ship it to Mayo at </em><a href="mailto:thepatmayoexperience@gmail.com"><em>ThePatMayoExperience@gmail.com</em></a><em> and the best will be addressed on the show.</em></p>
<p id="SIiKft"><em>I am a promoter at DraftKings and am also an avid fan and user (my username is ThePME) and may sometimes play on my personal account in the games that I offer advice on. Although I have expressed my personal view on the games and strategies above, they do not necessarily reflect the view(s) of DraftKings and I may also deploy different players and strategies than what I recommend above. I am not an employee of DraftKings and do not have access to any non-public information.</em></p>
<p id="ZqzdVC"><em>Odds and lines subject to change. See website for actual odds.</em></p>
<p id="Lrty56"><em>Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ/WV/PA) or 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN) or 1-800-522-4700 (NH/CO). NH/NJ/WV/IN/PA/CO only. 21+ (18+ NH). Eligibility Restrictions Apply. See website for details. Odds and lines subject to change.</em></p>
https://dknetwork.draftkings.com/playbook/2020/7/9/21318191/ufc-251-picks-ufc-fight-island-draftkings-preview-mma-predictionsPat Mayo2020-07-06T06:30:00-07:002020-07-06T06:30:00-07:00How the public is betting UFC 251 including Holloway vs. Volkanovski, Yan vs. Aldo, more
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<img alt="Max Holloway kicks Alexander Volkanovski of Australia in their UFC featherweight championship bout during the UFC 245 event at T-Mobile Arena on December 14, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/7fEbvdyhS0s8-RxogHIGNEz1OMo=/1x0:5065x3376/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67020961/1194023509.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC</figcaption>
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<p>Though the main event has changed, there’s still plenty of action on the rest of the biggest card of the year</p> <p id="2CgkiE">Although the <a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/2020/7/5/21313982/kamaru-usman-vs-jorge-masvidal-signed-main-event-ufc-251-welterweight-championship">main event of UFC 251 has changed to Kamaru Usman vs. Jorge Masvidal</a> for the welterweight championship, bettors have had more than a week to get down action on the rest of the card.</p>
<p id="uLYGNb">And with so many other great fights happening, there’s been plenty of action early on what should be the MMA event of the year. We’ll take a look at some of the odds and bet splits for the earlier fights this Saturday.</p>
<p id="TdOLb7">The featherweight championship rematch between Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway is expected by the oddsmakers to be a repeat of December’s result, with “Alexander The Great” coming in at -200. But the bettors are warming to the Hawaiian Holloway, who is backed by more than half the cash and tickets in early trading. Will that trend continue with the +165 price laid, or will the cash come back in on the fighter that won via unanimous decision just seven months ago?</p>
<p id="yKms4n">Jose Aldo is one of the most storied fighters in UFC history, but he’s a +185 underdog for the vacant bantamweight title against 14-1 Petr Yan. The Russian Yan is six years younger at 27, and is an undefeated 6-0 in the UFC after knocking out Uriah Faber with a head kick in his last bout. But the wagerers are on the Brazilian early, getting 26% of the tickets and 35% of the cash on his victory.</p>
<p id="kp5Eu4">In one of two women’s fights on the main card, Jessica Andrade takes on Rose Namajunas at strawweight. Andrade beat Namajunas in May of last year via a second round KO slam to win the title, which she subsequently lost to Weili Zhang, but the oddsmakers don’t like her chances to repeat. She’s a decent-sized underdog at +162, but is getting 48% of the case despite only 28% of the bets, which might indicate sharper action on her winning again.</p>
<p id="Egchwh">Paige VanZant is getting no respect from bookmakers, and yet the money is flying in on her. She’s the biggest underdog on Fight Island at +525, but somehow 79% of the action and 90% of the tickets are on the former Dancing With The Stars contestant. It seems likely her well-regarded opponent Amanda Ribas, who is 9-1 career and 3-0 in the UFC, will start taking on money eventually. VanZant has made it clear this might be her last fight in the octagon unless she starts getting paid more, but it’s the ticket writers that will be paying big if she pulls off the huge upset.</p>
<p id="2WojCt">Here are the odds bet splits for UFC 251 as of July 6th.</p>
<div id="VVWleq"><div data-anthem-component="table:9303644"></div></div>
<p id="dBK55t"><em>Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ/WV/PA) or 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN) or 1-800-522-4700(NH/CO). NH/NJ/WV/IN/PA/CO only. 21+ (18+ NH). Eligibility Restrictions Apply. See website for details.</em></p>
https://dknetwork.draftkings.com/2020/7/6/21314329/ufc-251-odds-lines-bet-splits-holloway-vs-volkanovski-yan-aldo-ribas-vanzant-namajunas-andradeCollin Sherwin2020-06-29T04:56:00-07:002020-06-29T04:56:00-07:00Bet splits for UFC 251 from Fight Island
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<img alt="Kamaru Usman of Nigeria raises his hand in victory over Colby Covington in their UFC welterweight championship bout during the UFC 245 event at T-Mobile Arena on December 14, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/MDKsAv-PpHpLcZY7YxxlDv64c9w=/0x0:5021x3347/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66994685/1194029045.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The biggest mixed marital arts card of 2020 heads to Yas Island in the UAE on July 11th</p> <p id="UtP30z">UFC is headed to Yas Island in Abu Dhabi in two weeks for the first of four events at what Dana White is calling “Fight Island.” That first card, UFC 251, will be the biggest event in mixed martial arts so far in 2020. There will be three championship fights, as well as some of the best female fighters in the world available on pay-per-view.</p>
<p id="ujBIsT">The main event is a welterweight championship bout between the holder Kamaru Usman and Brazilian Gilbert Burns in one of the most highly-anticipated fights of the year. Usman is 16-1 career, and 11-0 in the UFC, and currently #6 in the pound-for-pound rankings. He takes on a Brazilian in Burns that has won six in a row and is 12-3 overall in the promotion. Burns won his last fight, a unanimous decision against Tyron Woodley on May 30th in Jacksonville.</p>
<p id="SpY5pS">At featherweight, #1 contender Max Holloway will get his rematch against champion Alex Volkanovski in the co-main event. Volkanovski is #7 in pound-for-pound, and is 21-1 as an MMA professional. He’s won 17 in a row, is 7-0 in the UFC, and defeated Holloway by unanimous decision on December 14th of last year in which a combined 291 punches landed.</p>
<p id="dR78oI">The third title fight is for Henry Cejudo’s now-vacant bantamweight belt, with Peter Yan facing veteran Jose Aldo. Yan is 6-0 in the UFC and the Russian has won half his fights via stoppage. He’ll need to get through the former champion Aldo, who has lost four of his last six fights but is still one of the most dangerous men in the division. </p>
<p id="RzKRFF">The women will also have a pair of terrific fights, with Rose Namajunas in a strawweight rematch against Jessica Andrade. Andrade won this fight in May of last year, but dropped the belt to Weili Zhang in her last outing. Also Paige VanZant, who has very publicly discussed leaving the UFC after this fight, takes on 9-1 and #15 Amanda Ribas at flyweight.</p>
<p id="iCBILH">Here are the early odds and bet splits for the main card of UFC 251 at Fight Island on July 11th:</p>
<p id="BBOCOH"><strong>Kamaru Usman: </strong>-200, 68% of handle, 74% of bets<br><strong>Gilbert Burns: </strong>+162, 32% of handle, 26% of bets</p>
<p id="XBLra9"><strong>Max Holloway: </strong>+170, 52% of handle, 56% of bets<br><strong>Alex Volkanovski: </strong>-210, 48% of handle, 44% of bets</p>
<p id="vde2Z6"><strong>Petr Yan: </strong>-230, 73% of handle, 65% of bets<br><strong>Jose Aldo: </strong>+180, 27% of handle, 35% of bets</p>
<p id="zlD8t6"><strong>Rose Namajunas: </strong>-200, 71% of handle, 73% of bets<br><strong>Jessica Andrade: </strong>+162, 29% of handle, 27% of bets</p>
<p id="nNsu0s"><strong>Paige VanZant: </strong>+500, 52% of handle, 38% of bets<br><strong>Amanda Ribas: </strong>-770, 48% of handle, 62% of bets</p>
<p id="dYkcpS"><em>Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ/WV/PA) or 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN) or 1-800-522-4700(NH/CO). NH/NJ/WV/IN/PA/CO only. 21+ (18+ NH). Eligibility Restrictions Apply. See website for details.</em></p>
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https://dknetwork.draftkings.com/2020/6/29/21306680/ufc-251-odds-picks-predictions-fight-island-usman-vs-burns-yan-aldo-andrade-najamunas-ribas-vanzantCollin Sherwin2020-06-28T12:46:34-07:002020-06-28T12:46:34-07:00The full cards for UFC’s Fight Island events
<figure>
<img alt="UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman prepares for his title defense against Colby Covington during UFC 245 at T-Mobile Arena on December 14, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Usman retained his title with a fifth-round TKO." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/eOrd1nLXZZYoorpGhXd3Wtoiwv4=/0x0:5032x3355/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66993101/1194033571.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Steve Marcus/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>UFC will run four events at Fight Island in Abu Dhabi. We run down the four cards and will update them with any changes.</p> <p id="Tew2Yb">UFC wrapped up its June schedule at the Apex facility in Las Vegas, and it’s time to turn our eyes to Fight Island. The organization and fighters are headed to Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, where we’ll get four fights, including the UFC 251 PPV.</p>
<p id="OE7tNE">Four championships are currently on the line over the course of two weeks, with three of them coming in the PPV. We could see the welterweight, featherweight, bantamweight, and flyweight titles all change hands before things are said and done. UFC 251 also features a huge women’s strawweight bout between the top two contenders.</p>
<p id="su3kjW">Below are the full cards as announced by UFC. It is always worth noting all fights are subject to change. It’s hard to recall the last time a UFC card went off without a single change, so we’ll update this as potential changes happen. It’s going to be interesting to see how this all pans out with the event overseas during a pandemic, but we’ll update as needed.</p>
<p id="E16LBq">All times listed are ET.</p>
<h2 id="waarfd">UFC 251</h2>
<h3 id="I3J4yK">Main card (10 p.m., ESPN+ PPV)</h3>
<p id="NRreTO"><strong>Main event</strong>: Kamaru Usman vs. Gilbert Burns (welterweight title)<br>Alexander Volkanovski vs. Max Holloway (featherweight title)<br>Petr Yan vs. Jose Aldo (vacant bantamweight title)<br>Jessica Andrade vs. Rose Namajunas<br>Paige VanZant vs. Amanda Ribas</p>
<h3 id="Xntck9">Preliminary card (8 p.m., ESPN/ESPN+)</h3>
<p id="ydX0ea">Volkan Oezdemir vs. Jiri Prochazka<br>Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos vs. Muslim Salikhov<br>Markwan Amirkhani vs. Danny Henry<br>Leonardo Santos vs. Roman Bogatov</p>
<h3 id="AWMZFH">Early preliminary card (6 p.m., ESPN/ESPN+)</h3>
<p id="jGIyjj">Marcin Tybura vs. Alexander Romanov<br>Zhalgas Zhumagulov vs. Raulian Paiva<br>Karol Rosa vs. Vanessa Melo<br>Martin Day vs. Davey Grant</p>
<h2 id="jyPVVf">UFC Fight Night July 15th</h2>
<h3 id="hmiQhi">Main card (10 p.m., ESPN+)</h3>
<p id="0j1eos"><strong>Main event</strong>: Calvin Kattar vs. Dan Ige<br>Frankie Edgar vs. Pedtro Munhoz<br>Carla Esparza vs. Marina Rodriguez<br>Abdul Razak Alhassan vs. Mounir Lazzez<br>Jared Gordon vs. Chris Fishgold</p>
<h3 id="l7PWR3">Preliminary card (7 p.m., ESPN+)</h3>
<p id="L21A8N">Modestas Bukauskas vs. Vinicius Moreira Castro<br>Molly McCann vs. Taila Santos<br>Ricardo Ramos vs. Lerone Murphy<br>John Phillips vs. Dusko Todorovic<br>Tim Elliott vs. Ryan Benoit<br>Liana Jojua vs. Diana Belbita</p>
<h2 id="8hnR8l">UFC Fight Night July 18th</h2>
<h3 id="ecSD0B">Main card (9 p.m., ESPN+)</h3>
<p id="I4IaT7"><strong>Main event</strong>: Deiveson Figueiredo vs. Joseph Benavidez (vacant flyweight title)<br>Kelvin Gastelum vs. Jack Hermansson<br>Marc Diakiese vs. Rafael Fiziev<br>Ariane Lipski vs. Luana Carolina<br>Alexandre Pantoja vs. Askar Askarov</p>
<h3 id="OIWWQk">Preliminary card (6 p.m., ESPN+)</h3>
<p id="8YNegs">Khadis Ibragimov vs. Roman Dolidze<br>Grant Dawson vs. Nad Narimani<br>Joe Duffy vs. Joel Alvarez<br>Brett Johns vs. Montel Jackson<br>Tagir Ulanbekov vs. Aleksander Doskalchuk<br>Davi Ramos vs. Arman Tsarukyan<br>Serghei Spivak vs. Carlos Felipe</p>
<h2 id="XrKsWD">UFC Fight Night July 25th</h2>
<h3 id="GvBsKy">Main card (11 p.m., ESPN+)</h3>
<p id="1QFF2x"><strong>Main event</strong>: Robert Whittaker vs. Darren Till<br>Mauricio Rua vs. Antonio Rogerio Nogueira<br>Alex Oliveira vs. Peter Sobotta<br>Alexander Gustafsson vs. Fabricio Werdum<br>Danny Roberts vs. Nicolas Dalby</p>
<h3 id="0ppCNV">Preliminary card (8 p.m., ESPN+)</h3>
<p id="My0rVe">Tom Aspinall vs. Jake Collier<br>Justin Tafa vs. Raphael Pessoa<br>Mike Grundy vs. Movsar Evloev<br>Bethe Correia vs. Pannie Kianzad<br>Nathaniel Wood vs. Umar Nurmagomedov<br>Ramazan Emeev vs. Shavkat Rakhmonov</p>
https://dknetwork.draftkings.com/ufc-mma-mixed-martial-arts-cards-ppv/2020/6/28/21306154/ufc-fight-island-251-full-card-fight-times-main-events-preliminary-cards-usman-vs-burns-yan-aldoDavid Fucillo