UFC 277 betting has begun, and there looks to be a great chance to score big. While the main card is where the glamour resides, the prelims are where the betting man lives. This week, it looks as though perhaps the bookies, as well as the UFC matchmakers, may have been fooled again, twice.
UFC 277 Betting on Nicolae Negumereanu vs. Ihor Poteria
| UFC 277 | Nicolae Negumereanu | Ihor Potieria |
|---|---|---|
| Opening Odds | +125 | -145 |
| Record | 12-1-0 | 19-2-0 |
| Average Fight Time | 11:35 | 3:41 |
| Height | 6’0″ | 6’3″ |
| Weight | 205 lbs | 205 lbs |
| Reach | 78″ | 75″ |
| Strikes Landed Per Minute | 3.39 | 4.89 |
| Striking Accuracy | 39% | 72% |
The first of the two intriguing match-ups is Nicolae Negumereanu vs. Ihor Potiera, the second fight on the preliminary portion of the card. Negumereanu is on a three-fight win streak, most recently beating Nzechukwu by decision. His opponent, on the other hand, is a bit of a mystery. Much like Askar Mozharov, many of his fights are unverifiable. When searching for most of his fights, he is taking on some of the least co-ordinated looking fighters imaginable.
In fact, in 22 fights, 3 of his opponents have had winning records. Negumereanu is now a proven entity in the UFC and by no means one of the worst in the division. Ihor Pouteria is unbelievably the favorite as of now, and barring lightning striking, could be my best value bet this year.
UFC 277 Betting on Hamdy Abdelwahab vs. Don’Tale Mayes
| +170 | Best Odds | -175 |
|---|---|---|
| Egypt | Country | USA |
| 3-0-0 | Record | 9-4-0 |
| 0-0 | As Dog | 0-2 |
| 0-0 | As Fav | 4-1 |
| 00:00 | Avg. Fight Time | 12:01 |
| 6’2″/260 lbs | Height / Weight | 6’5″/251 lbs |
| 72″ | Reach | 80″ |
| N/A | Stance | Orthodox |
| January 22, 1993 | DOB | January 18, 1992 |
The second fighter we trust this week is Don’Tale Mayes. He takes on Hamdy Abdelwahab, an Olympian wrestler turned bare-knuckle knockout artist. Debuting in early 2022 as an MMA fighter, he is 3-0 under official rules, pretty good, right?
In his last performance, he beat 0-0, 39-year-old Matthew Strickland. An impressive way to continue your streak following a huge win over the 3-3 Tyler Lee. Mayes though has only managed two wins in the UFC and went three rounds with Cyril Gane albeit in a losing effort. Mayes also holds an 8-inch reach advantage, trouble for someone who swings as wide and wild as Abdelwahab.
If you were to put $20 on the double, you would get a return of around $69, not bad for what looks to be two easy picks.
Who are your locks of the night at UFC 277?
Featured image credit to Ultimate Fighting Championship
