UFC on ESPN 6 goes down this Friday in Boston and features former middleweight champion Chris Weidman’s UFC light heavyweight debut. On a night featuring a wealth of all-American talent, here are some UFC on ESPN 6 betting tips to ensure you make the big bucks this weekend.
UFC on ESPN 6 Betting Tips
Jeremy Stephens (-105) vs Yair Rodriguez (-105)
Second time’s a charm, at least in the mind of UFC matchmaker Sean Shelby. Under one month since Yair Rodriguez (11-2-1NC) eye poked his way to a fifteen-second no-contest against Jeremy Stephens (28-16-1NC) the pair meet again in the co-main event of the evening.
This time around, however, one man will walk out of the octagon with his hand raised. Yair Rodriguez is one of the most exciting fighters in the featherweight division. The Mexican possesses both incredible variety and speed in his strikes. To beat Stephens, Rodriguez must utilise his kicks and keep Stephens at range in order to frustrate his opponent. Stephens has only been knocked out once his career by a strike to the head, so patience and timing will certainly be keys to victory for Rodriguez.
This time its personal, and Jeremy Stephens pulled no punches when be announced he wants to ‘kill this kid‘ this time around. Considering the tragic circumstances surrounding the recent death of boxer Patrick Day, one would hope that combat athletes restrain themselves from making such ridiculous statements in the future. Stephens is currently riding a two-fight losing streak and comes into this contest needing a win to be considered a valid title contender. Stephen’s has vicious leg kicks which if utilised correctly could significantly impair both the movement and kicking ability of Rodriguez. Stephens has iron in his fists, and if Yair is as defensively sloppy as he was in his fight of the year contender bout against Chang Sung Jung he could very well be stopped by his bitter rival.
Tip – Jeremy Stephens to win
Greg Hardy (-290) vs Ben Sosoli (+260)
Controversial athlete Greg Hardy (5-1) will make his fourth UFC appearance against Aussie Ben Sosoli (7-2).
Hardy claimed the biggest scalp of his professional career in his last bout, starching Dana White’s Contender Series alumni Juan Adams in the very first round. This victory strengthened Hardy’s impressive resume boasting five first-round finishes. Hardy hits incredibly hard but has yet to show much octagon IQ in his contests. Hardy will be looking for yet another quick finish and will press Sosoli early in order to achieve this.
Sosoli is no stranger to a brawl, but standing and trading with Hardy is likely a death sentence. Sosoli must be brave early in the bout and demand the respect of Hardy with some well-timed counter punches. ‘Seki’ will have to prove he has the superior technique to stand a chance this weekend.
In reality, however, Sosoli will likely be another can for Hardy to crush on his path to UFC infamy. The odds favour Hardy, and it is likely he will demolish his opponent in a fashion similar to his previous wins. However, is Sosoli is smart and calculated Hardy’s cockiness may lead to a sizeable upset in Boston.
Tip – Total rounds under 0.5
3. Deron Winn (-120) vs Darren Stewart (+110)
Darren Stewart (10-4) will look to derail another American hype train against Daniel Cormier prodigy Deron Winn (6-0) this weekend.
Deron Winn is a three-time All American at Lindenwood University in St. Charles and was highly touted to be a problem in the UFC middleweight division. Winn looked thoroughly in his latest octagon appearance against Eric Spicely with Spicely taking the bout on a weeks notice. If Winn wants to make a name for himself in MMA, he will have to dispatch of far more challenging opponents than Spicely in a more impressive fashion.
The path to victory for Winn is clear. Namely; wrestle. Stewart was taken down eight times in his last loss against Edmen Shahbazyan. Stewart showed improvements in this department against Bevon Lewis but if Winn can drag Stewart to the canvas he will be confident in his ability to smother the Englishman and earn his second UFC victory.
Darren Stewart is the walking epitome of why you should ‘Always Back a Brit’. Stewart has shown incredible heart in all of his octagon appearances, with hard-fought comebacks becoming his specialty. Although Stewart is the underdog again this weekend, one must not fall into the trap of doubting his ability to cause the upset.
In the bout itself, Stewart has some physical advantages. ‘The Dentist’ has a six-inch height advantage and a four-inch reach advantage over his opponent. Stewart is a good striker, and if his takedown defence holds up he could piece Winn up on the feet. As an underdog, Stewart is a very attractive pick this weekend.
*note- Deron Winn missed weight for this bout, coming at in 188.
Tip – Darren Stewart to win
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