UFC Betting Guide: UFC 229

UFC 229 is the biggest fight event of the year. Conor Mcgregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov square off at the iconic MSG Arena, New York, 6th October 2018. It’s been two years since McGregor has entered the Octagon but his rivalry with the Russian is at boiling point after the media day bus attack at UFC 223.

A stacked card from top to bottom, Our Bet UK MMA Journalist gives his UFC betting tips:

Main Card

Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Conor McGregor

The eagerly anticipated main event and fight for the ages. A grudge match of epic proportions, Ireland vs Russia. Khabib, the lightweight champion and undefeated fighter at 26-0. Perhaps the best wrestler the UFC has ever seen, he’s never even lost a round in his MMA career. Raised and trained in Dagestan, a hotbed for Russian wrestling machines, there’s no one who’s even come close to him in the UFC. McGregor, a brash Irishmen who’s been out the game for 2 years. However, McGregor is one of the most underrated fighters in the UFC today. It’s a classic boxer vs wrestler fight, question is can McGregor land the left hand? I believe he will. McGregor’s power is unmatched in the division, the angles he creates from his karate-type stance makes him very hard to replicate in the gym too. The main issue here is that WHEN Khabib takes him down, can McGregor get back up and tee off? He did it against Mendes but the Russian is a different animal all together. Having said that, I do think McGregor will land the left hand on Khabib coming in. Khabib swings wildly with his head down, which is where McGregor will land on the dome.

Winner: McGregor to win 13/10
Method: TKO/KO

Tony Ferguson vs. Anthony Pettis

My pick for Fight of the Night. This is a feast for any MMA fan that wants to see combat sports at the highest level. Both fighters have quality BJJ and devastating muay thai. Ferguson is returning from an injury that kept him out for a year to the day. Ferguson also holds the record for the longest winning streak of all time in the lightweight division. Impressive victories over Edson Barboza and Rafael Dos Anjos put him in the class of the top lightweights of all time. Since 2015, Pettis has had a staggered record, but comes off an impressive win against Michael Chiesa. Pettis is the former lightweight champion too. Ferguson has an awkward style and cardio for days, a win could set up a grudge match with one of the two men in the main event.

Winner: Ferguson to win 1/4
Method: Decision

Ovince Saint Preux vs. Dominick Reyes

OSP is a veteran of the sport, yet he’s had a rocky few years, as he’s not been able to put a solid run together. Dominick Reyes comes in undefeated, finishing his last 3 fights in the UFC in spectacular fashion. However, I think OSP will have the stronger takedowns, and will be stronger in the clinch to tire Reyes out. OSP will look to take the fight into the later rounds and will eventually impose his will.

Winner: OSP to win 31/20
Method: Decision

Derrick Lewis vs Alexander Volkov

Lewis enters with heavy hands, boasting 20 wins and 17 knockouts, while Volkov enters with 30 wins and 20 knockouts. It’s fair to say this fight isn’t going the distance. Volkov on a 6 fight winning streak with a win over the former heavyweight champion Werdum by KO. However, Lewis is coming the biggest win of his career against the highly touted Ngannou. This could end with a single shot, but the 6’7 Russian has the reach and height over Lewis.

Winner: Volkov to win 20/39
Method: KO/TKO

Michelle Waterson vs. Felice Herrig

A fight between two experienced fighters. Herrig a tough cookie, who’s been around for a long time. Fought at Bellator, Invicta and UFC, with notable wins along the way.

Winner: Herrig to win 5/7
Method: Decision

Prelims

Sergio Pettis vs. Jussier Formiga

Pettis was derailed by Henry Cejudo to snap a 4-fight winning streak, but bounced back in his last outing with a win. Formiga coming off a 2 fight winning streak, this fight sees two of the best flyweights in the world battling for a no contender spot.

Winner: Pettis to win 5/9
Method: Decision

Aspen Ladd vs. Tonya Evinger

Evinger, a very experienced fighter is coming off a loss to Cyborg, but previous performances and experience shows she’s capable of making it in the UFC. Ladd is undefeated but I think experience will prevail here.

Winner: Evinger to win 10/11
Method: Submission

*All odds from Bet UK's online betting correct at time of writing