UFC 197 Betting Tips
UFC 197 Betting Tips
UFC 197 features massive co-headlining fights between Jon Jones and Ovince Saint Preux and Demetrious Johnson and Henry Cejudo which we look at in our UFC 197 betting tips!
Jon Jones vs Ovince Saint Preux
The pound-for-pound king Jon Jones returns to the UFC for his first fight since January of last year and standing in his way at UFC 197 is the little-known, yet explosive athlete Ovince Saint Preux. With the interim UFC light heavyweight championship up for grabs, it is certainly a tremendous opportunity for OSP, but he will need plenty of luck on his side if he is to claim the belt.
With Daniel Cormier withdrawing from this fight due to injury, Saint Preux jumped at the opportunity to compete in easily the most high-profile fight of his career. While he enters the octagon as the major underdog, there have been a multitude of upsets in the UFC over the past six months. OSP is a super-athletic guy who fights with plenty of ferocity. He is a very clever and unorthodox fighter who should not be taken lightly by Jones. I feel as though OSP is likely to have a “moment” in the fight, but whether or not he has the skill to capitalise on that moment will be the big question. He has a unique skill set with the ability to draw opponents into his space before using his reach to take them out. Unfortunately this capability is nullified against an opponent like Jones who still possesses a solid reach advantage in this fight. While OSP has proven he is the type of fighter that can catch you, he has never faced the calibre of opponent as Jones and has also struggled when stepping up against class fighters.
Out-of-the-ring controversies in recent times have given Jon Jones a massive point to prove. He could have easily refused to take this fight against a new opponent on short notice, but he is well-prepared, well-conditioned and ready to compete. Despite a long layoff from the sport, there is certainly no questioning his credentials as a fighter and he is one of the most talented individuals the UFC has seen. Unlike his original match-up against Cormier, Jones will enter this match up with an advantage in the wrestling stakes so it is hard to see where OSP could possibly have the advantage. Jones is tremendous at keeping his opponents at a distance, which as mentioned before, nullifies the unpredictable style and stance that OSP has.
Mixed martial arts is an unpredictable sport at the best of times and as the old adage goes, everyone has a puncher’s chance. But Jones is the overwhelming favourite for a reason and expect this fight to be controlled on his terms before a late second round submission.
Tip: Jon Jones by 2nd Round Submission – $8.00 at Sportsbet
Demetrious Johnson vs Henry Cejudo
UFC flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson will defend his title for the eighth time against the unbeaten Henry Cejudo in the co-main event of UFC 197.
Johnson, the most dominant titleholder in the sport today, is a man that needs little introduction. He is one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world with a mixed martial arts record of 23-2. The man known as Mighty Mouse has very few weaknesses in his game and constantly applies tremendous pressure on his opponents in the octagon. Johnson has looked almost flawless in his eight title defences and enters UFC 197 as firm favourite.
Looking to dethrone the champion is one of the UFC’s most exciting up-and-coming talents in Henry Cejudo. This is a man that is no stranger to the big stage and the pressures that come with performing at that level. Cejudo won an Olympic Gold Medal at the tender age of just 21, becoming the youngest American to do so. He is undefeated in mixed martial arts but faces his toughest opponent yet in the greatest flyweight in the UFC’s history. Cejudo hits hard and is tough as nails and is almost certain to try to take this fight to the ground.
Cejudo is as big a chance as any in this weight division to become the new flyweight champion. However, he is still very raw to the sport with plenty of areas to improve on. His striking game is underrated but this is an area where Mighty Mouse will have him covered. Johnson’s movement around the octagon and immaculate striking could be too devastating for Cejudo but expect the challenger to try to close the distance and dominate ground position. This should be a great fight with two interesting styles but it is too hard to go past Demetrious Johnson with a points decision victory in this one.
Tip: Demetrious Johnson Win By Unanimous Decision – $2.75 at Ladbrokes
Consider placing your UFC 197 bets at Ladbrokes where you can score a $501 sign-up bonus if you click to create an account at Bet King! May not be available to all punters, so make sure to read terms and conditions before signing up.
Always Gamble Responsibly.
