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Heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic (18-2, 14 KOs) will defend his title against light heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier (20-1, 9 KOs, 4 SUBs) at UFC 226 on July 7, 2018 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. The card airs live on pay-per-view starting 10 p.m. ET following the FS1 prelims.
We’ve had champion vs. champion fights before. But no such superfight has ever been for the heavyweight belt and the title of Baddest Man on the Planet. This Saturday, the greatest heavyweight champ in UFC history - Stipe Miocic - will defend his title against 205-pound kingpin Daniel Cormier in a bout that could vault the winner into the pantheon of greatness.
Plus, it’s just a kickass bout featuring two of the best big men on the planet. Miocic has been running roughshod through the division, while Cormier has all but cleaned out all light heavyweights not named Jon Jones. There’s also the fact that DC has never lost as a heavyweight - a resume that includes wins over notables fighters like Frank Mir, Josh Barnett and a prime Bigfoot Silva.
With a fight this big, there are gonna be a lot of options with the UFC odds at BookMaker.eu. Let’s break down the matchup and take a look at your best bets.
UFC Odds at BookMaker.eu
Daniel Cormier +240
Stipe Miocic -300
O 3.5 (-112) / U 3.5 (-108)
Striking Stats
Significant strikes landed p/m: Miocic 4.75 / Cormier 3.84
Accuracy: Miocic 51.9% / Cormier 49.17%
Significant strikes absorbed p/m: Miocic 2.88 / Cormier 2.47
Defense: Miocic 63.49% / Cormier 58.13%
Grappling Stats
Takedown average: Miocic 2.35 / Cormier 1.89
Takedown accuracy: Miocic 37.1% / Cormier 42.03%
Takedowns defended: Miocic 75% / Cormier 80.65%
Submission average: Miocic 0 / Cormier 0.46
Matchup Preview
Everybody’s wondering whether Cormier can physically handle Miocic. DC isn’t big even by light heavyweight standards, but his Olympic wrestling technique, low center of gravity and natural strength make him an elite MMA wrestler. Of course, it’s one thing to take down 205 pounders - it’s another to get a natural 240-pounder with good wrestling to the mat.
Miocic’s natural athleticism gives everyone problems. A multi-sport high school athlete, a successful collegiate wrestler and a former Golden Gloves boxer, the Clevelander is quick on his feet with good reaction time. Cormier’s never been an explosive double-leg guy, preferring to work for high crotch takedowns and level changes, but it’s doubtful that he can bully a guy like Miocic into the cage.
On the feet, this becomes a perilous proposition for DC. Miocic has five knockouts in his past six fights, and he’s done it off his back foot, coming forward and even from the top position. Cormier has never been a one-punch fight ender, so he will have to outwork Stipe for five rounds if this ends up a boxing match. What the light heavyweight has going for him is that he’s an excellent dirty boxer with the ability to latch onto a guy’s head with one hand and launch uppercuts with the other.
UFC Odds Pick: Fight goes to decision at +110
This is a very risky play, as Miocic has ridiculous power. But Cormier’s only been knocked out once, and that was from a perfectly timed head kick from Jon Jones. DC is an expert at turning fights into a grind and gutting his way out of tough situations. We like the slight ‘dog odds you can get on this fight going to the cards, as Cormier isn’t going to end the fight early but has the ability to grind for days.
UFC Odds Pick: Miocic by TKO/KO at +150
Miocic to win is the safer pick, but the money line is a bit too expensive for our tastes. If you’re going to go with the heavyweight champ, you can get a 150% return on him to win by knockout. We know this goes against our previous pick, but this takes into account DC’s age and Miocic’s hands.
Bet on UFC odds at BookMaker.eu
Access live betting lines from your mobile device at BookMaker sportsbook! Real-time spreads, totals, props and money line are all available so start betting with BookMaker today. UFC 226 takes place on July 7, 2018 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. The card airs live on pay-per-view starting 10 p.m. ET following the FS1 prelims.
