Former middleweight champion Anderson Silva (34-9, 23 KOs, 3 SUBs) will meet hard-hitting Jared Cannonier (11-4, 7 KOs, 2 SUBs) at UFC 237 on Saturday, May 10, 2019 at the Jeunesse Arena in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The main card airs live on pay-per-view starting 10pm ET.
There are two types of fights for Anderson Silva in this stage of his career: the “stepping stone” fight or “fun fight”. His matchup against Jared Cannonier this Saturday is very much the latter. On a somewhat mediocre pay-per-view offering, the legend is called to bolster a card in the country where he’s a huge star.
Not that we’re complaining. Silva is still one of the more entertaining 185-pounders out there, and as he proved in his last fight against Israel Adesanya, he’s still got a very particular set of skills that make him a nightmare against the middleweight middle class. Of course, his reputation alone makes him a target against guys that are looking for a signature win, and Jared Cannonier has a great opportunity to build on a big upset win over David Branch this past November.
It’s a dangerous fight for Silva, who faces off against a younger, more explosive opponent. But since Cannonier isn’t a wrestler, the Brazilian will be able to operate in his comfort zone. And because this is Anderson Silva we’re talking about, the potential for a memorable, magical moment is high. You don’t become a legend without being able to produce highlights.
Let’s take a look at the UFC odds at BookMaker.eu and break down your best betting options. Live UFC betting is also available to hedge your bets between rounds.
UFC Odds at BookMaker.eu
Anderson Silva +127
Jared Cannonier -160
Fight goes/doesn’t go to decision: -170 / +130
Significant Striking Stats
Landed per minute: Cannonier 3.63 / Silva 3.09
Accuracy: Cannonier 50% / Silva 60%
Absorbed per minute: Cannonier 2.83 / Silva 3.14
Defense: Cannonier 67% / Silva 61%
Grappling Stats
Takedown average: Cannonier 0.21 / Silva 0.18
Takedown accuracy: Cannonier 33% / Silva 75%
Takedown defense: Cannonier 44% Silva / 69%
Submission average: Cannonier 0 / Silva 0.36
Bet this UFC fight at BookMaker.eu
Silva isn’t nearly the fighter he used to be, but when you were that good in the first place you can lose a few steps and still be better than a lot of people. The 44-year old is still a crafty, creative striker with laser-guided accuracy. Counter-striking has always been his forte, and even at this age it’d be folly to rush in against him. His once-impenetrable sprawl is gone, but Cannonier is not a fighter that will test his defensive wrestling
Cannonier started his UFC career at heavyweight, moved down to 205 and now finds himself at middleweight. While his weight has shrunk, his power has stayed - concussive punches remain his calling card. He was able to blast through David Branch, but that win is dulled in hindsight as Branch’s losses continue to pile up.
This should play out largely on the feet, which is why I’m perplexed at the opening odds. Silva might be nearly 10 years older than Cannonier, he is by far the more skilled striker. Cannonier is fast, but he’s sort of like an aggressive version of Tyron Woodley - over-reliant on singular power punches. While there’s a chance that he might catch the slowing Silva, he tends to fall apart against more complex kickboxers.
UFC Odds Pick: Silva to win at +124
We tipped our hand in the previous paragraph. Making Cannonier a big favorite here is a mistake, as this is not a good style matchup for him. The taller, rangier Silva will have a wealth of opportunities to impose his supreme counterstriking, and that should be the difference in this fight.
Bet on UFC 237 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 237 takes place on Saturday, May 10, 2019 at the Jeunesse Arena in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
