Undefeated lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov (28-0, 8 KOs, 10 SUBs) will make his third title defense against knockout artist Justin Gaethje (22-2, 19 KOs, 1 SUB) at UFC 254 on Saturday, October 24, 2020 at UFC Fight Island in Abu Dhabi, UAE. In the co-main event, former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker (21-5, 9 KOs, 5 SUBs) squares off with the explosive Jared Cannonier (13-4, 9 KOs, 2 SUBs) in a high-stakes contest. The card airs live on pay-per-view starting 2pm ET. Stay up to date with the latest money lines, prop bets and more with the UFC odds at BookMaker.eu. Let's take a closer look at the main event and break down your best betting options.
Bet on UFC at BookMaker.eu
Khabib Nurmagomedov (28-0, 8 KOs, 10 SUBs)
What else can be said about the Russian that hasn't been said already? He can only be described in superlatives at this point: the greatest of all time in the UFC's best division. 28 wins and zero losses. So dominant that Conor McGregor brags that he won a round against him, and that’s likely the only round he’s ever lost inside a cage. Khabib has reached mythical status in his sport: every fight is larger than life. Stepping inside the octagon with him would be the equivalent of facing Lebron James in an NBA Finals, or battling Tom Brady (when he was on the Patriots) in the Super Bowl.
The scary thing is that every one of Khabib's opponents know exactly what's coming. Sure, he might test out his boxing and land a few shots. But at some point, The Eagle is going to put you on your butt, lay you on your back, then big brother the mother-lovin’ hell out of you. Elite athletes like Dustin "I can't get this fu*er off me" Poirier and Conor "It’s only business" McGregor were powerless to stop it. And it only takes one takedown/GNP session for Khabib to end the fight - because it just gets easier for him to do it again, and again, and again.
At this point, it’d be an absolute shocker to see Khabib in any sort of trouble - it's never happened. We might not ever see it either, considering that he’s stated he’d retire after just two more fights.
Justin Gaethje (22-2, 19 KOs, 1 SUB)
It seems like that whoever Khabib faces next takes the title as his “most dangerous opponent”, but the description seems to fit Gaethje more than anyone else. Gaethje is different: his dedication to violence and pure desire to put foes through the woodchipper makes him a walking Fight of the Year machine.
On paper, he has the exact skillset that should give the champ trouble. Gaethje is a decorated college wrestler who specializes in defensive wrestling. His hips are elite, making it nearly impossible to lock him up. His standup is murderous, from leg kicks and punches that land with sledgehammer savagery. Most importantly, Gaethje has the IQ, determination and spirit - all the intangibles to force Khabib into a dogfight.
Significant Striking Stats
Strikes landed per minute: Nurmagomedov 4.29 / Gaethje 7.74
Striking accuracy: Nurmagomedov 49% / Gaethje 59%
Strikes absorbed per minute: Nurmagomedov 1.7 / Gaethje 8.37
Striking defense: Nurmagomedov 66% / Gaethje 54%
Grappling Stats
Takedowns per 15 minutes: Nurmagomedov 5.09 / Gaethje 0
Takedown accuracy: Nurmagomedov 44% / Gaethje 0
Takedown defense: Nurmagomedov 84% / Gaethje 80%
Submissions per 15 minutes: Nurmagomedov 0.59 / Gaethje 0
UFC Picks
Don’t overthink this: The Eagle is the GOAT and he’s fighting in his prime. The most likely outcome is that he pins Gaethje to the mat and goes to town. Consider betting against the decision as Gaethje’s all-out style is rarely sustainable for 25 minutes. And if you’re looking to bet the challenger, at least make sure you take him by TKO, as it’s nearly impossible to see anybody winning a decision against a grinder like Khabib.
UFC 254: Khabib vs. Gaethje Card & Odds
Lightweight Championship - Justin Gaethje +273 vs. Khabib Nurmagomedov -347
Middleweight - Jared Cannonier -117 vs. Robert Whittaker -107
Heavyweight - Walt Harris +147 vs. Alexander Volkov -176
Light Heavyweight - Ion Cutelaba +243 vs. Magomed Ankalaev -303
Middleweight - Jacob Malkoun +207 vs. Phil Hawes -255
Heavyweight - Tai Tuivasa -102 vs. Stefan Struve -122
Light Heavyweight - Sam Alvey +273 vs. Da Un Jung -347
Women’s Flyweight - Liana Jojua +338 vs. Miranda Maverick -444
Welterweight - Shavkat Rakhmonov -107 vs. Alex Oliveira -117
Catchweight - Casey Kenney -186 vs. Nathaniel Wood +154
Lightweight - Joel Alvarez -162 vs. Alexander Yakovlev +134
Access live betting lines from your mobile device at BookMaker Sportsbook! Real-time spreads, totals, props, and money lines are all available so start betting with BookMaker today.
