No. 5 lightweight Kevin Lee (17-3, 2 KOs, 8 SUBs) meets Al Iaquinta (13-4, 7 KOs, 1 SUB) in the main event of UFC on FOX 31 on Saturday, December 15, 2018 at the Wisconsin Entertainment and Sports Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The card airs live on FOX starting 8pm EST.
The Motown Phenom comes to Milwaukee. Lightweight contender Kevin Lee is on the title hunt, and this Saturday he faces a former title challenger in a rematch with Al Iaquinta. Yes, Iaquinta literally lucked into a title shot through a bizarre set of circumstances leading up to UFC 223, but turned in a strong performance against a serial killer in Khabib Nurmagomedov. Meaning, Iaquinta didn’t get completely trashed for 25 minutes.
But back to Lee, since he’s the guy that many believe could give Khabib a run for his money. After a loss to Tony Ferguson for the interim belt - notable because Lee was dealing with a serious staph infection - the brash Michigan native righted the ship with a dominant win over Edson Barboza. The No. 5 lightweight is on a short list of legit title contenders, and his main event placement on a FOX card could catapult him into a title eliminator sooner than later.
For Iaquinta, this is a chance to prove that he’s not a product of favorable circumstances. The New Yorker has had his issues with the UFC, which many believe is why he hasn’t fought more often. But he’s got the look of a solid top 10 guy - and maybe more - which is saying a lot in a loaded division.
Let’s take a look at the UFC odds at BookMaker.eu and break down how to bet online. Live UFC betting is also available during fight night to hedge your bets.
UFC on FOX 31 Betting at BookMaker.eu
Kevin Lee -315 vs. Al Iaquinta +235
Fight goes/doesn’t go to decision: +185 / -265
Significant Striking Stats
Landed per minute: Lee 4.06 / Iaquinta 4.28
Accuracy: Lee 45% / Iaquinta 40%
Absorbed per minute: Lee 2.96 / Iaquinta 4.04
Defense: Lee 52% / Iaquinta 62%
Grappling Stats
Takedown average: Lee 3.33 / Iaquinta 0.98
Takedown accuracy: Lee 42% / Iaquinta 28%
Takedown defense: Lee 75% / Iaquinta 77%
Submission average: Lee 1.14 / Iaquinta 0.37
Bet this UFC fight at BookMaker.eu
Even in a weight class brimming with elite wrestlers, Lee stands out as one of the best. He is highly technical, backing up his skill with stellar athleticism and a mean physicality. Still just 26 years old, Lee is just hitting his physical peak - a scary thought for many of the top contenders in their early 30s. Physically, you just couldn’t ask for anything more from a fighter.
Of course, the question here is the same as almost every Lee fight: will he be able to impose his wrestling on his opponent. Iaquinta can be classified as a wrestle-boxer, but the extent of his wrestling experience is competing at the community college level. He’s never tried to become an offensive grappler, instead using his knowledge to stay on the feet. It’s worked for the most part, as he stops takedowns at a 77% clip.
Iaquinta couldn’t stifle Nurmagomedov’s takedowns, but nobody is in the same league as the Russian in that category. But Lee is one of the few that can play in the same ballpark. Averaging more than a takedown a round, Lee will most likely press Iaquinta from the start. At least, that’d be the easiest path to victory - Iaquinta is still clearly the more polished and dangerous striker.
UFC Odds Pick: Iaquinta to win at +235
Did you forget this was a rematch? Let me remind you of who win in their first encounter: Iaquinta took a unanimous decision over his opponent at UFC 169 in February 2014. Of course, It’s Lee that’s made the most dramatic improvements, as he was just a kid getting his feet wet back then. But this is still not the greatest matchup for him, as Iaquinta’s takedown defense and ability to hurt dudes off his back foot makes him a very live ‘dog. We like a small bet at these odds.
Bet on UFC on FOX 31 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 on FOX 31 takes place on Saturday, December 15, 2018 at the Wisconsin Entertainment and Sports Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The card airs live on FOX starting 8pm EST.
