PPV UFC 296 - EDWARDS VS. COVINGTON
- P4 Tha Dogg
- Dec 15, 2023
- 3 min read
T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
December 16, 2023
All betting odds are from Caesars Sportsbook
Please bet responsibly and within your means.
Fight Card
Prelims
Bantamweight: American Cody Garbrandt -185 Vs. American Brian Kelleher +170
After his impressive UFC bantamweight title run, going 11-0 including 6-0 in the UFC, Cody Garbrandt started another streak, one of the losing variety. Since beating Dominick Cruz in December of 2016 Cody has constructed a 2-5 record with loses over T.J Dillashaw, Pedro Munhoz, Rob Font and Kai Kara-France. At 32 years of age Cody better get on the right side of some of these fights or he may meet his former ring partner Cruz in the commentary booth full time. Brian “Boom” Kelleheris on a similar streak without nearly the highs of Garbrandt, 8-7 in the UFC and 0-2 in his last two, both by submission. This should be a brawler's fight. I expect someone to get TKOed in the contest and the loser may be fighting Mike Perry in BKFC in 2024.
Main Card
Before we get to the main card I would be remiss if I didn't mention Ian Machodo Gary and his cold. My only hope after he missed the pre-fight press conference is that he is re-booked for UFC 297 in January so he can face Sean Strickland.
Featherweight title contender Josh Emmett is a rare higher-ranked betting underdog. After back to back losses to killers Yair Rodriguez and Ilia Topuria, bringing his UFC record to 9-2 he still is in the mix but with an age on the wrong side of 35 it’s now or never. Should also mention Josh has the worst tattoos in the UFC. FREEEEEDOOOOOM best explains the god-fearing, ranching, building, rapping, Arkansas-born assassin Bryce “Thug Nasty” Mitchell. Besides their shared loss to Ilia Topuria these two could not be anymore different, Josh a brawler and Bryce the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu master. Bryce has a 16-1 professional record including 7-1 in the Ultimate Fighting Championship, with 2 submissions and no knockouts. This fight will go to the ground. It's just a matter if Josh can deal with Bryce’s heavy pressure.
Lightweight: American Tony “El Cucuy” Ferguson +260 Vs. Englishman Paddy “The Baddy” Pimblett N/A
It’s Tony time once again, “El Cucuy” or “The Boogieman” of the UFC is on his last legs. After losing his last 6, 6! fights, Tony Ferguson needs a win. Paddy “The Baddy” Pimblett has had a fast rise to the top of UFC fame, it may be because of his english accent, the ebay he blows up out of camp but I don't think it’s because of his fighting skill. This fight will be decided before it is fought, with his new cornerman, David Goggins, if Tony says “Who’s gonna carry the boats” at any time drain your bank account, Tony takes it in the 2nd.
Welterweight: Kazakhstani #5 Shavkat Rakhmonov -600 Vs. American #6 Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson +500
Maybe the most impressive fighter you’ve never heard of, Shavkat Rokhmonov, is 17-0 with 8 KOs and 9 Submissions and has only been out of the 2nd round once in his UFC career. Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson with a less impressive UFC career with a 12-6-1 record. Wonderboy is still a very skilled fighter but I see this as more of a gauge for Shavkat’s level, if he can finish Stephen he’s the real deal.
Flyweight: Brazilian Champion Alexandre Pantoja -190 Vs. American #2 Brandon Royval +165
Ywan. wake me up when Brandon Moreno is back. Both these fighters are decent Royval, a mixed martial artist, Pantoja a grappler.
Welterweight: Englishman Champion Leon “Rocky” Edwards -160 Vs. American #3 Colby “Chaos” Covington +140
One of the most anticipated fights since Rocky has taken the belt from Kamaru Usman. One of the most outspoken UFC fighters Colby Covington gets another title shot against Leon Edwards. Colby, a national champion wrestler, takes on one of the more accomplished kick-boxers. With power on both sides of the octagon. This is an absolute banger of a fight and is well worth the PPV.
Card Expectations:
We are currently 6-2 on locks and this train will not stop. I'm going out on a limb and taking 3 locks. Bryce Mitchell by finish, Shavkat Rockmonov and Brandon Royval by finish. Don’t say I didn’t tell you.
Enjoy the card and drink responsibly.
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