Following multiple juggling acts, the UFC opted to elevate the co-main between Magomed Ankalaev and Jan Blachowicz to the top of the marquee. And put the vacant light heavyweight title up for grabs. Although the main event might not energize the casual sector, it’s an interesting fight. Blachowicz is a former champion who has the power to be feared at every moment. In comparison, Ankalaev is among the hottest UFC betting contenders in any weight class. The undercard has several rising contenders, with some former contenders trying to hang on to their UFC careers.
UFC 282 – Main Card
| Date and Time: | Saturday, December 10, 2022, 10 p.m. ET |
|---|---|
| Location: | T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada |
| TV Coverage: | ESPN+ |
Light Heavyweight Title Bout
| Fighter | Odds |
|---|---|
| Jan Blachowicz | +200 |
| Magomed Ankalaev | -240 |
Jan Blachowicz has an online betting record of 29-9. By contrast, Magomed Ankalaev is 18-1 in his career.
It is true that both combatants lucked into this matchup. Previously, they were likely one fight away from competing for a championship. And even that was no guarantee. Consider all of the factors that go into UFC title fight matchmaking. Instead, Blachowicz and Ankalaev are getting their shot at the belt right away. Of course, the title belt shot ramps up the importance of this contest in a huge way.
Now gamblers that prefer big personalities can find them lower on the card. But they cannot ignore that Blachowicz is a former light heavyweight champion. Additionally, at age 39, he is probably taking his final run at the belt.
By contrast, Magomed Ankalaev is almost undefeated in his career. To show, he was well ahead on the scorecards in his UFC debut in 2018. However, he succumbed to a Paul Craig triangle choke at 4 minutes, 59 seconds of Round 3. Since then, Ankalaev has won nine fights in a row. Including the past three victories coming against one-time title challengers. The impressive resumes of these two and the championship stakes make for the ultimate main event.
Middleweight Bout
| Fighter | Odds |
|---|---|
| Darren Till | +120 |
| Dricus Du Plessis | -140 |
Darren Till has a career marker of 18-4-1. At the same time, Dricus du Plessis is 17-2 in his career.
Till went into his 2018 welterweight title challenge unbeaten in 18 bouts. Since getting smoked that night by then-champ Tyron Woodley, Till has only just one win in four fights. Additionally, Till’s most recent two losses have come after his move to middleweight. In turn, Till was hoping to reinvigorate his flagging career. Now he’s in what has the look of a must-win matchup with du Plessis. Meanwhile, du Plessis is looking to add the biggest name to his already impressive 17-2 resume.
Lightweight Bout
| Fighter | Odds |
|---|---|
| Paddy Pimblett | -190 |
| Jared Gordon | +160 |
Overall, Paddy Pimblett is 19-3 for his career. Jared Gordon has a career record of 19-5.
Welterweight Bout
| Fighter | Odds |
|---|---|
| Robbie Lawler | +310 |
| Santiago Ponzinibbio | -380 |
Robbie Lawler has a career UFC Betting odds record of 29-16 with one no contest. In comparison, Santiago Ponzinibbio has a career mark of 29-6.
Featherweight Bout
| Fighter | Odds |
|---|---|
| Bryce Mitchell | +130 |
| Ilia Topuria | -145 |
Bryan Mitchell is 15-1 in his career. By contrast, Ilia Topuria is 12-0 in his career.
UFC 282 SBG Free Picks
In this situation, Jan Blachowicz is getting a meaty price against Magomed Ankalaev. Blachowicz offers a better value play.
UFC 282 SBG Best Bets: Jan Blachowicz.