Best UFC 200 odds & bonus bets for Jones vs. Cormier 2

UFC #200 is finally here after months of build-up and what a fight card they have put on for fans and punters.

Controversial superstar Jon Jones defends his interim light heavyweight title against Daniel Cormier, who holds the official title, in a rematch of UFC #182 where Jones squeaked out a unanimous decision over five rounds.

These two men can’t stand one another, which makes this upcoming fight even more exciting. Jones and Cormier have been throwing plenty of trash at each other, but fans are hoping they do the real talking inside the octagon.

Online bookmakers are predicting a Jones victory, but Cormier has attracted plenty of support. Considering his 17-1 record, punters have every reason to snap up the value being offered at Sportsbet.com.au.

The under-card, in our opinion, is the best under-card ever offered by the UFC. It marks the return of WWE star Brock Lesnar, who fights Australasian hard-hitter Mark Hunt. Lesnar has taken some time away from the sport after winning and eventually losing the UFC heavyweight title, but he looks ready to take on the ‘Super Samoan’.

As if it couldn’t get any better, the UFC featherweight championship is also on the line when former champion Jose Aldo takes on Frankie Edgar. Despite Aldo’s credentials, Edgar is the favourite with bookmakers in what should be one of the closest fights on the card.

The women’s bantamweight title is also on the line as Miesha Tate defends her title against Amanda Nunes. There have been three different women’s champions in as many fights, but Tate is the firm favourite to keep hold of the title she fought so hard to capture.

Every main card and prelim fight is available to bet on at Sportsbet.com.au, where you can get money back up to $50 cash if your fighter loses in the first round.

Jon Jones vs. Daniel Cormier 2 prediction

Head-to-head odds:

Jon Jones: $1.33
Daniel Cormier: $3.34

Method of Victory:

Jones by KO – $4
Jones by submission – $6
Jones by decision – $2.20
Draw – $51
Cormier by KO – $10
Cormier by submission – $15
Cormier by decision – $5.50

Prediction:

This is expected to be a close fight and we can’t disagree with that. Both fighters have lost only one fight each, with Jones at 22-1 and Cormier 17-1.

Jones has the more well-rounded game, but he looked rusty in his last fight and he’s had his fair share of problems outside of the octagon. He deserves to be favourite because it was only a few years ago that Jones was overwhelming every opponent he came up against and was considered the best overall fighter in the UFC.

An extended absence from the octagon left some punters wondering if he would ever return to his best, and we’re yet to see that, but Jones is a champion athlete who has a massive 12-inch reach advantage over Cormier.

The best aspect about Cormier is his power punches. His cardio wasn’t up to scratch the last time they faced each other and we shouldn’t expect anything different this Sunday. He scores a knockout win in 47 percent of his fights and, whilst it will take an element of surprise to knock Jones out, Cormier could wear him down with power shots to the body.

Many punters have placed sizeable bets on Cormier to win by decision at $5.50. It’s not the worst wager, as both fighters will be tough to knock out, but taking Jones by decision ($2.20 at Sportsbet) looks the way to go as he should have too much class.

Mark Hunt vs. Brock Lesnar odds and tips

Head-to-head odds:

Mark Hunt – $1.60
Brock Lesnar – $2.33

Method of Victory:

Hunt by KO – $1.72
Hunt by submission – $14
Hunt by decision – $10
Draw – $51
Lesnar by KO – $3.75
Lesnar by submission – $8.50
Lesnar by decision – $8.50

Prediction:

We can’t guarantee anything in sports, but seeing this fight go the distance would be a shock so it might pay to disregard the decision betting options.

Both Mark Hunt and Brock Lesnar have average submission and decision records, with Hunt having never had submitted someone in the UFC. This fight should be won by knockout, as both fighters possess insane power, but Lesnar also has some wrestling ability.

Brock has a record of 5-3, which isn’t overly impressive at first glance, but the former WWE star won the UFC heavyweight championship and that’s something Hunt can’t boast.

The lack of octagon experience could hurt Lesnar, but he is facing a smaller opponent in Hunt who likes to fight in close. Hunt is a knockout specialist with a 75 percent KO rate and his lack of reach could put him at a disadvantage in this fight.

That hasn’t stopped the “Super Samoan” in the past, but his record of 12-10 suggests that he’s susceptible to the one-punch power Lesnar possesses.

This fight will come down to how fit Lesnar is and whether he can force Hunt to the ground. Lesnar is an accomplished wrestler who lost three UFC fights because he bled too easily and his defense wasn’t good enough.

This is a tough fight to predict, but we’re taking the value with Lesnar. He is currently paying $2.80 to win by either KO or submission at Sportsbet.

Jose Aldo vs. Frankie Edgar fight predictions

Head-to-head odds:

Jose Aldo – $1.95
Frankie Edgar – $1.85

Method of Victory:

Aldo by KO – $5
Aldo by submission – $7.50
Aldo by decision – $3.75
Draw – $51
Edgar by KO – $4.50
Edgar by submission – $9.50
Edgar by decision – $3.40

Prediction:

There might not be a more hated fighter in the UFC than the number one featherweight contender, Jose Aldo, who will be looking to grab the interim title.

Aldo has been slammed by the public after his notable exclusions from past event-cards and his excuses have seemed sketchy. We can’t question his ability – a 25-2 record speaks for itself – but Frankie “The Answer” Edgar certainly can.

Edgar is a well-liked fighter who can win in multiple ways. With a 19-4-1 record, he relies on endurance and doesn’t mind winning in a decision. Aldo will be looking for the knockout and that should play into Edgar’s hands.

There isn’t much between these two fighters in terms of size, so this fight will come down to who wants it more. We commend Edgar’s toughness and he’s always willing to fight anyone at any time, but Aldo has a natural gift and his overall statistics are more impressive.

Seeing Aldo as an underdog is rare, so take the $1.98 at William Hill while it lasts.

Miesha Tate vs. Amanda Nunes fight picks

Head-to-head odds:

Miesha Tate – $1.41 at Sportsbet
Amanda Nunes – $2.93

Method of Victory:

Tate by KO – $6.50
Tate by submission – $2.50
Tate by decision – $4.33
Draw – $51
Nunes by KO – $4.50
Nunes by submission – $11
Nunes by decision – $8.50

Prediction:

Miesha “Cupcake” Tate defends her bantamweight title against Amanda Nunes, who poses a serious knockout threat.

Tate won the title by defeating Holly Holm only one fight after Holm had defeated the previously unbeaten Ronda Rousey. Tate was able to submit Holm in the closing round and she faces a similar task against Nunes, who will be using her hands as her primary weapon.

Nunes has a 12-4 record with a 75 percent KO percentage. The bantamweight division has plenty of talent, but not a whole lot of consistency. Nunes will have to jump over Tate early and rattle the current champion if she’s any chance in this.

Tate has plenty of experience with 23 fights under her belt and she’s tough enough to withstand the likely early-onslaught from Nunes.