Tafa KO Headlines UFC 298 Prelims
UFC 298 Betting Preview, Who's Worth Some Coin?
There are four prelim fights on our UFC 298 betting preview, including the highly anticipated Rogerio de Lima vs Tafa.
The prelims are topped by Lemos vs Dern, which will also have the crowd and bettors entertained.
The prelims for UFC kick off with a light heavyweight clash between Zhang Mingyang and Brendson Ribeiro.
UFC 298
Location: Honda Center
Day/Time:
Tafa Seeking Big Blow
Justin Tafa is one of the heaviest hitters in the UFC, and he headlines our UFC 298 betting preview.
The New Zealander faces a tough opponent in Marcos Rogerio de Lima, who is 21-10-1, but Tafa only needs to land one punch to his chin to end the fight.
Tafa is 7-3 following a first-round knockout of Austen Lane in September, which lasted just 1:22. It was quick work from the power puncher, who is unlikely to go the distance.
He’ll either knock out his opponent or lose, and he spent just over a minute to dispatch Parker Porter earlier last year.
His next UFC fight is always worth looking forward to, and we’re excited about the +135 odds for Tafa to win by knockout.
He doesn’t leave anything to chance, and although he’s the slightly shorter fighter, the chin of de Lima will seem like a big target for the Kiwi.
Tafa could win knockout of the night if our predictions go as planned.
Is Dern All Hype?
There is always plenty of hype surrounding Mackenzie Dern, but as a betting underdog, she could rise to the challenger.
She faces Amanda Lemos, who has looked good in posting a 13-3-1 record. However, the -130 favorite isn’t invincible, and there is very little separating them.
If Dern fights a smart fight, the 30-year-old could win on points, so we’re happy to include her in our UFC betting picks.
Dern often fights at short odds, so the even money line is generous. It will be one of her hardest fights in her career, but if she gets past Lemos, a title shot could be on the cards.
Coach Paul Herrera believes she’s better prepared for this fight.
She’s going to be a whole different person,” Herrera said of Saturday’s fight. “Just because she emotionally and mentally is at a different place.”
Nakamura is a Massive Favorite
Rinya Nakamura is a -1300 favorite to beat Carlos Vera, which is about as short as it comes with UFC betting.
Nakamura is 8-0 after winning his UFC debut by knockout and then beating Fernie Garcia by decision.
“I trained at American Top Team for months and I trained with super strong guys every day, so that was really amazing for me. I’ll make sure to show you guys I am much better than last time,” Nakamura said.
Taking such short odds is always risky, but there isn’t much known about Vera, who looks out of his depth.
Under 1.5 rounds pays +105 at the sportsbook, which could be worth entertaining. However, there is less risk with Nakamura to win by KO, TKO, or DQ at -105.
It’s still a short price, but compared to the -1300, it’s a value bet to include in our UFC 298 betting preview.
Ribeiro’s Reach the Clincher
Ribeiro has a significant reach advantage over Mingyang, and that could be the difference with the big bruisers.
The 27-year-old is 15-5, and he looked good when winning on Dana White’s Contender Series with a first round knockout of Joao Fagundes.
Mingyang is 16-6 and he has been on a winning tear. He has recorded five consecutive first round KO victories, including one on the Road to UFC Episode 1.
However, Ribeiro has a little more ring craft, and that could help his cause.
They’re -115 joint favorites but include the Brazilian in selections.
UFC 298 Betting Odds
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