THE accelerated UFC schedule is well underway with UFC 249 returning with a bang last week, and Fight Night: Smith vs Teixeira having successfully taken place earlier this week. With over 30 fights occuring in the space of seven days, we take a look at betting options for the final night of the stretch – Fight Night: Harris vs Overeem. Saturday night’s live event is stacked with familiar names – here’s what to look out for.

Bettors might be drawn to fighting legend Matt Brown (8/5) over his opponent, newcomer Miguel Baeza (1/2), but the big hitting greenhorn looked impressive in his debut UFC contest, scoring a knockout via ground and pound. Although Brown has looked improved in his last two fights, Brown’s famous resilience appears to be all but gone.

Regular viewers might remember the name Darren “The Damage” Elkins from his unlikely run, which featured a submission of Michael Johnson, decision win over Manny Bermudez, and a KO victory over Mirsad Bektić which mirrored Homer Simpson’s boxing tactics: being repeatedly punched in the head until your opponent is so tired he falls over. Elkins (17/20) faces organisation rookie Nate Landwehrl (19/20) on Saturday’s preliminary card. Whilst Elkins is unlikely to ever repeat his six-fight winstreak, his toughness and tenacity should never be underestimated. 

Former American football star Eryk Anders (13/10) takes on Kryztof Jotko (3/5) in closely matched bout. Jotko is certainly a superior technician but Anders however holds incredible power in both hands (and feet), and with Jotko having been on the wrong end of a KO/TKO in two of his last four, a win for Anders feels like a good value bet.

Dan “50k” Ige (11/10) fights Edson Barboza (8/11) in another closely matched contest, and with Ige coming off three impressive wins, you might be tempted to bet on him to get the nod. Edson Barboza is a certified Lightweight legend, his list of opposition reads of a who’s who of the UFC. He hasn’t won them all, but only the elite of the elite get past Edson Barboza. The problem? This contest is his first at Featherweight, a whole 10lbs less than where he has spent the majority of his career. Will he carry his speed and power? Will a huge weightcut deplete his reserves? 

Walt Harris (13-7-1) vs Alistair Overeem (45-18-1)

Walt Harris is a fighter who has struggled to ever get his UFC career truly rolling. It’s no slight on his technical boxing (he spars with fellow Alabama native Deontay Wilder), or athletic capabilities – he’s been on the bad end of a few unfavourable match-ups as well as a questionable disqualification against British brawler Mark Godbeer. The tide looked to be turning for him, putting together a string of brilliant performances against top tier opposition including Alexei Oleinik and Andrei Arlovski.

In November, Harris received the worst news a father could receive. His 18-year-old daughter had been found murdered after going missing in late October. This fight was originally scheduled to take place in December 2019, but understandably was cancelled to assist Harris in his processing of events in his personal life. Walt chose to return to the cage, and the bout with his original opponent; Overeem, was rescheduled.
 

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Overeem, who has been a professional fighter for 21 years turns 40 this Sunday. He will be looking to celebrate by adding another name to the long list of prospects, challengers and champions he has bested in his illustrious career. Overeem might never get another shot at the UFC Heavyweight Championship, but the heavweight division is lacking in stars and starpower, and his longevity and exciting style has cemented him as one of the UFCs most recognisable fighters.

Both these men are strikers – Overeem by far the more decorated having been a former kickboxing world champion. Harris holds the power and speed advantage, with bone shuddering impact knocking out both his previous two opponents in less than 62 seconds combined. Both fighters can score a knockout – Overeem priced at 12/5 and Harris at 4/5. Alistair has been seen to use submissions in the past, but they are few and far between as represented by their price at 12/1.

Ultimately, this fight might come down to both men’s ability to absorb damage. Here, the advantage lies with Harris. Whilst both men have been finished, Overeem has become notorious in recent years as somewhat of a glass cannon, and especially at heavyweight. It only takes one shot.

Bout odds: Overeem 13/10 vs Harris 13/20
Tip: Harris by TKO, KO or DQ Round 1 13/5