Showdown Joe: UFC Melbourne’s Fun Bets

While UFC Fight Night 101: Whittaker vs. Brunson isn’t the most appealing card the organization has ever put together, the lack of mainstream names could be the perfect opportunity to cash in with some solid prop bets.

It goes without saying that the main event between Robert Whittaker and Derek Brunson is an exceptional one. The winner of this bout will thrust himself into the title mix, but I don’t see it being an easy task for either of them. Mind you, if there’s going to be a finish, I’m leaning towards Robert.

While I like the +120 on Whittaker, I wouldn’t be surprised one bit if he pulls off a TKO. Should he win inside the distance, you can get him at +179. But if you think he won’t pull off the finish but will win a decision, you can get it him at a very savory +565.

In the co-main event, Jake Matthews will have yet another opportunity to prove that he is the real deal and a prospect that can escalate into contender status. When I first saw him compete, I pegged him as the next Rory MacDonald. Despite my vision of him going on a very long undefeated run, he hasn’t quite panned out as such. He’s 4-2 in his UFC career so the time is critical for him to make it to 5-2.

He’ll have to get past thirty year old Andrew Holbrook, who boasts a record of 11-1, and is 1-1 in the UFC. That lone loss came in his last bout, four and half months ago to Joaquim Silva. It should be noted though that Holbrook as nine victories by submission, so …

Matthews will have to careful he doesn’t get caught up in a clinch game and be able to use his takedown defense all night. There isn’t much value out there on Jake as he is a massive favorite at -360. The best you may find is Jake to win inside the distance at -120. But, if you think there is an upset in the making here, you can get Holbrook at +300 or perhaps to win inside the distance at +350.

As for the rest of the card, other props to consider are Chris Camozzi to win inside the distance (+120) vs. Dan Kelly as well as Dan Hooker to win inside the distance (+274) vs. Jason Knight.

As previously mentioned, this card may not be the sexiest UFC event of all time, it is these types of cards that can pull off an incredible amount of surprises. The fighters on the card know all about the negative hype and lack of talk regarding this card, so it often gives them that extra motivation to prove the critics wrong.

And when that happens, it usually means some wild bouts, crazy finishes and potentially some fun bets that actually get paid.

Good luck to everyone who throws a few bucks down on the bouts.