The best UFC sportsbooks favor Kamaru Usman to retain the title over Jorge Masvidal in the main event of UFC 261. UFC 261: Usman vs. Masvidal 2 is an upcoming MMA event produced by the Ultimate Fighting Championship. It will take place on April 24, 2021 at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Florida, United States.
The premier event at Fight Island in Abu Dhabi was UFC 251. It was headlined by the welterweight title bout between Kamaru Usman and Jorge Masvidal. The champ, Usman, defended his title by unanimous decision.
However, Masvidal accepted the fight on less than a week’s notice. The two are slated to meet again in the first event to feature a full crowd in attendance since the covid pandemic started. UFC 261 is set for April 24 at Jacksonville Arena in Jacksonville, Florida.
In the Usman versus Masvidal odds, the champ is a heavy betting favorite. It appears as if the best online sportsbooks don’t think there will be a result outcome from the first meeting. Even if Jorge Masvidal has had a full training camp in preparation for the rematch.
Jorge Masvidal vs. Kamaru Usman Odds by MyBookie.ag
| Fighter | Odds |
|---|---|
| Masvidal | -185 |
| Usman | +155 |
Betting Jorge Masvidal
When the welterweight title was on the line at UFC 251, Usman walked to the Octagon as a -235 fave with Jorge Masvidal coming in as a +185 underdog. Those who believe history will repeat better have gotten the value from the Nigerian Nightmare in the first match. It’s all gone this time. Those who like Gamebred are getting a much better line this time at the best sportsbooks.
One of the biggest questions going into the first fight was whether Masvidal could cut weight to make the fight on just six days’ notice. It was excruciating but he pulled it out. The question whether and how that affected his performance one night later.
This time Gamebred won’t have to go through the hell that he did last time. He nonetheless looked sharp in the early moments of the first fight. He showed great speed and a clear edge on his feet. Having said that, his kicks were a high point and his doom at the same time.
Betting Kamaru Usman
Kamaru Usman is the best sportsbooks’ fave. Masvidal landed kicks over and over again but Usman also went for a takedown on those kicks. He secured five in the fight. He had the obvious advantage in that aspect of the fight.
Usman displayed new striking skills in his previous fight against Gilbert Burns.
Especially a sharp jab that new coach Trevor Whitman clearly taught him. One worries that Usman may become enamored with his striking after a KO win, because it’s doubtful he can win a vertical battle with Masvidal.
On the other hand, how much has Masvidal practiced his takedown defense and extricating himself off the cage, because the champ managed to hold him against the cage for long periods, which led to the win.
Usman is averaging 3.22 takedowns per 15 minutes. If the titleholder doesn’t get the takedown when he first goes for it, he will surely go for a clinch against the cage. He will then wear on his opponent with body shots, as well as stomping a mudhole and walking it dry.
Jorge Masvidal vs. Kamaru Usman Pick
One can expect the Nigerian Nightmare to have a similar strategy in the second fight. Grapple, hold Masvidal against the cage, wear on him with strikes and win by decision. Masvidal should have more in the tank. He will be more dangerous for a longer period of time, but it’s unlikely that will have the stamina to do 25 minutes of that killing pace.
