UFC 277 Betting Preview, Fight Odds and Betting Analysis

UFC closes out the month of July at Dallas’ American Airlines Center, featuring a headline rematch title bout on the women’s side of the draw.

UFC 277 is an event that’s packed, but there’s one fight for which everyone can’t wait.

Juliana Pena, in her very first title defense, takes on the woman the opponent she defeated for the belt, Amanda Nunes.

When Pena beat Nunes this past December, it was seen as a stunner. Even now, seven months hence, Nunes is favored to win the rematch. So, not only is Pena trying to defend her title, she’s out to earn the respect she hasn’t received. Per MMA odds by BetUs sportsbook, Nunes is listed as a solid favorite to prevail.

UFC 277 Main Fight Card

Juliana Pena vs. Amanda Nunes Women’s Bantamweight Title

Juliana Pena was seen as a worthy contender when she went against Amanda Nunes at UFC 269, but nothing more than that. It was a stunning rear-naked choke hold in the second round that dethroned one of the great champions of the sport.

Amanda Nunes is 34 years old, 14 years of professional fighting mileage on her body. She lost possibly because her time on top is over. However, the conventional wisdom-and the betting odds-seem to believe that what happened in the previous fight was nothing more than a hiccup in an otherwise championship career of brilliance, Nunes, for all the wear and tear of her 26 previous professional fights (21 wins, 13 KOs), figures to have plenty in the tank.

Whether that’s true or not here…

Either Pena defends her title and establishes herself as a true UFC star, or Nunes, already a star, makes losing to Pena in 2021 nothing but a footnote.

Many of the experts agree Nunes was too reliant on her power in that fight, and when it did not work, there wasn’t Plan B. This time around, the experienced Nunes should be better prepared.

Brandon Moreno vs. Kai Kara France Flyweight Interim Title Bout

Before the women take the octagon to decide supremacy of the bantamweights, there is another rematch to settle the interim championship of the flyweight division.

Brandon Moreno fought Kai Kara France back in 2019, winning by a decision as the underdog. This time around, and three full years after, he’s the favorite.

Moreno became the flyweight champion at UFC 263, beating Deiveson Figueiredo. He failed to defend his title in a rematch, so now he’s left to battle the New Zealander France for the honor of unifying the flyweight belt before another match against Figueiredo.

Moreno is the modest favorite in this one. France, however, feels as if he has the edge. Finally, after COVID restrictions were lifted, he’s been able to work out in the favorite gym in his homeland. He’s also feeling extra motivation as an underdog, despite a 24-9 career MMA record, 7-2 in the UFC.

Derrick Lewis  vs. Sergei Pavlovich Heavyweight Bout

Perhaps the “evenest” fight of the night is between heavyweights Derrick Lewis and Sergei Pavlovich. Lewis is currently ranked fifth among UFC’s heavyweights, Pavlovich is 11th.

Derrick Lewis is 26-9 in his MMA career, 21 KOs and 13 KOs in UFC bouts. Pavlovich hasn’t fought since 2019. Twelve of his 15 career wins have been by KO or TKO. Expect some heavy hitting in this one. Both of the fighters are listed at less than even-money, according to MMA odds.

Alexandre Pantoja  vs. Alex Perez Flyweight Bout

So, Alex Perez has been on an unlucky streak, six straight canceled fights. He will try again July 30 with new opponent, Alexandre Pantoja. Pantoja was Performance of the Night in his last wi.n That was a submission victory over Brandon Royval.

Magomed Ankalaev vs. Anthony SmithLight Heavyweight Bout

When Anthony Smith was told that he was an underdog at +350, his response: “That’s crazy. That’s criminal. Go get your money.”

Smith finished his last three opponents, but Magomed Ankalaev is 17-1 in his professional MMA career. He’s on an eight-bout win streak entering this fight.

UFC 277 Preliminary Card

Alex Morono vs. Matthew Semelsberger Welterweight Bout

Drew Dober vs. Rafael Alves Lightweight Bout

Justin Tafa vs. Don’Tale Mayes Heavyweight Bout

Ramiz Brahimaj vs. Michael Morales Welterweight Bout

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