The Scout: UFC 254 Posted on October 23, 2020October 23, 2020 | Posted by The Scout Khabib Nurmagomedov vs Justin Gaethje It’s been 13 months since we last saw Khabib in the octagon, and he returns here for the UFC 254 Main Event with his perfect 28-0 record on the line. Interim lightweight champion Justin Gaethje shocked the world at UFC 249 with a brutal beatdown of Tony Ferguson. His barrage of hard-hitting strikes in that fight put the world on notice and stopped the run of the then number one contender. Gaethje has a 22-2 MMA record, 19 won by knockout. The relentless brawling style of Gaethje adds an element of the unknown to this fight, and presents an opponent for Khabib the likes of which he hasn’t faced in some time. The ideal path to victory for each fighter is completely different. Khabib will look to quickly close the distance, push for takedowns and get to work on the ground. Gaethje will want to pressure Khabib (and remain on his feet!) with flurries of powerful strikes; both punches and leg kicks. The American averages more than seven significant strikes per minute, which is a frightening amount. Gaethje has a number of traits that make him the perfect fighter to combat, and challenge the undefeated Khabib. His cardio, athleticism (and chin) are all elite and at the odds I’m favouring him stuff the takedowns well enough to see him come out on top in this fight. Suggested Bet: Justin Gaethje (Match Result) @ $3.50* Robert Whittaker vs Jared Cannonier Aussie Rob Whittaker comes into this bout as the number one contender in the UFC middleweight division after a narrow decision victory over Darren Till in July. For Jared Cannonier, it’s the biggest fight he has had in his career. His form has been supreme leading into this, rattling off three TKO wins in a row since returning to the division. Whittaker (29) is seven years younger but comes with considerably more experience in the octagon. The Australian has an impressive MMA resume, and before being stopped by Israel Adesanya, was on a nine fight win streak. Cannonier has explosive striking, heavy hands and a brutal ground and pound game. He is more of a volume brawler than a precision striker (think Adesanya), which I see playing into the hands of Whittaker. Whittaker has shown he is much more comfortable against aggressive, heavy strikers who he can outthink and out-strategise with crafty movement and creative striking. I see Whittaker, the former champion, outpointing Cannonier with leg kicks and jabs, controlling the distance throughout. Suggested Bet: Robert Whittaker (Match Result) @ $1.90* *Odds correct as at 8am, 23rd October 2020. Market Market
Harry Buchanan’s Saturday Greyhound Best Bets May 4, 2024 CANNINGTON Race 3 No. 2 Sunset Frazier Leads them up again here and this time the map says he gets away from his stronger rivals…. Read More
Scott Embry’s Sunday Northam Preview May 3, 2024 RACE 1 DEEP DISCRETION looks to have found a very suitable race in which to break through. Last start finished 1.2L off Diego Dynamite in… Read More
Weekend Tipsters May 3, 2024 Caulfield Saturday Warren Huntly Quaddie 5 3 2 9 – 2 1 5 9 14 – 1 4 6 7 8 – 2 7 6… Read More
Warren Huntly’s Saturday Caulfield Preview May 3, 2024 Race 1 SIGNOR BILL relished the step up to 1400m to break his maiden last time and there’s depth to his previous form. BRIGHELLA gives… Read More
Harry Buchanan’s Friday Greyhound Best Bets May 3, 2024 MANDURAH Race 1 No. 6 Hurry Henry and No. 7 Burner Flash This fav hard to beat off the red but she can dwell at… Read More
Chris Nelson’s Saturday Eagle Farm Preview May 2, 2024 RACE 1 Big day at Eagle Farm as we kick off another Winter Racing Carnival. I’m leaning to the backmarker OSTERMEIER in this opening race… Read More
Chris Nelson’s Saturday Hawkesbury Preview May 2, 2024 RACE 1 Racing heads to Hawkesbury on Saturday for their stand-alone Cup Day. The meeting gets under way with a 2yo affair where I’m keen… Read More
Digby Beacham’s AFL Preview: Round 8 May 2, 2024 THURSDAY Adelaide v Port Adelaide, Adelaide Oval, 5.30pm Not a great deal separated these teams in betting earlier in the week. Once it was announced… Read More
Trent Cooper’s Gloucester Park Preview May 2, 2024 Race 1 DUTY BOUND (2) has finished 2nd at his last two starts but looks the leader and gets a great chance to go one… Read More
Harry Buchanan’s Thursday Greyhound Best Bets May 2, 2024 MANDURAH Race 3 No. 4 Mind Reader Copped a few checks last time yet his effort was still good when he finished off well out… Read More
Scott Embry’s Saturday Ascot Preview May 2, 2024 RACE 1 LEXINGTON CITY looks the only speed in the quartet of runners. Expect he will bounce straight on the lead and from there Chris… Read More
The Scout: EPL Week 36 May 2, 2024 Luton Town v Everton Time is running out for Rob Edwards to save Luton Town’s season and, on current form, it’s not easy to make… Read More