Sports

The Scout: UFC 252

Posted on | Posted by The Scout

Marlon Vera vs Sean O’Malley

One of the UFC’s rising stars in Sean O’Malley (12-0) has his toughest test to date against Marlon Vera (15-6-1) in UFC 252’s co-Main Event.

Another big win here for O’Malley would launch him into superstardom and see him move closer to a shot at the bantamweight belt (currently held by Petr Yan).

This bout pits two different styles against each other. O’Malley is an aggressive striker while Vera is a blackbelt in Brazilian jujitsu. Vera is the far more experienced fighter (despite being just two years older than O’Malley) and will be looking to take this to the ground at every opportunity.

“Sugar” O’Malley has taken all before him in the UFC and looks on a similar trajectory to a young Conor McGregor. Like McGregor, O’Malley has burst onto the scene, decimating his opponents with stunning knockouts – eight of O’Malley’s 12 fights have ended in a 1st round KO.

O’Malley is much taller and holds a reach advantage. With his unique movement (he switches seamlessly between southpaw and orthodox) and superior striking, I see him coming away with another knockout victory.

Suggested Bet: Sean O’Malley by KO @ $2.50*

Stipe Miocic vs Daniel Cormier

The heavyweight trilogy reaches its finale when current belt-holder Stipe Miocic faces the former champion Daniel Cormier. Amazingly this could be both fighters last appearance in the UFC.

In their first fight it was the underdog Cormier who surprised many, coming away with a knockout win. In fight II (August 2019), Miocic was far more composed, keeping his distance from Cormier and securing a 4th round TKO.

For Cormier to be victorious he’ll be looking to go back to his first fight strategy of turning this into a brawl. Unfortunately for him I can’t see Stipe allowing this to happen.

Miocic will be looking to take this fight into latter rounds. He is taller, longer and holds a definite cardio advantage; the longer this goes, the more advantage he has.

If Stipe can survive the opening two rounds (I think he can), I see him picking apart Cormier for the remainder of the fight.

Suggested Bet: Stipe Miocic (Match Result) @ $1.95*

Value Bet: Stipe Miocic in Round 4 @ $17*

*Odds correct as at 9am, 13th August 2020.

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