Best Bets for UFC 242

By BetOnline September 3, 2019

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After a long wait, MMA fans will finally get to see the UFC Lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov make his highly anticipated return to the Octagon for a UFC Lightweight title unification matchup against the interim champion Dustin Poirier. While the stage has been set for absolute fireworks in the main event, it isn’t the only scheduled matchup that we can’t wait to see at the upcoming Pay Per View event. Here is a look at the top three fights scheduled to take place at UFC 242.

UFC Lightweight Championship Bout
Khabib Nurmagomedov (27-0) vs. Dustin Poirer (25-5)
Odds: Nurmagomedov -385

It’s been almost a full calendar year since Nurmagomedov submitted Conor McGregor to improve to 27-0 all-time. After a long layoff, the Eagle returns to the Octagon looking to solidify his legacy as one of the best of all-time when he clashes with Poirier. While Nurmagomedov is a significant sports betting favorite at -385 odds, that doesn’t mean he’s a lock to take out his next opponent.

Poirier is an incredible striker that registered three consecutive TKO wins over Anthony Pettis, Justin Gaethje and Eddie Alvarez before beating Max Holloway via decision to earn the interim title crown. He also owns outstanding takedown defense, which should help negate one of Nurmagomedov’s greatest strengths. While the champion deserves to be the favorite, that doesn’t mean he’s an excellent bet to win. This should be closer than the oddsmakers suggest, so I’ll take a flier with Poirier.

Pick: Poirier +315

Lightweight Bout
Edson Barboza (20-7) vs. Paul Felder (16-4)
Odds: Barboza -160

While Nurmagomedov and Poirier have been in the spotlight heading in to UFC 242, Barboza and Felder have the potential to steal the show in their co-main event lightweight bout. Barboza beat Felder the first time these two met back in 2015. However, a lot has changed since then and suddenly Barboza is desperate for a victory after dropping three of his last four fights overall. It certainly won’t be easy to double down against Felder with the veteran coming off wins in four of his last five fights.

Felder is a talented striker with excellent range. He will be gunning to do the same thing to Barboza that Justin Gaethje did in March when he registered a first-round knockout. While BetOnline has given Barboza the slight edge at -160 odds, I like the dog in this spot again.

Pick: Felder +140

Lightweight Bout
Islam Makhachev (17-1) vs. Davi Ramos (10-2)
Odds: Makhachev -310

Makhachev is another substantial favorite heading in to this lightweight bout with Ramos. Unlike the first two fights we analyzed here, the smart money is on Makhachev to do what he does best and beat Ramos as the favorite at -310 odds. A rising star in the lightweight division, Makhachev has won five straight bouts in the UFC including a decision over Arman Tsarukyan back in April.

Ramos won’t end his win streak but don’t be surprised if this fight is closer than expected. Makhachev will win this tilt, but not before they go the distance in a potential Fight of the Night candidate. Be careful laying all this juice for this bout.