With a loaded card on tap for UFC 285, bettors have a variety of betting options at their fingertips. But what are the expert predictions for UFC 285? Bettors looking for plays to tail should place this UFC 285 bets at DraftKings and FanDuel before the lines move.
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Pick 1: Dog of the Week
Jessica Penne comes into this fight against Tabatha Ricci with a five-inch reach advantage and a four-inch height advantage. Penne is also the better striker. Ricci has a 2-1 UFC record, with her one loss coming to title challenger Manon Fiorot. Her two wins came against Maria Oliveira and Polyana Viana, and she didn’t win those fights in an impressive manner.
Although Ricci is known for her grappling skills, her grappling isn’t all that advanced. Penne will also test her jiu-jitsu skills, as she is no slouch on the ground. I favor Ricci as a wrestler but both are relatively even in jiu-jitsu. While on the feet I favor Penne substantially. Penne beat a much better wrestler and overall fighter in Lupita Godinez three fights ago. I’ll take the veteran Penne at this number.
Best UFC 285 Bet: Jessica Penne Moneyline (+250) at DraftKings
Pick 2: Prop of the Week
Cody Garbrandt enters UFC 285 coming off a break of one year and three months. Before that break, he made a questionable decision to fight at the 125-pound weight class against Kai Kara-France. Garbrandt is known for a questionable chin and the move down from the 135-pound class only made the chin issue worse.
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Now Garbrandt is back at bantamweight and has a big step down in competition against Trevin Jones, who has lost three in a row. Jones is taking this fight on short notice and is known for his durability. He lost by submission in only two of his nine losses. Garbrandt is a good wrestler, which he used early in his career, but he abandoned it until recently. He attempted a career-high 10 takedowns against Rob Font and another in his brief loss to Kara-France.
Garbrandt knows that his chin is a liability and has turned to his wrestling to compensate. I think Garbrant will use the wrestling here in spurts and will have a distinct speed and technical advantage in the striking. I expect Jones to remain in the fight up until the final bell where Garbrandt will get his hand raised.
Best UFC 285 Bet: Cody Garbrandt by Decision (+500) at FanDuel
Pick 3: Favorite Play of the Week
Marc-Andre Barriault enters this fight against Julian Marquez coming off a third-round submission loss to surging Anthony Hernandez. Barriault hurt his rib early in that fight before succumbing to Hernandez’s grappling and pace, something that he doesn’t have to worry about in this matchup against Marquez.
Marquez is not a high-volume, fast-paced fighter. He’s coming off a first-round knockout loss to Gregory Rodrigues. Rodrigues managed to knock him down three times in that fight. He also got hurt badly against Sam Alvey before rallying to win in the second round. He once again rallied against Maki Pitolo, who took him down five times and dominated the first two rounds, before Marquez pulled a late-round submission out of the jaws of defeat.
Marquez has struggled with takedown defense and his chin seems to be deteriorating. Barriault should have a distinct volume and cardio edge in this matchup. I look for him to move forward and pressure Marquez who struggles when moving backward. Barriault also has a very good clinch game which he can utilize against Marquez. Barriault will pressure and throw the volume and possibly mix in a takedown in this fight. I like Barriault to comfortably cruise to victory in a favorable matchup.
Best UFC 285 Bet: Marc-Andre Barriault Moneyline (-150) at DraftKings
