Using the latest UFC 293 odds, as well as industry-leading tools, we’re set to make our Justin Tafa-Austen Lane pick and prediction.
Justin Tafa takes on Austen Lane as a -235 favorite in a heavyweight rematch. The first fight ended in a no-contest after an immediate eye poke. Prior to the no-contest, Tafa defeated Parker Porter in February. Similarly, Lane knocked out Richard Jacobi in his second stint on the Contender Series.
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Justin Tafa-Austen Lane Pick and Prediction
Best UFC 293 Picks: Justin Tafa vs. Austen Lane Odds
Justin Tafa: Opened -250, Now -235 | Austen Lane: Opened +200, Now +186
Tafa has a kickboxing background, which has helped him get six knockout wins. At 6-3 in his career, Tafa has only been knocked out one time. However, he has a suspect record, with losses to Jared Vanderaa, Carlos Felipe and Yorgan de Castro. Tafa lands 5.02 significant strikes per minute while absorbing 5.95 behind 49% striking defense. He defends takedowns at 100%, but he has yet to face an elite wrestler in this division.
Lane is a former NFL player making a UFC run at 35 years old. He has a 12-3 professional record with 11 knockouts and one submission. Of his three losses, he has been knocked out three times, which came against questionable competition. Lane lands 4.33 significant strikes while absorbing just 1.67. However, he has never fought out of the first round in the UFC, giving him a miniscule sample to work with. It should be noted that Lane will have a massive six-inch height and reach advantage.
Tafa will have the technical edges if he can close the distance against Lane. Lane is also the older fighter by six years. This fight does not approach the top of the card, but Tafa is the lean.
Best UFC 293 Pick: Justin Tafa -235
