UFC 287 Pereira vs. Adesanya 2 Betting Analysis for the Main Card Bouts

Henry Cejudo returns to the Octagon for the first time since 2019 to take on Aljamain Sterling on Saturday night in the main event at UFC 288. Sterling’s UFC Bantamweight belt is on the line. Before Cejudo and Sterling step into the Octagon, Belal Muhammad takes on Gilbert Burns in one of the most anticipated bouts on the entire UFC 288 card.

Keep reading for UFC betting odds, analysis, and free picks for the five main card bouts at UFC 288.

UFC 288 Sterling vs. Cejudo Odds | MyBookie MMA Betting Preview

Promotion: Ultimate Fighting Championship
When: Saturday, April 8 at 7:00 pm ET
Where: Prudential Center, Newark, NJ
TV/Streaming: PPV

Kron Gracie vs. Charles Jourdain

UFC Fight Night Odds: Kron Gracie +155 vs. Charles Jourdain -180
Weight class: Featherweight
Kron Gracie Record: 5-1-0 (- knockouts)
Charles Jourdain Record: 13-6-1 (8 knockouts)

Jourdain is the favorite because Kron Gracie hasn’t fought since Oct. 12, 2019 and when Gracie did fight, he lost to Cub Swanson.

But Kron comes from the most famous mixed martial artist family in history. In many ways, the Gracie’s of Brazil created the sport. If Kron is fighting, it’s because he believes he can win.

Also, although Charles Jourdain has been more active in recent years than Gracie, the chalk heads into this after 2 straight losses. Backing the underdog makes sense.

UFC 288 Pick: Kron Gracie | Bet Kron Gracie vs. Charles Jourdain Today
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Movsar Evolev vs. Diego Lopes

UFC Fight Night Odds: Movsar Evolev -900 vs. Diego Lopes +600
Weight class: Featherweight
Movsar Evolev Record: 21-10-0 (9 knockouts)
Diego Lopes Record: 21-5-0 (8 knockouts)

Evolev is a huge favorite to dominate Diego Lopes. Based on records, beating Lopes as easily as oddsmakers and MMA handicappers believe may not happen.

For sure, Evolev should be the chalk. He is undefeated at 16-0 and 11-0 via submission wins. Lopes has a 21-5 record and heads into this after 2 straight wins.

Diego does fight at UFC for the first time since throwing down in Dana White’s Contender Series, which could explain the odds difference. Still, laying -900 on Evolev is tough. Here’s another where we should consider going for the money with the dog.

UFC 288 Pick: Diego Lopes | Bet Movsar Evolev vs. Diego Lopes Today
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Jessica Andrade vs. Yan Xiaonan

UFC Fight Night Odds: Jessica Andrade -200 vs. Yan Xiaonan +170
Weight class: Women’s Strawweight
Jessica Andrade Record: 21-10-0 (9 knockouts)
Yan Xiaonan Record: 16-3-1 (7 knockouts)

Andrade is one of the toughest fighters at UFC. She’s an absolute warrior, which is why she’s such a big chalk.

But although Jessica should be the favorite, and can win this bout, Andrade is a play against based on the odds. The now 31-year-old striker heads to the Octagon on Saturday night off a submission loss to Erin Blanchfield.

Blanchfield is a great fighter. Losing to her isn’t a big deal, but for Andrade, it could be a sign she’s at the tail end of her career. Grabbing the odds on Yan Xiaonan is the play.  

UFC 288 Pick: Yan Xiaonan | Bet Belal Muhammad vs. Gilbert Burns Today
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Belal Muhammad vs. Gilbert Burns

UFC Fight Night Odds: Belal Muhammad +100 vs. Gilbert Burns -130
Weight class: Welterweight
Belal Muhammad Record: 22-3-1 (5 knockouts)
Gilbert Burns Record: 22-5-0 (6 knockouts)

It’s difficult to understand why Gilbert Burns is the favorite in this bout. Burns has a 22-5 record and has won bouts against name fighters, which seems to be the reason. But it’s hard to know for sure.

Belal Muhammad has won 4 straight. Muhammad has a 22-3 record, is an inch taller, and has an inch reach advantage. Belal is also 5-1 via TKO or KO. The underdog gets the nod.

UFC 288 Pick: Belal Muhammad | Bet Belal Muhammad vs. Gilbert Burns Today
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Aljamain Sterling vs. Henry Cejudo

UFC Fight Night Odds: Aljamain Sterling -105 vs. Henry Cejudo -115
Weight class: Bantamweight
Aljamain Sterling Record: 22-3-0 (3 knockouts)
Henry Cejudo Record: 16-2-0 (8 knockouts)

Oddsmakers believe Cejudo comes off an elongated layoff to beat a fighter that’s 3 inches taller than he is, has a 7-inch reach advantage, and is the UFC Bantamweight Champion.

No doubt, Henry will give it his all. But he shouldn’t be the chalk over Aljamain Sterling. The champ wins this and it may not be close.

UFC 288 Pick: Aljamain Sterling | Bet Aljamain Sterling vs. Henry Cejudo Today
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UFC 288 Fight Card

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