UFC 261 Predictions, Picks, Odds, and Betting Preview

UFC 261 is going to be massive, to say the least. With three championship fights in the main card, including the headline title rematch of Kamaru Usman and Jorge Masvidal, this event on Saturday is expected to get the world buzzing. Get a lowdown of each fight in the main card along with their respective odds and a brief breakdown below.

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Betting Preview for UFC 261 Featuring Kamaru Usman vs Jorge Masvidal and the Other Big Cards on April 24, 2021

Where: VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena, Jacksonville, FL

When: Saturday, April 24, 2021

Odds: View UFC 261 betting lines

TV Broadcast: UFC PPV, ESPN+

Kamaru Usman (-400) vs. Jorge Masvidal  (+300)

Welterweight

This is the much-awaited rematch between the reigning welterweight champion in Usman and Masvidal. Usman dominated the first fight, scoring a unanimous decision in July 2020. But Masvidal will enter the Octagon this weekend coming off a longer preparation time unlike before when he only had days to prepare. Usman defeated Gilbert Burns via knockout in his last fight back in February, while this will be Masvidal’s first time to see action since his loss to the champion.

Writer’s prediction:

Masvidal scores an upset with a TKO win.

Zhang Weili (-190) vs. Rose Namajunas (+155)

Women’s Strawweight

Weili is out to defend her strawweight title for the second time. She became a champion when she scored a knockout win over Jessica Andrade in August 2019 then defended it for the first time in March 2020 by earning a split decision win over Joanna Jedrzejczyk. Weili has not lost in 20 straight fights and has 10 victories via KO and seven more via submissions. Namajunas will look to use her excellent boxing skills and length to put pressure on the champion. She has a two-inch reach advantage over Weili. Plus, don;t count her out winning this fight on the ground, as Thug Rose sports a 6-1 submission record.

Writer’s prediction:

Namajunas wins via decision.

Valentina Shevchenko (-400) vs. Jessica Andrade (+300)

Women’s Flyweight

Many have tried but no one has yet to take Shevchenko’s women’s flyweight belt away from her since winning it in 2018 during a win against Jedrzejczyk. Since then, Shevchenko has successfully defended her crown four times. Shevchenko‘s excellent striking will be a huge asset for her against Andrade, especially since she’s got a significant five-inch reach advantage over the challenger. That being said, Andrade’s not going to let that deter her. She is known to push forward no matter what. Andrade is just 1-2 in her last three fights, but she won the last one, knocking out Katlyn Chookagian in the first round of their fight in October 2020.

Writer’s prediction:

Shevchenko wins via TKO.

Uriah Hall (EVEN) vs. Chris Weidman (-130)

Middleweight

It’s been over a decade since Hall and Weidman last fought each other. That was way back in 2010 when Weidman defeated Hall via TKO in a title fight (ROC 31: Ring of Combat 31). A lot has happened since, though. Hall is in top form right now, having won his last three fights. Weidman, meanwhile, has won just twice in his last seven fights, though he remains a dangerous fighter. He just got his confidence back after beating Omari Akhmedov via a unanimous decision back in August 2020.

Writer’s prediction:

Weidman wins via decision.

Anthony Smith (+160) vs Jim Crute (-200)

Light Heavyweight

Smith is one of the most experienced fighters out there, with a total of 50 fights under his belt. Most of his wins came via knockouts (18), though he’s also got a bunch of submission wins (13). Crute, at 25, is seven years the junior of Smith, but he’s already shown lots of potential. He’s lost just once in 13 career fights, with five knockout wins and four submission victories.  Smith is taller by two inches than Crute and has a two-inch reach advantage as well.

Writer’s prediction:

Smith wins via decision.

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