UFC 249: Cejudo vs Cruz Betting Predictions

Dominick Cruz returns to the fighting scene! The former two-time UFC bantamweight champion will challenge the current titleholder Henry Cejudo for his first bout in four years. While Cejudo vs Cruz betting predictions back the defender, the opponent may pull off another historical comeback!

The showdown will co-headline the ill-fated UFC 249 tournament. Following many cancellations and debates, the promotion decided to alter the initial fight card. The event will take place at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville on May 9. Several online sportsbook sites in the US already have the odds running on the show. With bantamweights contesting the only title of the night you may want to give this bout a shot.

Cejudo vs Cruz betting predictions favor the reigning champion

Henry Cejudo will enter the Octagon with a 15-2 professional record. Surprisingly, the wrestling pro has 53% of his fights secured by decision and the rest via KO. Coming off an impressive third-round TKO finish over Marlon Moraes, he currently runs a five-fight winning streak. The upcoming bout will see his first bantamweight title defense.

Albeit Cejudo would eventually face a challenger, it was unexpected when online sportsbook news in the US revealed his opponent. Moreover, the booking met quite a wave of criticism from the MMA community. Experts think that bantamweight contenders Petr Yan and Cory Sandhagen have earned a title shot and pitching Cruz is unjustifiable. After Jose Aldo pulled out of the initial arrangement, Triple C is willing to face just anybody. Dominick Cruz is about the next person to make a good addition to Cejudo’s resume.

The Olympic gold medalist maintains the advantage in Bovada books with a -240 odds rate. Coming from an accomplished wrestling background, he usually dominates on the canvas. Yet Cejudo’s striking is no less impressive, seeing as three of his last five fights were scored via TKO. He is in great condition both physically and mentally, enjoying the best years of his career. Currently, the Messenger is the №3 in the UFC men’s pound-for-pound rankings and a prime catch for bettors.

Negate the ring rust theory

Dominick Cruz is not the last person on the UFC roster, despite his long-term absence. He will enter the bout with a 22-2 record, sporting 13 wins by decision, 8 via KO, and one more through submission. Being the inaugural champion of the UFC bantamweight division, he is one of the exceptional fighters of the promotion. In 2016, however, his 13-fight winning streak came to an end.

Plagued by numerous injuries, Cruz went through several setbacks delaying his comeback time and time again. The ring rust theory is probably the major factor behind Cejudo vs Cruz betting predictions. Thus the former two-time champion trades at the odds of +190 at Bovada markets. Nevertheless, he has the experience of defying such odds.

The Dominator has already been through this situation years ago, making the greatest comeback story in MMA history. He is agile, maintains a powerful wrestling base, and excellent striking skills. The standup game is probably his strongest bet as the 35-year-old fighter attacks from unexpected angles. Still, accepting the challenge on such a short notice means not a full training camp and that can be troubling. Before you lock in a pick for Cejudo vs Cruz betting predictions, check out the latest review about Bovada Sportsbook.

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