UFC 251: Usman vs Burns Betting Preview

Kamaru Usman prepares for the second title defense. The welterweight champion will put his belt on the line against Gilbert Burns. The oddsmakers side with the titleholder but the contender has serious skills to defy the odds. Check out the Usman vs Burns betting preview for detailed predictions.

Scheduled to headline UFC 251, the welterweight clash is just one of three title bouts of the event. Yet the pair of top 170 pounders holds the intrigue of the tournament as they are on impressive winning streaks. Leading online sportsbook sites in the US already have the odds running on the matchup. Let’s break down the fight and weigh in the chances of both sides.

Usman vs Burns betting preview backs the champion

Kamru Usman is one of the dominant fighters on the UFC roster. He sports a 16-1 professional record with 7 victories secured via KO. Riding a 15-fight winning streak, he is slowly running out of genuine contenders for his belt. However, the line of contestants wanting to have a crack at him is big.

That’s the reason behind the huge backlash after online sportsbook news in the US revealed his next opponent. Many fighters think that Burns is an easy target for the Nigerian Nightmare to keep his title. Nevertheless, Usman is the most steady fighter at the top of the weight class. 

The Auchi-born fighter comes off a wrestling background and has an unmatched grappling performance on the Octagon. He will probably try to land long-range jabs and front kicks, then opt for takedowns. Usman has a five-inch reach advantage. With his striking game improved, the edge that Bovada oddsmakers give him is no brainer.

Striking to shift the edge

Marking 6-fight win streak in less than a 2-year span, Gilbert Burns charged through the division. He will enter the bout with a 19-3 professional record, sporting 14 career stoppages. That is enough to earn the spot of the top contender and land a title shot. But there is more to Brazillian to make this fight count.

Despite trading at +180 odds rate at Bovada, Durinho certainly has supporters betting-wise. His last fight against Tyron Woodley left many fighters and experts impressed. It seems like Burns has an immense source of energy as this makes his second performance in three months.

Just like his opponent, Burns comes off a grappling background with plenty of experience in wrestling. Adept at finding a submission hold, the Brazillian has profound grappling skills to submit even the high-end names on the roster. Usman is the biggest test of his career though.

The Nigerian-American fighter has a strong resume and a sound ground game to back his name. Hence, pulling off submission over him is not the easiest goal, and probably not the best tactic. Besides, these two are sparring partners and know each other too well. This bout will likely go the distance.

Knockout is the best bet for Durinho to carry out a stoppage. He is fast on his feet for a grappler and has some pop in his hands to score an upset. Before delving into Usman vs Burns betting preview, make sure to check out the latest review about Bovada Sportsbook.

You can discover more about these odds here at the Bovada Sportsbook.