Maia vs Askren Betting Tips: Bookmakers Expect the ‘Funky’ to Win

Maia wasn’t that convincing against Marquardt. Image source: Silva Fan / Flickr

Ben Askren is back in the octagon! The “Funky” aims to redeem himself after a first-round loss to Jorge Masvidal back in July. Demian Maia, on the other hand, is in no mood to break his winning streak. Who stands the highest chances to win this battle of the grapplers? Let’s turn to Maia vs Askren betting tips.

A welterweight bout between Daman Maia and Ben Askren is set to headline the UFC Fight Night 162. The event will take place on October 26 at Singapore Indoor Stadium in Kallang. Top online sportsbook sites in Singapore have already come up with their predictions.

Maia vs Askren betting tips favor the “Funky”

Ben Askren will enter the upcoming fight with a 19-1-0 record. So far, his attitude doesn’t match his stats. Earning a Welterweight Champion title at both “ONE” and “Bellator” promotions, the American fighter switched to UFC in 2018. With a cocky stance and bold statements, he seemed like a perfect fit for the organization.

Askren’s previous achievements and impressive skillset predicted a promising future for him in UFC. Yet he almost failed his debut and received the first career loss in his second fight. Despite his rough start in UFC, Unibet Sportsbook tipsters regard him as a sizable favorite against Maia.

It’s easy to see why Askren is the slight favorite. He is a former Olympic wrestler and currently one of the best wrestlers in the sport. The 35-year-old is unstoppable if he gets his opponent on the mat. He can practically break out of any hold and set the pace. His wrestling skills will be displayed in full force.

Bet on Maia to outbox Askren

With 2.20 odds, Demian Maia is the avid underdog of the upcoming event. However, he shouldn’t be so easily dismissed. The UFC veteran is one of the greatest grapplers in MMA history. He generally shoots for takedowns against the cage and usually gets them.

Regardless of his excellence in wrestling, Askren is a pretty one-dimensional fighter. Many experts think Maia will easily finish him in the early rounds. The Brazilian indeed possesses an advantage over his Askren. He has decent boxing. In fact, for the first time, he might opt for a standup strategy to prevail over the opponent.

On the other hand, Maia will need to avoid takedowns, since Askren will sometimes intentionally cave in. Then he will create a scramble and take over the situation.  If you plan to follow Maia vs Askren betting tips, then make sure to check the review about Unibet Sportsbook.