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UFC 276 Best Bets: Predictions for Alexander Volkanovski vs. Max Holloway

By Reed Wallach

Alexander Volkanovski reacts to his win over Chan Sung Jung, aka The Korean Zombie, in the fourth
Alexander Volkanovski reacts to his win over Chan Sung Jung, aka The Korean Zombie, in the fourth / Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union / USA
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UFC 276 is here on International Fight Week with one of the best cards of 2022, including a pair of title fights. Israel Adesanya defends his Middleweight belt against Jared Cannonier in the main event. Before that, Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway meet for the third time for the Featherweight strap.

Finally a big week last time out after a serious cold streak, so let's try and keep it going.

Odds courtesy of WynnBET Sportsbook

UFC RECORD: 33-47, -8.9U

Featherweight Title Fight: Alexander Volkanovski (-190) vs. Max Holloway (+155)

While the first fight was a clear Volkanovski decision, the second one was razor thin even though it went the away of the Aussie champion.

Now, they meet once again with the Featheweight strap on the line. Since he bested Holloway for the second time, Alexander 'The Great' has been on a tear, dominating Bryan Ortega and Korean Zombie en route to two victories.

Volkanovski gives up five inches of height, but has two more inches of reach, negating Holloway's typically staggering length and striking advantage. While 'Blessed' looked fantastic defeating Calvin Kattar and Yair Rodriguez, Volkanovski has taken his game to a whole different level.

Both men are outstanding and amongst the best technical strikers in the sport, however Volkanovski was able to breakthrough and land three takedowns in the second meeting after failing to land any of his four attempts in the first title match.

If this match is a tactical affair, we have seen 'The Great' outclass Holloway on the feet. The challenger needs to force the issue more and make this a firefight. I lean towards Volkanovski finding a finish and handing Holloway his first loss by knockout given the way his striking has looked in his past several fights.

These two were close in caliber before, but as we enter fight three, Volkanovski has proven to be a level above.

PICK: Volkanovski ML (-190), Inside the Distance (+290) 0.5U, Jim Miller/Volkanvoski Parlay (+116)

Sean Strickland (-125) vs. Alex Pereira (+105)

My first pick from the "Jab, Cross, Hook" betting draft, I like Strickland in this spot against Pereira, and the market agrees with me as Strickland has become a favorite during fight week.

Strickland has the grappling upside as well as the cardio to go a full three rounds while Perira is making just his seventh MMA fight. While he is an outstanding kickboxer who brings in a 33-7 victory, Strickland is the more complete fighter and I think he's in line for a decision victory and a title shot.

UFC 276 Best Bets

  • Jessica-Rose Clark (-140)
  • Dricus Du Plessis (-145)
  • Brad Riddell (+127), Riddel by Decision (+375) 0.5U
  • Jim Miller R1 (+300)
  • Uriah Hall (+265) 0.5U, Hall by Decision (+850) 0.25U

You can find all of Reed's plays on Betstamp HERE!

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