UFC 296 goes down this weekend in the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas with two huge title fights headlining a stacked card! Our MMA expert shares his thoughts on the big fights on the pre-Christmas card, sharing betting tips.

 

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Tony Ferguson vs Paddy Pimblett (Sunday 03:45 UTC)

In the lightweight division, the unorthodox USA veteran Tony Ferguson (26-9-0) encounters the English Jiu-Jitsu sensation Paddy Pimblett (20-3-0). Ferguson, known for his unconventional fighting style, faces a critical point in his career after recent setbacks, including a submission defeat to Bobby Green. Pimblett, with an on-the-rise reputation and with the utmost respect of Tony Ferguson, comes into the fight on the back of a string of wins, the latest being an undisputed decision against Jared Gordon.

This clash at 155 pounds promises an intriguing mix of experience and rising talent, as Ferguson looks to prove his resilience, while Pimblett aims to continue his ascent in the lightweight ranks.

Ferguson characterizes himself as having a great cardio game; for this fight, Ferguson changed trainers and trained with ex-navy seal David Goggins to improve his cardio and mental resistance as many people say that Ferguson should retire already. In the other corner, Pimblett did his training camp in Las Vegas and is ready to finish this fight fast and put to rest one of the most famous veterans in the UFC.

For this fight, Pimblett is the clear favourite, priced at 1.308, and the Veteran Tony "El Cucuy" Ferguson is priced at 3.530.

 

Shavkat Rakhmonov vs Stephen "Wonderboy" Thompson (Sunday 04:15 UTC)

The welterweight division sees an exciting matchup between Kazakhstan's Sambo specialist Shavkat Rakhmonov (17-0-0) and USA kickboxer Stephen "Wonderboy" Thompson (17-6-7). Rakhmonov, undefeated and coming off a submission win against Geoff Neal, showcases his grappling prowess. Thompson, a 40-year-old with a record of technical brilliance, secured a recent victory against Kevin Holland by TKO.

The clash at 170 pounds promises captivating exchanges between Rakhmonov's ground game and Wonderboy's striking expertise. As both fighters aim for supremacy in the welterweight division, fans can expect a contest defined by skill, strategy, and sheer determination.

Rakhmonov's undefeated status adds an extra layer of intrigue to this welterweight struggle. The Kazakh fighter has displayed a well-rounded skill set, blending striking and grappling seamlessly. Wonderboy, with his dynamic striking and elusive movement, presents a stylistic challenge for Rakhmonov. The welterweight division, known for its competitiveness, gains another exciting chapter with this matchup.

The clash of styles between Rakhmonov's grappling and Wonderboy's striking makes this welterweight fight a must-watch, promising fans an intriguing battle of contrasting techniques.

For this fight, the Kazakhstan Rakhmonov is the favourite, priced at 1.141, and the veteran who still bears the nickname "Wonderboy" Thompson is priced at 5.710.

 

Alexandre Pantoja vs Brandon Royval (Sunday 04:45 UTC)

In the co-main event, the flyweight division takes centre stage with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu expert Alexandre Pantoja (26-5-0) defending his title against the well-rounded USA fighter Brandon Royval (15-6-0). Pantoja, as the reigning champion, enters the octagon with a string of victories, including a split-decision win against former champion Brandon Moreno. Royval, with his recent TKO/KO victory over Matheus Nicolau, aims to dethrone the champion and put his name in the flyweight records.

The fight at 125 pounds promises high-paced action, with Pantoja's grappling expertise meeting Royval's versatile skill set. This will be the second time these two fighters face each other, as the last time Pantoja submitted Royval in the second round back in 2021.

The flyweight division has witnessed a resurgence in recent years, and Pantoja vs Royval adds another layer of excitement to the weight class. Pantoja, known for his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu pedigree, combines submission threats with striking proficiency. Royval, with his dynamic style and finishing instincts, poses a unique challenge for the champion. As the fighters prepare for battle, the stakes are clear—the flyweight title is on the line, and both competitors have their eyes set on victory.

The co-main event is a great battle to witness and it will be the second title defence of Pantoja as the current champion.

Pantoja is priced at 1.520, and the challenger looking for his revenge, Royval, is priced at 2.590, and the over is at 2.5 and priced at 2.250.

 

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Leon Edwards vs Colby Covington (Sunday 05:30 UTC)

The main event of UFC 296 features a highly anticipated welterweight championship showdown between English striker Leon Edwards (21-3-0) and controversial USA wrestler Colby Covington (17-3-0). Edwards, coming off a successful belt defence against former champion Kamaru Usman, faces Covington, who secured an undisputed decision win against Jorge Masvidal over a year ago.

Beyond the welterweight title, this clash at 170 pounds is a collision of styles and personalities. Edwards seeks to further solidify his championship status, while Covington aims to leverage his wrestling prowess. Fight fans can anticipate a main event that goes beyond the physical battle, adding an extra layer of drama to an already intense night of UFC action.

The welterweight championship between Edwards and Covington promises to be more than a title fight; it's a clash of narratives and approaches. Edwards, known for his technical striking and composure, faces the relentless pressure of Covington, who thrives in chaos.

The lead-up to this fight has been marked by verbal jabs and controversies, making it a showdown not just of skills but of personalities. As the main event unfolds, the T-Mobile Arena will witness a welterweight spectacle with championship implications and a rivalry that extends beyond the octagon. With both fighters eyeing greatness, this matchup serves as the pinnacle of UFC 296, leaving fans on the edge of their seats in anticipation.

Leon Edwards comes well-prepared for this fight, making training camps back in his home country England, and he is priced as a champion at 1.591. On the other hand, Covington did his training camp in the heights of Colorado and has said that the controversial ex-president of the United States Donald Trump will be there to crown him as a champion; he is priced at 2.410, and the over is at 4.5 rounds, priced at 1.531.

 

Early Prelims Card (23:30 UTC)

Alonzo Menifield vs Dustin Jacoby

Tagir Ulanbekov vs Cody Durden

Andre Fili vs Lucas Almeida

Martin Buday vs Shamil Gaziev

Randy Brown vs Muslim Salikhov

 

Preliminary Card (01:00 UTC)

Josh Emmett vs Bryce Mitchell

Irene Aldana vs Karol Rosa

Cory Garbrandt vs Brian Kelleher

Casey O'Neill vs Ariane Lipski

 

Main Card (03:00 UTC)

Tony Ferguson vs Paddy Pimblett

Shavkat Rakhmonov vs Stephen Thompson

Alexandre Pantoja vs Brandon Royval

Leon Edwards vs Colby Covington

 

**Odds are subject to change. Odds accurate as of 12:00 UTC Friday 15th December**

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