Dana White has kept the UFC moving, being one of the most proactive sports organizations in their return from suspensions created by COVID-19. This upcoming Saturday, UFC will host yet another card in Las Vegas.
Their previous fights since returning after the short pause were held in Florida. This will be the first return back to Vegas since the arrival of coronavirus in the US.
The 11-fight card will be fought at the UFC Apex facility. The cage in this facility is a little smaller than usual, being only 25 square feet instead of 30. This small change could result in a lot more fighting on the cage, more grappling, and a little less movement from the fighters.
Main Event
The main event of the night will be a welterweight matchup between Tyron Woodley and Gilbert Burns. Tyron Woodley is a former champion who is looking to get back on top.
He has not stepped in the cage for a fight since March 2, 2019. Woodley was supposed to fight in London in March, but because of the coronavirus, the matchup was canceled.
A lot of eyes will be on Woodley during his return. It’s been a long time since UFC fans have seen the former champion in action. A break has helped some athletes but has harmed many others.
Woodley is 19-4-1 in his career as a professional fighter. At 38 years of age, he has been one of the heaviest hitting strikers in the history of the welterweight division.
Instead of facing Leon Edwards in London, Woodley must go up against Gilbert Burns. Burns is coming off five straight wins and hopes to continue his success in order to fight for a chance at the title.
33-year-old Burns is 18-3 in his UFC career. The Brazilian fighter has shown his capabilities against various opponents, but it seems clear he is very comfortable on the mat.
Tyron Woodley has the experience, which is giving him a slight edge in sportsbooks. He is the favorite at -175, while Burns is at +155.
Gilbert Melendez of ESPN gives his keys to the fight:
“For Woodley, it’s neutralizing the takedown. Burns will be coming for it, and Woodley will need to be ready,” writes Melendez. “For Burns, it’s a submission finish. He has the ability to finish the fight if he takes someone’s back. We’ve seen him execute a rear-naked choke. We’ve also seen him lock up armbars. Can he get Woodley to the ground?”
Here are all of the odds of the main card that begins at 9 p.m. EST:
Tyron Woodley (-175) vs. Gilbert Burns (+155)
Augusto Sakai (-115) vs. Blagoy Ivanov (-105)
Kevin Holland (-220) vs. Daniel Rodriguez (+180)
Roosevelt Roberts (-320) vs. Brok Weaver (+260)
Mackenzie Dern (-380) vs. Hannah Cifers (+310)
The UFC has continued to be one of the saving graces during the shutdown caused by COVID-19. Dana White is keeping the show rolling and creating plenty of action for bettors.
• Prelims: ESPN/ESPN+, 6 p.m. ET
• Main card: ESPN/ESPN+, 9 p.m. ET
