UFC 226 preview: Cormier and Miocic headline potential classic card

Odds and tips of the main card

UFC 226 has all the hallmarks of an epic card at the T-Mobile Arena in Paradise, Las Vegas this Sunday morning.

It feels like it’s been a while since there was a truly great UFC event to enjoy. But Stipe Miocic v Daniel Cormier for the heavyweight title should be an absolute humdinger.

And there’s also a fantastic undercard. Max Holloway and Brian Ortega co-headline the event in the featherweight division. Plus, there’s also Francis Ngannou v Derrick Lewis, and Michael Chiesa v Anthony Pettis.

The Coral News Team previews the main card…

Miocic v Cormier

Daniel Cormier will attempt to become on the second fighter in the history of the UFC to hold belts in two divisions simultaneously.

But there’s also the likelihood that DC will retire if he loses. The light heavyweight champion is the smaller man in all aspects. Miocic is heavier, taller, with a greater reach.

But Cormier is arguably the more distinguished wrestler. Miocic is more of a puncher but if it goes to the ground the American-Croatian can handle himself, too.

Cormier has only ever lost to Jon Jones at heavyweight. But at 39-years-old, is this a bridge too far? Miocic is 2/5 to win. But it’s 20/21 the fight goes the distance.

Max Holloway v Brian Ortega

Another fascinating encounter sees featherweight champion Holloway defend his title against the dangerous number one contender.

Brian Ortega became the first fighter ever to stop Frankie Edgar in his previous fight. And while that is some feather in his cap, he’ll need to go up a notch again to beat Holloway.

The Hawaiian is one of the P4P greats of the UFC and hasn’t been defeated since a 2013 loss to Conor McGregor. However, Holloway and Ortega are very well-matched.

They’re both offensive fighters who like to go on the attack and throw punches. Holloway is 7/10 for the win. Ortega is 6/5. It’s a difficult fight to call. 7/10 says the fight doesn’t go the distance.

Derrick Lewis v Francis Ngannou

Can Ngannou recover from his defeat to Miocic in his previous fight? The Cameroonian-French giant was tipped for greatness after a series of stunning knockouts.

But the 31-year-old was brought back down to earth after a five-round pummelling from the champion. However, he can get back on track here against Derrick Lewis.

The Texan retired from the sport back in 2017 after a defeat to Mark Hunt. But he reversed that decision and fought on. He’s gone in against some decent heavyweights like Hunt, Roy Nelson, and Travis Browne.

But Ngannou will be the biggest man he’s ever faced. And he’ll be fresh and hungry, too. Ngannou is 1/4 to win. And the fight is 4/15 to not go the distance.

Anthony Pettis v Michael Chiesa

This bout was originally scheduled for UFC 223 in New York until Chiesa suffered injuries in the infamous bus melee that marred the event.

Both Pettis and Chiesa are coming off losses with Dustin Poirier beating the former, and Kevin Lee defeating the latter.

So redemption is possibly at hand for one of them. The odds are the closest of the night. Pettis is at odds of 13/10, with Chiesa at 20/31.

Both fighters are good strikers and this should be an entertaining bout. Pettis has been around a lot longer and definitely has the edge when it comes to experience.

But the Milwaukee native has lost five of his last seven and looks on a downward curve. Chiesa should get the win.

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All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing