Russian Tops Blachowicz vs Ankalaev Betting Odds
UFC 282 in Las Vegas
As Blachowicz vs Ankalaev betting odds suggest, the Russian fighter is going to be tough to beat at UFC 282 at T-Mobile Arena on Saturday.
Ankalaev is 18-1 and steamrolling the opposition since arriving in the UFC, so that’s what awaits former light heavyweight champion Jan Blachowicz.
It’s a huge fight for the vacant light heavyweight title and we’re loving the UFC 282 odds available with the sportsbook.
Blachowicz vs Ankalaev
Date & Time & Streaming:
Location: T-Mobile Arena
Blachowicz on the Comeback Trail
Despite losing his title to Glover Teixeira last year, Blachowicz is still a force to be reckoned with in the light heavyweight division.
Blachowicz vs Ankalaev betting odds might have the Polish fighter at +200 to win and get a title shot, but he’s by no means done with winning.
The 39-year-old is in the twilight of his career but we loved what we saw against Aleksandar Rakic when scoring a third-round knockout and he’s a fighter to be feared.
His UFC schedule has been light since losing to Texeira, which could give him the edge against Ankalaev, who has already fought twice in 2022.
He’s not bothered about being the betting underdog for the UFC 282 main event.
“I’m always an underdog, so I don’t care,” Blachowicz said. “I’m just gonna go there and do my job, win the fight, celebrate, and take the belt to Poland again. This is what I want to do, and I will do. I don’t care if I’m the underdog or not.”
He also has the experience edge at 29-9, so there are many positive things for backers of Blachowicz, but he’s coming up against a seemingly unstoppable force. He’ll need to be at his best to cause the upset.
Unstoppable Ankalaev
Magomed Ankalaev hasn’t lost since 2018 when being submitted by Paul Craig, including wins over Ion Cutelaba and Anthony Smith.
He hasn’t been taking on the toughest opposition, especially compared to Blachowicz, but that’s mostly because they’re all dodging him. Even champion Texeira turned down a fight against him, which raised eyebrows.
“I don’t know why Teixeira didn’t accept the fight. But I admit that if I was him, I don’t know, maybe I wouldn’t accept this fight too,” Ankalaev said. “‘Cause I’m in my prime, I’m just going uphill, I’m dangerous. He doesn’t want to get in trouble, you know? He’s scared, actually. I think he’s scared, that’s why I think he didn’t agree to face me.”
The 30-year-old Russian showcased his power when knocking out Smith in July at UFC 277, but Smith is an ageing fighter who is past his best. Therefore, it might not be as simple as first thought for the favorite.
Blachowicz vs Ankalaev betting odds have him at -260 to keep his winning streak alive, and he’ll be tough to beat, but this is easily his toughest test to date.
There is a fair amount of unknown at this level. Blachowicz is a former champion and he’s tough to either knockout or submit, so Ankalaev might have to work hard and win the five-round fight via decision.
In terms of UFC events, this is big and it shapes the light heavyweight division. We think Blachowicz is at value odds but Ankalaev is a dominant force and he’s likely to get his hand raised.
Follow us on Twitter
