The top two contenders in the UFC Featherweight division will square off at UFC 200. The winner of this bout will receive a title unification match with Conor McGregor, after he brings his weight down to 145. These two met once before, back at UFC 156, with Aldo prevailing in a unanimous decision. He has gone 3-1 since then, falling only to McGregor (in 13 seconds). Edgar, meanwhile, has gone 5-0 since then. This is going to be a razor-thin fight, as evidenced by the moneylines. Aldo comes out of his loss to McGregor with greater motivation, but Edgar has been looking for a shot at the title for a long time now. Aldo heads into the fight as the favorite in the MMA lines.
Inside Look at the UFC 200 José Aldo vs. Frankie Edgar Betting Odds
When: Saturday, July 9, 2016
Where: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas
TV: FS1 / Pay-Per- View (depending on region)
Radio: None
Live Stream: UFC Fight PassUFC Odds: Jose Aldo (-105), Frankie Edgar (-125)
Why should you bet on Aldo?
Aldo is a patient fighter who can deliver punishment if his opponent tries to get in too close. If you try to come in and push a punishing pace, you will sustain damage. He uses a jab and his tight footwork to keep the face where he wants it, often shifting the rhythm and timing in ways that confuse the opponent, keeping him from putting together a flow. This means that Aldo doesn’t have to move all that much. When he is right in front of the opponent, it’s usually because he’s ready to deliver a crushing blow. He also uses low kicks to his advantage, hiding them behind strikes. Working the legs and the body slows down the opponent.
Why should you put your money on Edgar?
Edgar hasn’t just won five straight fights — he’s made meals out of the opposition. He knocked out Chad Mendes in December and just abused Cub Swanson and B.J. Penn. His fights against Urijah Faber and Charles Oliveira were tamer, but they were never in doubt. Despite the fact that Edgar is 34 years old, he is doing some rare for an MMA fighter — improving after hitting 30. He has become more efficient with his movements, but he still has that command of angles that he always has. His footwork is tighter, with smooth pivots, so that he uses a lot less energy. He still likes to box, changing angles constantly and making life difficult for those who want to unleash wild onslaughts.
Expert Betting Pick and Final Prediction
Edgar has improved since he last took on Aldo, but I just don’t think he can wear down the top contender. I like Aldo to win by unanimous decision.
