Donald Cerrone vs. Joe Lauzon: UFC Fight Night Odds, Prediction

Donald Cerrone heads into Saturday’s matchup at Moody Center in Austin, Texas perched as a -170 favourite to win on the MMA odds and put the brakes on a six-fight winless streak. Lauzon returns to the octagon for the first time in over two-and-a-half years lagging as a +130 underdog.

Donald Cerrone UFC Fight Night Odds

One of the most popular fighters in UFC history, “Cowboy” has enjoyed a sensational career in the Octagon. However, the 39-year-old has tumbled a long way from his heyday a decade ago, when he was considered a legitimate championship contender. Indeed, it has been tough to watch Cerrone’s steady decline.

Currently perched alongside Jim Miller and Andrei Arlovski with a UFC-record 23 wins, Cerrone has not tasted victory in over three years, and has been badly outclassed during his current prolonged swoon. The Denver native has been finished in three of his past five outings, and has been largely outclassed while going 0-5-0 with one no contest over his past six fights.

Joe Lauzon UFC Fight Night Odds

It seems like an eternity since “Baby Joe” last stepped into the cage at UFC Boston in October 2019, when it looked like he had revived his career with an impressive knockout victory just 93 seconds into his matchup with Jonathan Pearce. The win snapped a three-fight losing streak, which featured early knockout defeats at the hands of Chris Gruetzemacher and Clay Guida, and marked the first time he had finished an opponent in over three years.

The subsequent onset of the COVID-19 pandemic played into Lauzon’s decision to take his longest break since joining the UFC in 2006. It has also given the 38-year-old ample opportunity to assess his future, leading him to publicly state his intention to retire if he suffers a bad beat at the hands of Cerrone. However, observers writing off Lauzon do so at their own peril.

Baby Joe is a proven submission specialist, who has tapped out opponents in 17 of his 28 career wins. More importantly, his win over Pearce proves his ability to quickly finish opponents standing up.

UFC Fight Night Prediction: Cerrone vs. Lauzon

UFC betting fans want nothing more than to see these two veteran warriors produce a long entertaining clash in what may be their final trip to the Octagon. What is more likely is a spirited slugfest early, that quickly runs out of gas. If this was five years ago, Cerrone would be a good bet against Lauzon if he could last until the third round. But given his recent dismal performance, it is tough seeing Cowboy hang in against an opponent with nothing to lose. Joe Lauzon to win in Round 2 (+800).