Odds Make Holly Holm Favourite at UFC Chicago

Eight months ago, Holly Holm became a household name when she stunned the world (and the oddsmakers) by dethroning the seemingly undefeatable Ronda Rousey at UFC 193 and claiming the women’s bantamweight belt. Her reign was short-lived, however, as Miesha Tate faced her in the Octagon four months later at UFC 196 when she was taken down by Tate’s rear naked choke. Now, this weekend in Chicago, Holm seems primed to make another run for the belt as she takes on Valentina Shevchenko Saturday night in the event’s co-headline fight.

UFC Fight Night Chicago Betting Odds

The fight sharing the headline with Holm-Shevchenko is a highly anticipated match up between Edson Barboza and Gilbert Melendez at the lightweigh division. Both fighters are hoping to eventually make a run at the belt currently worn by Eddie Alvarez.

Holly Holm vs. Valentina Shevchenko

Holly Holm (10-1)
Valentina Shevchenko (12-2)

This has all the makings of a hard-hitting stand- up fight, with both Holm and Shevchenko known for landing devastating hits. Holm clocks 3.46 strikes per minute and Shevchenko has a 54% strike percentage, putting both of them ahead of the class averages. Holm has a significant two-inch reach advantage. She has spoken about her concerns fighting Shevchenko, making note of her Muay Thai background, saying “Muay Thai fighters are as tough as nails. She’s been through battles before, she’s been through hard fights. She is very mentally strong, very physically strong so I feel that makes a very tough opponent.” Holm is the current favorite to win this fight, with UFC odds at -230.

Shevchenko had her UFC debut last year and has since won five of her first seven fights. Her most significant recent loss was to the current champ, Amanda Nunes. Shevchenko is the underdog in this fight against Holm, currently listed at +175.

Prediction: Holm by Decision

Edson Barboza vs. Gilbert Melendez

Edson Barboza (17-7)
Gilbert Melendez (22-5)

Gilbert Melendez was once the lightweight champ at Strikeforce, and has the skills to provide an exciting, fast showing against Edson Barboza, who is coming off of a win in April against former lightweight champion Anthony Pettis. Barboza is an up-and-coming fighter who is really gunning for a chance to take on Alvarez for the belt, and Melendez hasn’t fought in a year, and hasn’t won since 2013.

Prediction: Barboza by Unanimous Decision

Although not one of the more thrilling cards this year, there’s enough going on at UFC Chicago to keep fans of the sport entertained. Other fights of note include a brawl between heavyweights Francis Ngannou (7-1) and Bojan Mihajlovic (10-3) with Ngannou currently listed as a huge -650 favorite.

Strawweights Felice Herrig (10-6) and Kailin Curran (4-2) will also do battle in the Octagon, and both are listed at -115, making this the closest match-up to call at this event.

UFC FIGHT NIGHT MAIN CARD

Holly Holm vs. Valentina Shevchenko
Edson Barboza vs. Gilbert Melendez
Francis Ngannou vs. Bojan Mihajlovic
Felice Herrig vs. Kailin Curran
Eddie Wineland vs. Frankie Saenz

UNDERCARD
James Moontasri vs. Alex Oliveira
Darren Elkins vs. Godofredo Pepey
Kamaru Usman vs. Alexander Yakovlev
Jim Alers vs. Jason Knight
Luiz Henrique vs. Dmitry Smolyakov
J.C. Cottrell vs. Michel Prazeres