UFC 182 Predictions

We couldn’t ask for a better main event to start the New Year! UFC 182 is on Saturday in Las Vegas and we’ll be treated to a big title fight between Jones and Cormier. The co-main event should be exciting as well, but the rest of the card isn’t overly great.

To see the video picks for this event click here to skip to Kamikaze Scotties and click here for Mike Waz’s picks.

UFC 182 Best Bets – Scott Jack

• Bet Jon Jones –158 (5 Dimes) vs. Daniel Cormier

Jon Jones (20-1) will look to extend his win streak to twelve with a win over Daniel Cormier (15-0). Cormier has won by stoppage in his last two fights over Henderson and Cummins. These two hate each other and the trash talk has been going on for a while now.

Both fighters have exceptional TD defense (Jones 96% vs. Cormier 100%), so this fight will likely be fought standing up. Jones has a 12’’ reach advantage, which is unheard of in the UFC. Jones is focused, wants to win badly and we’re getting what I feel is a soft line.

• Bet Cerrone vs. Jury O2.5 Rounds –183 (Pinnacle)

Donald Cerrone (25-6-1) has won five in a row again, but he can’t afford another setback if he wants to earn a title shot. Myles Jury (15-0) is only 26 years old and he has piled up impressive win after impressive win since joining the UFC back in 2012.

Jury has deceptive power (7 TKO/KO Wins) that Cerrone has to be weary of, but Cerrone has only been knocked out once. I doubt that Jury will be finished early in this one as well. I expect this to be a close decision that either fighter could end up winning.

• Bet Brad Tavares +121 (Pinnacle) vs. Nate Marquardt

Brad Tavares (12-3) had a run of five consecutive wins, but he has now lost two in a row (Romero & Boetsch). Nate Marquardt (33-13-2) is a power-hitting veteran, but he has lost some of his power and he has lost three of his last four fights including two by KO.

Marquardt will look to land takedowns and possibly try to submit Tavares, but the American has never been tapped out. Tavares has the better striking at this point in these two fighters careers plus he’s younger and hungry. I’ll take a shot on the small underdog.

• Bet Hector Lombard ITD –148 (5Dimes) vs. Josh Burkman

I’ve gone back and forth on this one a bit, but I’ve convinced myself that Hector Lombard (34-4-1-1) will win by stoppage. Initially I thought he may win by decision because Josh Burkman (27-10) has never been KO’ed, but Lombard could potentially submit him.

Burkman has been tapped out six times. He also hasn’t been KO’ed before, but he hasn’t fought someone with the power that he’ll face on Saturday night. Burkman may last a round, but Lombard should definitely get the finish at some point in this fight.

• Bet Jones – Cerrone/Jury O2.5 – Horiguchi – Lombard Parlay +231 (Bovada)

I’ve explained why I like three of these picks already. Kyoji Horiguchi will fight Louis Gaudinot in what should be a cakewalk for him on the main card. He’s a huge favorite and should easily win, so I feel safe adding him to this parlay to increase the payout.

UFC 182 Jon Jones vs Daniel Cormier Predictions – Mike Waz

UFC 182: Jones vs Cormier Predictions – Kamikaze Scottie