Best Underdog Picks for UFC on ESPN 3: Paul Craig Poised to Pull Off Massive Upset

• UFC on ESPN 3 goes down Saturday, June 29th at 6:00 p.m. ET
• Can Paul Craig pull out another dramatic, last minute win?
• Who will emerge as the challenger for the Flyweight Championship?

UFC on ESPN 3 will broadcast from the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota on Saturday, June 29th. Two heavyweight KO artists top the marquee as Francis Ngannou and Junior Dos Santos lock horns. Looking at the card overall, it’s a decently varied effort and a few bouts have divisional importance. Also, a good mix of intriguing prospects will keep the night fun throughout. Check out the odds and my predictions for best underdog bets below.

Paul Craig vs Alonzo Menifield Odds

*All odds taken 06/27/19

Bearjew Pulls a Hail Mary on Menifield

Paul Craig vs Alonzo Menifield is a good bit of matchmaking that should translate well in the cage. Menifield has been making a name for himself on Dana White’s Contender Series and scored a first round TKO stoppage win on the ESPN+ 1 card in January. Paul Craig’s .500 record in the UFC is deceptive and he can secure a victory in the most compromised of situations.

Menifield cut his teeth in LFA and Bellator prior to coming to UFC, and Craig is a former BAMMA Light-Heavyweight champ. Menifield has yet to taste defeat through amateur and pro runs but if anyone can snatch a surprise win, it’s Paul Craig aka Bearjew.

Paul Craig has never had a fight go to a decision. He last three fights have all ended within 40 seconds of the final bell. #UFOTD

— Seán Sheehan (@SeanSheehanBA) June 26, 2019

I can see Menifield putting a pace on Craig for the bulk of the fight with Craig eventually snatching victory from the jaws of defeat.

Pick: Craig (+255)

Jussier Formiga vs Joseph Benavidez Odds

Formiga Asserts Himself as the Top Contender

Formiga and Benavidez is a rematch with high stakes in the Flyweight contendership hierarchy. Much has been made about the UFC dissolving the 125 lb class altogether, but if the division remains this bout will determine the next title challenger.

Although this is a rematch, I think both fighters have grown and evolved tremendously.

Benavidez is a stalwart of the weight class, has always been a top ranked 125 lb-er, and was even in the inaugural Flyweight title fight where he narrowly lost to Demetrious Johnson. Formiga was the no. 1 ranked flyweight for years. This was during the wild west days of the division but Formiga ruled the weight class for several years. Although this is a rematch, I think both fighters have grown and evolved tremendously. I don’t see this rematch bearing much resemblance to the initial fight at all.

Where does the time go? @JoeJitsu fought Jussier Formiga back in 2013, but it feels much more recent to Benavidez. Our full chat about the #UFCMinneapolis rematch is coming soon on @UFCNews pic.twitter.com/YAdbAPlr96

— Steve Latrell UFC (@TheUFSteve) June 25, 2019

With Formiga riding a four fight win streak and Benavidez riding back-to-back W’s with a past victory over sitting Flyweight Champion Henry Cejudo, hopefully Henry doesn’t get too preoccupied defending his Bantamweight title (which he concurrently holds with the Flyweight belt). I have Formiga winning and evening up the series at one win each.

Pick: Formiga (+145)

Amanda Ribas vs Emily Whitmire Odds

Ribas Returns to Form After Lengthy Layoff

UFC on ESPN 3 also features two young strawweights eager to make a big impression. Ribas hasn’t competed in three years and is making her octagon debut. Amanda will take on “Spitfire” Whitmire who was on season 26 of The Ultimate Fighter and now has back-to-back UFC wins.

There’s a lot of parity in this weight division and especially when the fighters are this early in their careers with comparable levels of experience.

judo throw + sweet ground and pound , Amanda Ribas wins Strawweight belt // Max Fight 18 #mma https://t.co/yeWD0gsCuQ

— Denis La Funk (@DenisLaFunk_) May 29, 2016

I see Amanda Ribas as a fun underdog bet and I think Ribas will score the win.

Pick: Ribas (+150)