Daniel Cormier Opens as Favorite Over Stipe Miocic in Potential Rematch
- Daniel Cormier and Stipe Miocic first fought at UFC 226
- Cormier won by first-round KO
- A rematch is expected to take place in August
The UFC plans on heading back to Anaheim, California for UFC 241 where the main event is expected to be a heavyweight title fight. Originally, the title fight was expected to be champion Daniel Cormier vs Brock Lesnar. However, the WWE star told the UFC brass he plans on retiring from MMA.
The UFC is now planning on booking Cormier vs Stipe Miocic 2 instead.
There is no question this fight will happen as all signs point to it being finalized very soon. And, opening odds were released that sees the champion in Cormier opening as a slight favorite.
Daniel Cormier vs Stipe Miocic 2 Odds
| Fighter | Odds |
|---|---|
| Daniel Cormier | -150 |
| Stipe Miocic | +130 |
*Odds taken 05/01/19
The odds for this rematch are right where they should be. Cormier, who won the first fight, should be the favorite, but only a slight favorite as Miocic is arguably the greatest heavyweight of all-time.
In the first fight, Miocic was winning the first round until an eye poke from Cormier changed everything.
In the first fight, Miocic was winning the first round until an eye poke from Cormier changed everything. After the eye poke, Cormier took over and eventually knocked out Miocic, but it was a legit knockout.
Now, in the rematch, there is no question “DC” has the power to knock Miocic out, but the challenger can also do the same and will have a reach advantage for this fight.
The former champion has been holding out for this fight and he gets it. He has no doubt been preparing as if he would be fighting Cormier, while the champion has been dealing with a back injury.
Ultimately, the odds are close, and I believe the fight will be as well. With that said, it is hard to say who the best bet is, as if either wins the fight I will not be surprised. And, in close fights like this, I like to pick the underdog as it has more value.
Cormier’s back injury worries me, so for those reasons I believe Miocic is the best bet right now.
Pick: Stipe Miocic (+130)
Cole graduated from Sheridan College in April of 2019 with a diploma in journalism. He now is a full-time freelance writer, focusing on MMA for sites like BJPENN, while also covering the Toronto Blue Jays as a credentialed media member. At SBD, Cole covers the four major sports and MMA.
