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Picks for UFC on ESPN 3: Bet Arlovski and Teixeira as Underdogs

Dylan Bowker

by Dylan Bowker in Mixed Martial Arts News

Updated Apr 22, 2020 · 12:11 PM PDT

Andrei Arlovski
The odds are against Andrei Arlovski. Photo by @mmamania (Twitter)
  • UFC on ESPN 3 goes Saturday, April 27th at 5:30 p.m. ET
  • Glover Teixeira and Andrei Arlovski have value as underdogs in their respective bouts
  • The best picks for this card can be found below

UFC on ESPN 3 goes down in Sunrise, Florida live from the BB&T Center on Saturday, April 27th. There will be a number of high consequence bouts including the headliner between top Middleweight contenders Jacare Souza and Jack Hermansson.

Taking a deeper dive into the card, there are multiple compelling prize fights that have value to prospective betters. I’ve outlined those fights below.

Underdog Teixeira Reasserts Himself

UFC on ESPN 3 will showcase an intriguing Light-Heavyweight bout between a former title challenger and surging prospect. Cutelaba has seemed to settle in a bit more to his UFC endeavors with an initial 1-2 record, but is now riding a  two fight Octagon win streak. Glover secured an arm triangle choke over Karl Roberson in his last outing, and in his career has fought a who’s who at 205 lbs.

Glover Teixeira vs Ion Cutelaba Odds

Fighter Odds 1 Odds 2
Glover Teixeira +140 +140
Ion Cutelaba -170 -160

*Odds taken 04/21/19

This UFC on ESPN 3 tilt isn’t likely to go to the judges if both fighters’ respective track records are any indicator. Both fighters have a combined 42 wins with 37 finishes between them. I just think Glover has the tenure and the superior strength of schedule as compared to Cutelaba. One of Glover’s notable knockout wins is over current dual division Bellator champion Ryan Bader.

Glover has been a stalwart of UFC’s top 15 Light-Heavyweight picture since his Octagon debut years ago and I don’t think Cutelaba is up to the task of beating Teixeira. I’m picking Glover.

Pick: Glover Teixeira (+140)

Underdog Arlovski Gets Back on Track

UFC on ESPN 3 pits a former UFC Heavyweight Champion against a prospect from Dana White’s Contender Series. Based on Andrei Arlovski’s career arc on a macro level, I think he can get back on track here.

Andrei Arlovski vs Augusto Sakai Odds

Fighter Odds 1 Odds 2
Andrei Arlovski +120 +115
Augusto Sakai -150 -135

Arlovski over the last decade plus has had lengthy win streaks that segue into losing streaks and the cycle keeps repeating. Arlovski is presently riding a three-fight losing streak with all decision L’s. In moments like this though, Arlovski seems to come back with some form of highlight reel-worthy stoppage.

Arlovski is at that stage where he’s getting booked against prospects like Sakai to provide a big name scalp for these young bucks. In an underdog situation, it’s usually good to bet on a Pitbull. So I’m picking Andrei “The Pitbull” Arlovski.

Pick: Arlovski (+120)

Cowboy Oliveira Guns Through Platinum

The fight of the night on paper is definitely Oliveira vs Perry. Cowboy and Platinum are going to rake in some bonus checks on Saturday, April 27th in this Welterweight gun fight.

Alex Oliveira vs Mike Perry Odds

Fighter Odds 1 Odds 2
Alex Oliveira -205 -190
Mike Perry +165 +165

Perry has notable finishes over guys like Jake Ellenberger and Alex Reyes. Oliveira has an impressive highlight reel with crazy wins over former interim UFC Welterweight Champion Carlos Condit and former Bellator Lightweight Champion Will Brooks.

 

There’s a certain level of volatility in this fight that doesn’t come along all too often. Fight fans need to take a second to appreciate the uniquely violent situation we’re all about to find ourselves in. This is going to be a spectacle. When the dust clears though, Cowboy will ride off into the sunset with a platinum scalp.

Pick: Oliveira (-205/ -190)

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