The UFC’s debut event in Saudi Arabia has been scheduled for June 22nd and will be broadcast exclusively on ABC. The event will feature a middleweight championship eliminator between Robert Whittaker and Khamzat Chimaev.
Whittaker is ranked third in the middleweight division, while Chimaev is ranked at number eleven. Let’s look at the best betting options for the Whittaker vs Khamzat match!
Whittaker vs Khamzat Odds
| Fighter | Odds |
| Robert Whittaker | +190 |
| Khamzat Chimaev | -225 |
Bobby “Knuckles” is a +190 underdog in the betting odds, while Khamzat “Borz” Chimaev is favored to win. This will be an exciting fight to bet on props. We’ll be reviewing the best props, from under 2.5 rounds to wins by KO and submission, once they’re released. See these betting sites to bet on UFC today!
Khamzat’s fighting style is characterized by its impressive size and tenacity, which makes him the early favorite in his upcoming match.
Despite being a more technically skilled and versatile fighter, Whittaker’s recent record shows a loss to Dricus De Plessis and a win against Paulo Costa, bringing his tally to 1-1 in his last two fights.
Betting Props for Whittaker vs Khamzat
Let’s dive into some of the most enticing prop bets for this epic clash:
- Over/Under 2½ Rounds: Will the fight reach the championship rounds or end in the early stages? With tempting odds for both outcomes, this prop bet offers a compelling opportunity to wager on the fight’s duration.
- Over 2½ Rounds: +108 (Profit: $108 for every $100 wagered)
- Under 2½ Rounds: -138 (Profit: $72.46 for every $100 wagered)
- Fight Goes to Decision vs. Fight Doesn’t Go to Decision: Betting on whether the judges will render a verdict or if the about will be decided before the final bell rings adds an element of suspense to every moment of the fight.
- Fight Goes to Decision: +350 (Profit: $350 for every $100 wagered)
- Fight Doesn’t Go to Decision: -550 (Profit: $18.18 for every $100 wagered)
- Fight Starts/Doesn’t Start in Each Round: Predicting whether the action will kick off in a specific round or if there will be a delay amps up the anticipation with each passing minute of the fight.
- Fight starts round 2: -260 (Profit: $38.46 for every $100 wagered)
- Fight won’t start round 2: +192 (Profit: $192 for every $100 wagered)
- (Similar odds apply for rounds 3, 4, and 5)
- Method of Victory: From knockout to submission, the method of victory prop bets provide many options to predict how each fighter to win. Will Chimaev’s power punches prevail, or will Whittaker’s submission skills lead him to victory?
- Chimaev wins by TKO/KO: +150 (Profit: $150 for every $100 wagered)
- Whittaker wins by TKO/KO: +300 (Profit: $300 for every $100 wagered)
- Round Betting: For the ultimate thrill-seekers, round betting allows you to predict not only the victor but also the exact round in which they will emerge triumphant. Will the fight end in a dramatic first-round finish, or will it go the distance, testing the endurance of both warriors?
- Chimaev wins in round 1: -100000 (Profit: $0.001 for every $100 wagered)
- Whittaker wins in round 1: -100000 (Profit: $0.001 for every $100 wagered)
- (Similar odds apply for rounds 2, 3, 4, and 5)
- Fight Ends in TKO/KO/DQ vs. Submission: Choosing between a striking spectacle or a grappling masterclass, these prop bets let you wager on the most exhilarating ways the fight could conclude.
- Either fighter wins by TKO/KO: -150 (Profit: $66.67 for every $100 wagered)
- Either fighter wins by submission: +180 (Profit: $180 for every $100 wagered)
- Points Deducted: With high stakes on the line, the possibility of a points deduction adds an intriguing twist to the narrative. Will a moment of recklessness or a strategic foul change the course of the fight?
- Either fighter gets points deducted: +2000 (Profit: $2000 for every $100 wagered)
Fight Prediction for Whittaker vs Chimaev
At this stage of his UFC career “The Reaper” Whittaker, is a seasoned veteran. Whittaker brings a wealth of experience to the table. He’s known for his technical striking, averaging 4.57 significant strikes landed per minute with a striking accuracy of 42%. Whittaker also boasts solid takedown defense at 82%, making him a difficult puzzle to solve on the ground.
Chimaev on the other hand, is a physically imposing presence in the welterweight and middleweight division.
What sets Chimaev apart is his incredible grappling ability, averaging a whopping 3.99 takedowns per 15 minutes with a takedown accuracy of 46%. He also boasts a stellar takedown defense at 100%, showcasing his well-rounded skill set.
When I look at striking comparisons, Chimaev holds a significant advantage in terms of striking accuracy, landing an impressive 58% of his strikes compared to Whittaker’s 42%.
Whittaker has a higher striking output, averaging more significant strikes landed per minute. This sets up an intriguing dynamic where Whittaker will look to control the pace and volume of the striking exchanges, while Chimaev will aim to land with precision and power.
In terms of grappling, Chimaev is a force to be reckoned with. I think his ability to secure takedowns and control opponents on the ground is second to none, averaging nearly 4 takedowns per 15 minutes. Whittaker, on the other hand, has solid takedown defense but will need to be cautious of Chimaev’s relentless pressure and grappling prowess.
So, how do these fighters stack up in terms of strengths and weaknesses? Whittaker’s strengths lie in his technical striking, volume output, and overall experience inside the octagon.
His takedown defense is also a key asset that could frustrate Chimaev’s grappling-heavy game plan. However, Whittaker has shown vulnerability to fighters with high striking accuracy, something that Chimaev could capitalize on.
Chimaev’s strengths are undoubtedly his grappling skills and ability to control the fight on the ground. His takedown accuracy and relentless pressure make him a nightmare for opponents who prefer to keep the fight standing.
In Chimaev’s last two fights against Burns and Usman his striking defense has shown some holes in previous fights, and against a striker of Whittaker’s caliber, that could be a risky proposition.
I believe Whittaker’s experience and versatile skills will give him the edge by keeping the fight standing and utilizing his striking advantage. Chimaev’s grappling threat could lead to an upset if he can consistently take the fight to the ground and impose his will.
We’ve witnessed Whittaker consistently bounce back from defeats by stringing together multiple victories. He’s faced formidable opponents like Yoel Romero and has made powerful fighters such as Costa, Vettori, and Cannonier appear average in comparison.
I anticipate that Whittaker will prioritize keeping his distance against “Borz” and will showcase his skills as the fight progresses, possibly resulting in a late stoppage or a decision victory for Whittaker.
UFC Saudi Arabia Card Main Card
- Sergei Pavlovich vs. Alexander Volkov (Heavyweight bout)
- Kelvin Gastelum vs. Daniel Rodriguez (Welterweight bout)
- Volkan Oezdemir vs. Johnny Walker (Light Heavyweight bout)
- Shara Magomedov vs. Ihor Potieria (Middleweight bout)