Fightlete Staff betting odds and picks for UFC 260
Source: UFC
UFC 260 is set to have some quality fights, including the Heavyweight championship between Stipe Miocic and No. 1 contender Francis Ngannou. Other notable names competing on the main card include the likes of Tyron Woodley and Sean O’Malley. Here are the Fightlete Staff’s picks for Saturday’s Pay-Per-View event!
All odds are via Draftkings Sportsbook.
NOTE: All picks and predictions are for entertainment purposes only. Fightlete does not facilitate gambling activities. Please gamble responsibly if you so choose.
Results from the last event:
Kirien: 3-1, +1.51 units
Mike: 2-2, -0.65 units
Sean: 1-3, -2.50 units
Drew: 1-3, -2.50 units
Results for 2021:
Drew: 25-22, -0.11 units
Mike: 24-19, -5.86 units
Kirien: 19-28, -15.23 units
Sean: 17-25, -12.24 units
Stipe Miocic (+102) vs. Francis Ngannou (-121)
O/U 1.5 rounds (-139,+105)
Drew’s Pick: Miocic/Over
The fact that Miocic is an underdog in this fight is crazy to me. I know the lines are near even, but if anything they should be flipped. I see great value in Miocic. He has beaten Ngannou before and can do damage on the ground. I see this going into the late-round and potentially to a decision.
Kirien’s Pick: Ngannou/Over
I was shocked when Ngannou lost to Stipe in 2018, and I will be shocked if he loses this time. Stipe is an incredible fighter but I think Ngannou can reach a level that Stipe can’t. It will be a matter if Ngannou can get to that level on Saturday.
Mike’s Pick: Stipe/ Over
When Francis Ngannou is involved, there is always the possibility of a very fast knockout, and this fight is no different. Ngannou is more than capable of finding that heavy knockout shot at any point in the fight and putting Stipe out cold. Having said that, I think Stipe will keep elusive through lateral footwork and tire Ngannou out, after which he will completely control the fight.
Sean’s Pick: Miocic/ Over
I’m reluctant to pick for this fight. Stipe was knocked out by Daniel Cormier in 2018 and is now in a rematch with Ngannou, who himself has managed four straight knockouts to earn a rematch. I’m anticipating a more collected Ngannou this time and him trying not to overexert himself to end it early. I have Miocic winning by Decision again; him being an underdog is always enticing.
Tyron Woodley (+210) vs. Vicente Luque (-265)
Drew’s Pick: Luque
The Woodley era is over. He hasn’t won a fight since 2018, and he seems completely deflated as a UFC fighter. On the other side, Luque is riding two straight wins and should be able to get it done on Saturday.
Kirien’s Pick: Luque
Woodley still hasn’t recovered from stepping into the ring with the Nigerian Nightmare, Kamaru Usman. Still, a majority of his most recent fights were against well-respected opponents -- Gilbert Burns, Covington, Usman. Luque isn’t quite on that level, but he is making strides with his KO potential. It may be a hard-won fight, but I say Luque has what it takes to win.
Mike’s Pick: Luque
Tyron Woodley has been a shell of his old self in his last three fights. In those fights, he was reluctant to engage and his opponents were able to dominate the fight. Unless Woodley has made some serious changes and is able to get out of his own head, I think the fight against Luque will be no different.
Sean’s Pick: Luque
Woodley’s fall from grace has been disappointing to see of a former Welterweight Champion. Tyron has fought some tough names leading up to this fight and was outright dominated by all of them. Luque has two straight finishes and this is his biggest test to date. Barring an illegal eye poke stopping the fight, expect Luque to win by a late 3rd round finish.
Sean O’Malley (-305) vs. Thomas Almeida (+240)
Drew’s Pick: O’Malley
For the sake of the sport, I want O’Malley to win this. He can trash talk and backs it up with some serious knockout power. He is a divisive figure, but coming off a loss I see him being very dangerous.
Kirien’s Pick: O’Malley
O’Malley is the better fighter and the odds reflect that. Still, his attitude can leave him susceptible to sloppy fighting in favor of entertainment value. Coming off a loss, I expect O’Malley to be laser-focused and let his skills do the talking.
Mike’s Pick: O’Malley
There is a lot of pressure on Sean O’Malley following his last performance. He went from a potential superstar to another example of an over-inflated ego in the eyes of many MMA fans after his loss to Chito Vera. I do see O’Malley getting back on track against Almedia, who has shown high talent but has not picked up a win since 2016.
Sean’s Pick: O’Malley
O’Malley was seen as a top contender before his loss to Chito Vera. Almeida was in a position years ago to be the contender but recently hit a slump. O’Malley still has the skills to bag this fight if he can get out of his own way to do so. I say that the recent loss will kick him into gear and that O’Malley wins by either KO or Sub in the late 2nd round.
Jamie Mullarkey (+110) vs. Khama Worthy (-137)
Drew’s Pick: Mullarkey
This is pretty close to a toss-up. Worthy is coming off a loss for the first time since 2017. Mullarkey has dropped his last two fights and has yet to win in the UFC. Both guys need a win. I will go with Mullarkey, because his future in the promotion is on the fence, and the hungry dog runs faster.
Kirien’s Pick: Worthy
Worthy is going to go for the knockout early and often. If Mullarkey can keep his wits and fight conservatively then I think he can pull off the decision. However, there is too much at stake to fight this one passively, so I think the more aggressive fighter -- Worthy -- will win.
Mike’s Pick: Worthy
Yes, Worthy is coming off a loss, but it was to a high-level prospect who has incredible potential in the sport. Before that last loss, Worthy was on a seven-fight win streak, including 2 wins in the UFC. Mullarkey is tough as nails, but at 0-2 in the promotion, I am leaning Worthy.
Sean’s Pick: Worthy
Worthy got UFC fans talking after his debut victory by knocking out Devonte Smith in the first round. After his first UFC loss, I see Worthy only using it as fuel to his fire. Mullarkey is still looking for his first-round win but I don’t believe he’ll find it against Worthy. I’m picking Worthy by Knockout in the 2nd Round.