The UFC 289 odds board features a main event between women's bantamweight champion Amanda Nunes and challenger Irene Aldana, in addition to an exciting co-main event between former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira and Beneil Dariush.
I've made my UFC 289 picks and broken down all 11 fights from Saturday's card below.
The UFC 289 preliminary card begins at 7 p.m. ET (4 p.m. PT) on ESPN+ and UFC Fight Pass before moving to ESPN at 8 p.m. ET. The five-fight main card will then commence at 10 p.m. ET on ESPN+ PPV.
After examining all betting options, a typical UFC card can offer substantial actionable value.
So, in addition to moneylines and over/unders, I'll break down how I plan to bet every fight on the card, including exact winning methods, winning round props, and whether or not the match will go to a decision or finish inside the distance.
Fight times are approximate and subject to change. All times ET.
UFC 289 Projected Odds
Below, you can find my fair odds moneyline projection for each of Saturday's 11 bouts. In the next section, you'll discover forecasts for those fights to finish inside the distance or for each fighter to win by decision, knockout, or submission.
Odds as of Saturday morning and via DraftKings.
UFC 289 Prop Projections
In addition to creating a crowdsourced projection for moneyline plays, I also collect data on each fighter to win by decision, knockout, or submission, enabling us to determine fair odds for each fight to go the distance or for each fighter to win inside of the distance.
UFC 289 Odds
Diana Belbita vs. Maria Oliveira
Women's Strawweight Bout | Odds |
---|---|
Diana Belbita Odds | -125 |
Maria Oliveira Odds | +105 |
Over/under rounds | 2.5 (-300 / +235) |
Crowdsourced Projections: Diana Belbita (52.6%)
Saturday's opener is essentially lined as a pick'em, and I don't see actionable value on this fight from any perspective – side, total or prop.
Both fighters are 1-3 through four UFC bouts; Maria Oliveira's only win came over a common opponent (Gloria De Paula), who defeated Diana Belbita by a narrow 29-28 decision (judges were unanimous, but fan and media scorecards were split 50/50).
Both fighters prefer to strike, and I expect to see a high-pace, high-volume affair in which Belbita has the edge in power.
Ultimately, that should be enough to sway the judges in her favor over 15 minutes. Still, that's not an outcome that I am interested in betting at market prices.
Bets
- Pass
David Dvorak vs. Stephen Erceg
Flyweight Bout | Odds |
---|---|
David Dvorak Odds | -265 |
Stephen Erceg Odds | +225 |
Over/under rounds | 2.5 (-165 / +135) |
Crowdsourced Projections: David Dvorak (70.8%)
On short notice, Stephen Erceg is making his UFC debut and had to fly from Australia to Toronto to make weight for this bout.
"Astroboy" is tall (three-inch height advantage) and lean for the 125-pound division. He's a good grappler – with six submission victories in 10 fights – but he is taking a significant step up in competition here against Dvorak, a legitimate top-10 to top-20 flyweight in the world.
Although Dvorak lost his last fight to Manel Kape (via unanimous decision), his decision loss to Matheus Nicolau could have gone either way (media and fan scorecards were split). He is extremely well-rounded, and I would expect him to survive Erceg's tricky grappling in the opening frame before the short-notice debutant eventually tires and fades.
Dvorak to win in Round 2 (+800) or Round 3 (+1100) are interesting pokes as a result, or you can bet the favorite live after Round 1 if his price drops, but it's not something I'm necessarily looking to target. Dvorak can undoubtedly find the finish in the opening frame, and I wouldn't be shocked, and there's no value in his winning method props compared to my projected lines.
Erceg seems like a tough kid, and he's never been finished. Even though he's taking a step up in class, I could see him surviving to a decision in the weight class with the lowest finish rate in MMA.
Bets
- Pass
Kyle Nelson vs. Blake Bilder
Featherweight Bout | Odds |
---|---|
Kyle Nelson Odds | +210 |
Blake Bilder Odds | -250 |
Over/under rounds | 2.5 (+110 / -140) |
Crowdsourced Projections: Blake Bilder (69.7%)
Blake Bilder thrives by putting a pace on opponents, using his energy, feints, footwork and movement to overwhelm his opposition – both physically and mentally.
However, Bilder can get a bit reckless in pursuing his aggressive, taxing game plan. He's very open to damage defensively – with a lack of head movement in the pocket – and a potent striker like Kyle Nelson can find the target and knock him down or out.
A knockout is likely the best path to victory for Nelson, the lesser grappler with significantly worse cardio.
Nelson is tough, and Bilder isn't some big-time finisher, but I could see the American securing an attritional-based stoppage down the stretch if he can implement his game plan.
When both men are fresh, Nelson might have opportunities to land a big shot and put his opponent down. If that happens, I'll look to live bet Bilder after Round 1 as Nelson tires and moves away from his likeliest win condition.
From a pre-fight perspective, I would consider betting Bilder to win in Round 2 (+575) or Round 3 (+950). However, there's not enough meat on the bone to bet on either of those selections. And I could say the same about a potential same game parlay (SGP) with Bilder and the over 1.5 rounds (+120). I would rather play the round prop at that point, even though the SGP includes his decision equity.
I see an edge on Bilder by submission (projected +187, listed +225 at BetRivers) if you need action on this fight, but that's nothing more than a round-robin piece for me.
Look for a live angle on Bilder, or pass on this prelim.
Bets
- Blake Bilder live after Round 1
Aiemann Zahabi vs. Aori Qileng
Bantamweight Bout | Odds |
---|---|
Aiemann Zahabi Odds | +105 |
Aori Qileng Odds | -125 |
Over/under rounds | 2.5 (-210 / +170) |
Crowdsourced Projections: Aoriqileng (52.9%)
Aiemann Zahabi is the brother of legendary trainer Firas Zahabi, the head coach for welterweight GOAT Georges St-Pierre.
He is a technical but low-volume striker (6.9 strike attempts per minute) with good grappling skills but subpar offensive wrestling (16% takedown accuracy).
Aori Qileng is much more enthusiastic – averaging more than 12 strike attempts per minute, but he encourages more than 14 from his opponents – and has absorbed more than he has landed.
Zahabi is the more measured and composed fighter, but his opponent's pace may force a finish on either side.
In a firefight, I would give Qileng the durability edge. But other than Qileng by knockout (projected +373), I don't see an edge in this fight.
I'll consider that prop as a round-robin piece; otherwise, this is a spot to pass.
Bets
- Pass
Miranda Maverick vs. Jasmine Jasudavicius
Women's Flyweight Bout | Odds |
---|---|
Miranda Maverick Odds | -265 |
Jasmine Jasudavicius Odds | +225 |
Over/under rounds | 2.5 (-390 / +295) |
Crowdsourced Projections: Miranda Maverick (69%)
Jasmine Jasudavicius is my favorite moneyline wager for UFC 289. The Canadian will have the home crowd in a fight lined as high as -345 (77.5%) to reach a decision.
Miranda Maverick has a technical striking edge, but Jasudavicius can make up for that with her physical advantages: four inches of height and three inches of reach.
I'm also uncertain that Maverick is the better wrestler in this fight, which is the assumption based on the odds. She may have difficulty wrestling a taller opponent, but Maverick also surrenders takedowns of her own (44% takedown defense) and often has difficulty getting off her back after takedowns.
If Jasudavicuus can keep the striking relatively competitive by putting Maverick at the end of her jab, land a takedown in one or two rounds, get some top time, and go the full 15 minutes, we likely have a coinflip decision on our hands at worst – where Jadudavicus received unanimous support from the crowd.
And that seems like a highly plausible outcome.
Bet Jasudavicus on the moneyline down to +240 (projected +227) and consider playing her to win by decision (projected +330, listed +325) or even by split decision for small stakes in the winning-method market.
Bets
- Jasmine Jasudavicius (+250, 0.5u) at Caesars
Nassourdine Imavov vs. Chris Curtis
Middleweight Bout | Odds |
---|---|
Nassourdine Imavov Odds | -165 |
Chris Curtis Odds | +140 |
Over/under rounds | 2.5 (-165 / +135) |
Crowdsourced Projections: Nassourdine Imavov (57.9%)
Nassourdine Imavov and Chris Curtis have seen 30 of their 56 combined MMA fights (53.5%) end by finish. And on average, UFC middleweight fights end by knockout or submission more than 60% of the time.
Still, I project Saturday's featured prelim to reach a decision around 62% of the time (-160 implied odds). You can bet the distance prop up to -150.
Curtis has never attempted a takedown – nor been takedown down in the UFC – and while Imavov has the grappling upside, I mostly expect a low- to moderate-tempo kickboxing match between these two ranked middleweights.
Although Curtis – the shorter man – has a one-inch reach advantage, Imavov will look to play the outside game with his leg kicks and attempt to time Curtis' forward movement to land punches. Curtis thrives in the pocket, where he shows a strong high guard and works body/head combinations, but Imavov isn't the type of fighter who will stand in front of him and oblige his game.
Curtis should see a similar matchup to what he faced in Jack Hermasson, who frustrated Curtis from the outside and used movement and footwork to keep Curtis chasing him. I expect to see some clinch battles between Curtis and Imavov as Imavov potentially looks for level changes. But I expect the Frenchman to be all the way in – attempting takedowns – or all the way out – hammering leg kicks. And if Curtis presses forward, he needs to look to stay safe, escape and re-engage from a distance.
Aside from a boxing edge, Curtis, a former welterweight, may have the cardio advantage too. Imavov has slowed in other three-round fights, and with the way Curtis consistently rips the body, I could see him dropping the first round on optics before taking over late against a tiring opponent.
As a result, look to live bet Curtis after round 1 – when his price would presumably peak – in addition to the over or goes-the-distance prop.
Conversely, Imavov to win by decision (projected +147, listed +180) isn't the worst look in the winning method market. Still, I expect any decision to be close and competitive, and I'd instead grab a juicier plus money ticket in the live market on the fighter more likely to carry his energy late.
Bets
- Chris Curtis vs. Nassourdine Imavov, fight goes to decision (-128, 0.5u) at FanDuel
- Chris Curtis live after Round 1
Marc-Andre Barriault vs. Eryk Anders
Middleweight Bout | Odds |
---|---|
Marc-Andre Barriault Odds | -130 |
Eryk Anders Odds | +110 |
Over/under rounds | 2.5 (-175 / +140) |
Crowdsourced Projections: Marc-Andre Barriault (53.5%)
Saturday's main-card opener is closely lined, and judges may have to weigh Eryk Anders' power advantage against Marc-Andre Barriault's strike volume.
The Canadian Barriault averages 12.5 strike attempts per minute compared to 7.2 for Anders, and he also has a positive strike differential (+0.72 strikes landed minus absorbed per minute). Anders (-0.83) allows his opponents to both land more strikes and attempt more strikes (8.44 per minute).
This fight should be close and competitive throughout. Anders likely possesses most of the grappling upside whether by landing takedowns or controlling Barriault up against the cage.
However, Barriault has better cardio – and the home crowd in his corner, so even if he loses the first round by getting knocked down or otherwise – I think he can rally over the final 10 minutes to secure a decision.
Anders continues to fight hard even when he's tired. Still, Barriault should provide better optics for the judges, who are likelier to score Barriault's range volume – in his home country – over Anders' potential clinch control and short-range shots.
Bet Barriault live after Round 1 if he flips from a favorite to an underdog.
From a pre-fight perspective, however, I don't see any way to recommend an actionable betting angle on this fight.
The fight's outcome could swing in the clinch; if Barriault can land equal or better offense from those positions, I think he will take a decision.
Bets
- Marc-Andre Barriault live after Round 1
Dan Ige vs. Nate Landwehr
Featherweight Bout | Odds |
---|---|
Dan Ige Odds | -265 |
Nate Landwehr Odds | +225 |
Over/under rounds | 2.5 (+100 / -130) |
Crowdsourced Projections: Dan Ige (71.4%)
For additional information, including a full statistical breakdown of Saturday's exciting main card bout between Dan Ige and Nate Landwehr, make sure to check out the full fight preview from my colleague Billy Ward.
Billy and I have a similar read and betting approach on this fight, but I'm also betting the fight to end inside the distance (listed -135, projected -169), given the expected pace.
Both fighters have excellent cardio, but I would give a slight edge to Landwehr, a former track athlete, in the stamina department. However, Ige, who has never been finished, is significantly more durable. Landwehr gets dropped or wobbled in nearly all of his fights. Still, the Clarkstown, Tennessee native is as tough as they come, showing unbelievable recoverability to rally back into fights.
Ige has the power advantage, knocking opponents like Gavin Tucker stiff, while Landwehr overwhelms his opponents with pace and volume for attritional-based stoppages. And both fighters have an underrated submission game.
🇺🇸 Dan Ige (@Dynamitedan808) with a quick night at the office, knocking out 🇨🇦 Gavin Tucker in under 30 seconds. #UFCVegas21
— MMA Empire (@mmaempirecanada) March 14, 2021
Given the expected pace of this fight, I thought the under and finish props would be much more juiced than they are, though I somewhat understand the skepticism, considering Ige's ability to absorb damage.
I expect Ige to win early minutes and find clean opportunities to land on and hurt Landwehr, who doesn't offer much head movement and is far too willing to take a shot to give one back. If Landwehr tries to pressure Ige recklessly from the outset, he might eat a punch that he won't wake up from But that's the only way Nate the Train can fight: moving forward.
If Ige hurts Landwehr and empties his gas tank trying to finish – without doing so – Landwehr might make for a tremendous live bet after Round 1. I expect that you can find a better price on the underdog after Round 1 than you'll get pre-fight.
I projected Ige's chances of winning inside the distance around 50%; you can bet his finish prop down to +110, in addition to betting the under or fight ends ITD prop.
Bets
- Dan Ige vs. Nate Landwehr, fight ends inside the distance (-135, 1u) at Caesars
- Dan Ige wins inside the distance (+130, 0.25u) at DraftKings
Mike Malott vs. Adam Fugitt
Welterweight Bout | Odds |
---|---|
Mike Malott Odds | -205 |
Adam Fugitt Odds | +175 |
Over/under rounds | 2.5 (+210 / -265) |
Crowdsourced Projections: Mike Malott (64.5%)
Without many prominent Canadian fighters on the current UFC roster, the UFC will do its best to hype up Mike Malott on Saturday, putting him in the featured fight on a pay-per-view after three consecutive first-round finishes under the promotional banner, including a contract-earning performance on Contender Series.
Mike Malott’s last 4 finishes: pic.twitter.com/WMLndTc4DD
— nurMadsgomedov (@maddielilly11) June 5, 2023
We still don't know a ton about Malott as a fighter. He has 11 professional bouts, but 10 fights have ended within five minutes. His only fight to reach a decision ended in a draw (albeit in 2015). Malott started his career at featherweight (in 2011) but has moved up to welterweight.
He has some power and solid offensive submission skills. Still, Adam Fugitt likely has the wrestling advantage, potentially leaving Malott in a spot where he'll have to attempt to outstrike Fugitt, despite a four-inch reach discrepancy against a natural welterweight.
And given his wrestling background, I'd assume Fugitt has the cardio advantage too. If you're looking to bet on the Fugitt side, I will wait to play him live after Round 1, when you might find a superior number than the pre-fight price, as Malott moves beyond his typical win condition.
However, I don't see value in this fight from a pre-fight betting perspective. I set Malott as a -182 favorite; I would need something closer to +200 to back Fugitt. And I don't see an edge on the total or any winning method props, either.
Best-case scenario? Malott scores another round-one finish, and we get a tremendous price on a better opponent to fade him with.
Bets
- Adam Fugitt live after Round 1
Charles Oliveira vs. Beneil Dariush
Lightweight Bout | Odds |
---|---|
Charles Oliveira Odds | +130 |
Beneil Dariush Odds | -150 |
Over/under rounds | 2.5 (+175 / -215) |
Crowdsourced Projections: Charles Oliveira (54.7%)
For additional information, including a full statistical breakdown of Saturday's co-main event, check out the full fight preview from my colleague Dan Tom.
Dan and I are aligned regarding the side, and I would technically bet Oliveira at +125 or better (projected +121). However, I think there is a better way to bet on "Do Bronx," who has finished 30 of his 33 career victories (90.9%).
The discrepancy between Oliveria's moneyline at +125 (44.4% implied) and his finish prop at +200 (33.3% implied) is far too significant. The market is telling you that Oliveira will only finish the fight around 75% of the time if he does win; I would set those chances closer to 85% and his finish prop at +163. Bet Oliveira to win inside the distance down to +170.
Dariush might be the superior minute-winner in this fight. He's the better wrestler – and Oliveira doesn't always provide the best optics for judges. He gets knocked down regularly but is also happy to fake knockdowns and lay on his back, hoping opponents will jump into his guard.
Dariush is far more measured than opponents Oliveira has defeated recently – like Michael Chandler, Justin Gaethje and Dustin Poirier – and less likely to make fight-ending mistakes. But if the fight goes 15 minutes, I think Dariush has more decision equity.
While you could bet Oliveira on the moneyline, his finish prop offers superior value – as one of the most lethal finishers and best action fighters to ever step foot in the octagon.
Bets
- Charles Oliveira wins inside the distance (+200, 0.5u) at DraftKings
Amanda Nunes vs. Irene Aldana
Women's Bantamweight Bout | Odds |
---|---|
Amanda Nunes Odds | -320 |
Irene Aldana Odds | +265 |
Over/under rounds | 2.5 (-135 / +105) |
Crowdsourced Projections: Amanda Nunes (69.4%)
For additional information, including a full statistical breakdown of Saturday's main event and bantamweight title bout, check out my full fight preview.
In short, Amanda Nunes is just 7-4 in bouts extending beyond Round 1. And she has never had a finish past the eight-minute mark in any fight – or beyond the first round in the UFC.
And Irene Aldana has the boxing tools and striking footwork to make this fight highly competitive on the feet if she can deny takedowns.
Bet Aldana to +250 (28.6% implied), at a 2% edge compared to my projection (30.6%, or +227). And wait to add more live after Rounds 1, 2 and 3 as Nunes's probability of finishing the bout decreases substantially.
If you want to bet on Nunes, I would play her Round 1 prop (around +280 to +300) or bet a same game parlay with Nunes and under 1.5 rounds.
Bets
- Irene Aldana (+265, 0.25u) at DraftKings
- Irene Aldana live after Rounds 1, 2 and 3
UFC 289 Bets
Moneyline Bets
- Jasmine Jasudavicius (+250, 0.5u) at Caesars
- Irene Aldana (+265, 0.25u) at DraftKings
Prop Bets
- Chris Curtis vs. Nassourdine Imavov, fight goes to Decision (-128, 0.5u) at FanDuel
- Dan Ige vs. Nate Landwehr, dight ends inside the distance (-135, 1u) at Caesars
- Dan Ige wins inside the distance (+130, 0.25u) at DraftKings
- Charles Oliveira wins inside the distance (+200, 0.5u) at DraftKings
Live Bets
- Blake Bilder live after Round 1
- Chris Curtis live after Round 1
- Marc-Andre Barriault live after Round 1
- Adam Fugitt live after Round 1
- Irene Aldana live after Rounds 1, 2 and 3