UFC on ESPN 42: Bets, Predictions and Picks

UFC on ESPN 42 will take place at the Amway Center in Orlando on Saturday, December 3. Also known as UFC on ESPN: Thompson vs Holland, the event is headlined by a welterweight bout between Stephen Thompson and Kevin Holland.

The co-main event is another welterweight bout, with Bryan Barberena taking on Rafael dos Anjos. The fight card also includes fighters such as Jack Hermansson, Tai Tuivasa and Kyle Daukaus.

We have reviewed the UFC on ESPN 42 odds to find the best predictions for Saturday’s event. Below, we share our predictions for Thompson vs Holland, Barberena vs dos Anjos and another intriguing matchup. Keep reading to discover our picks. Also check out our prediction for Fury vs Chisora III.

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Prediction for Stephen Thompson vs Kevin Holland

Betting odds: Thompson (+135) vs Holland (-155)

Let’s start with the favorite.

Holland heads into this clash as the bookmakers’ favorite, leaving Thompson as the underdog. However, the tight odds suggest that Saturday’s main event is set to be a close battle.

It is no secret that Holland is dangerous on the feet, but he is not the best wrestler. Let’s not forget that he suffered a submission loss against Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 279 in September.

On the other hand, Thompson is widely regarded as one of the best strikers in UFC history. Having climbed to No. 6 in the welterweight rankings, the experienced 39-year-old fighter certainly has what it takes to upset the odds in Orlando.

In my opinion, backing Thompson at +135 makes a lot of sense.

Best bet: Stephen Thompson wins (+135)

Prediction for Bryan Barberena vs Rafael dos Anjos

Betting odds: Barberena (+420) vs dos Anjos (-540)

Next up is the co-main event between Barberena and dos Anjos. As you can see, the bookmakers expect dos Anjos to make light work of Barberena, which makes the moneyline market look fairly unattractive.

Instead, I recommend backing dos Anjos to win by decision. Four of the Brazilian’s previous six victories have come by decision, so that looks like the most likely method of victory this time around.

Barberena’s generous +420 odds will surely attract plenty of attention. However, the 33-year-old is a big underdog with the bookmakers for a reason. Dos Anjos should have more than enough quality to get past the Californian.

Best bet: Rafael dos Anjos wins by decision (-135)

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Prediction for Jack Hermansson vs Roman Dolidze

Betting odds: Hermansson (-190) vs Dolidze (+160)

The last of my UFC on ESPN 42 selections concerns the middleweight matchup between Jack Hermansson and Roman Dolidze. Derek Brunson was originally scheduled to fight Hermansson, but Dolidze stepped in after Brunson was injured.

I really like the look of Hermansson’s price here. “The Joker” sits at No. 8 in the middleweight rankings following victories over Chris Curtis and Edmen Shahbazyan, so I can see him dominating Dolidze. The Georgian will probably put up a decent fight, but Hermansson should cruise to a relatively comfortable decision victory.

Best bet: Jack Hermansson wins (-190)

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Betting Lines for the UFC on ESPN 42 Main Card

Stephen Thompson (+135) vs. Kevin Holland (-155)

Bryan Barberena (+420) vs. Rafael dos Anjos (-540)

Matheus Nicolau (-380) vs. Matt Schnell (+310)

Tai Tuivasa (+180) vs. Sergey Pavlovich (-210)

Jack Hermansson vs. Roman Dolidze (+160)

Eryk Anders (+185) vs. Kyle Daukaus (-215)