UFC Fight Night 143 (Dillashaw vs Cejudo): Odds and Predictions

• T.J. Dillashaw takes on Henry Cejudo for the flyweight title at UFC Fight Night 143
• Can Dillashaw keep his winning streak alive?

• Will Paige VanZant come out on top in her fight with Rachael Ostovich?

The first ever card of the ESPN-era is a good one.

Bantamweight champion, T.J. Dillashaw will move down in weight to take on flyweight champion Henry Cejudo for the flyweight title on January 19th at UFC Fight Night 143. Dillashaw has a chance to become the next champ-champ, while Cejudo is looking for his first title defense.

The card has all the expectations to deliver and a big reason why is because of the main event.

TJ Dillashaw vs Henry Cejudo Odds

*All odds taken 1/8

Fight Record and Recent History

T.J. Dillashaw (16-3)  is currently riding a four-fight winning streak dating back to UFC 200 in 2016. Dillashaw has notable wins over the likes of Coday Garbrandt, twice, Renan Barao, twice, Raphael Assuncao, and John Lineker among others. However, a notable blemish on his record is the split-decision loss to Dominick Cruz in January 2016 to lose his bantamweight belt.

Dillashaw is currently riding a four-fight winning streak dating back to UFC 200 in 2016.

Since then, Dillashaw has gone on an impressive run and looks to be a force to be reckoned with.  In his last two fights against Garbrandt, Dillashaw looked poised in Octagon and showed off his power by knocking out Garbrandt twice and ending their rivalry. However, this will be the first time in Dillashaw’s career that he will be fighting at flyweight.

Henry Cejudo, (13-2), meanwhile, had arguably the upset of the year when he defeated longtime flyweight king, Demetrious Johnson at UFC 227, the same event Dillashaw defended his belt against Garbrandt.

Cejudo’s rise to UFC champion was not easy. Although he is an Olympic gold medalist and started his career of 10-0 when Cejudo had to face Johnson for the first time he got knocked out in the first. Then, he lost a decision loss to perennial contender, Joseph Benavidez in his next fight. However, Cejudo worked his way to the top, scored the upset and is now a champion set for what may be his biggest challenge in Dillashaw.

TJ Dillashaw vs Henry Cejudo Tale of the Tape

Although Dillashaw is moving down in weight, he will only have a half-inch reach advantage. That should help Cejudo out as if he can close out the distance and wrestle Dillashaw down it will be a good night for Cejudo. However, throughout his career, it has been hard to take Dillashaw down, as he is a smart fighter who will change stances and looks to make it even harder to take him down. But, if the fight goes to the ground, the Olympian in Cejudo should have the advantage.

If the fight stays standing though, Dillashaw will have a big advantage. Dillashaw has serious knockout power, evident in his last two fights. Meanwhile, Cejudo has just one TKO win in his UFC career. In the end, whichever fighter can fight their game should come out on top. I expect Dillashaw to get a finish sometime in the middle of the fight.

Pick: T.J. Dillashaw (-210)

Paige VanZant vs Rachael Ostovich Odds

Paige VanZant is back. Her last fight was in January of 2018. She has been sidelined by a broken arm. She will be taking on Rachael Ostovich who wasn’t even expected to compete on this card. Ostovich was in an alleged domestic violence attack on November 18, 2018. Ultimately, she has fully recovered and will be able to fight against VanZant.

Fight Record and Recent History

VanZant (7-4) has dropped her last two fights to Michelle Waterson at strawweight and then to Jessica Rose-Clark in her flyweight debut. Her last win came back in August of 2016 when she knocked out Bec Rawlings. Ultimately, VanZant is 4-3 in the UFC and looking to remain above .500 with a win against Ostovich.

Paige VanZant vs Rachael Ostovich Tale of the Tape

Ostovich (4-4) also lost her last fight against Montana De La Rosa by submission back in July of 2018. Before that, she won her UFC debut against Karine Gevorgyan by submission in 2017.

Both fighters are rather similar on the ground with VanZant having the edge on the feet.

Both fighters are rather similar on the ground with VanZant having the edge on the feet. She has more experience and has fought a higher level of competition than Ostovich. I see this one going to a decision and VanZant winning by unanimous decision.

Pick: Paige VanZant (-170)

Greg Hardy vs Allen Crowder Odds

Greg Hardy (-600) is a huge favorite in his UFC debut against Allen Crowder (+400). In the end, I see this one being a “slugfest” and Hardy coming out on top by knockout.

Alexander Hernandez vs Donald Cerrone Odds

Alex Hernandez (-205) is a slight favorite over UFC veteran Donald Cerrone (+165). I see the fight playing out with Hernandez narrowly edging a decision victory of Cerrone.

Glover Teixeira vs Ion Cutelaba Odds

Ion Cutelaba (-200) will have his toughest fight to date when he takes on UFC veteran Glover Teixeira (+165). I see this one being too much too soon for Cutelaba as Teixeira will get the win.