UFC 173 takes place on May 24 and UFC betting fans are anticipating the return of the most reliable fighter at the sportsbooks. UFC Bantamweight champion Renan Barao will defend his title for the fourth time and look to continue his 31-fight unbeaten streak in the process.
Despite losing to Raphael Assuncao back in October, T.J. Dillashaw gets the latest title shot handicapped as a +550 UFC 173 betting underdog at Sportsbook. Action to win on Barao currently comes with a -800 price at Sportsbook, but some real value can be found in the prop bet options at Sportsbook.
Barao inside the distance at -150, fight doesn’t go to a decision at -190, or the UNDER 4.5 rounds at -175 are a few good options to choose from or a good collection for a parlay bet. The step up in competition for Dillashaw will become evident early on, and how tough Dillashaw is will determine how deep this fight goes.
The UFC 173 betting card co-main event is also handicapped as a one-sided affair with action on Daniel Cormier to win coming with a Sportsbook -800 price. The unlikely Dan Henderson upset will currently pay as much as +600 at Sportsbook on the UFC betting lines, but as usual more affordable options are available in the props.
The Cormier wins inside the distance at UFC odds of +145 is the one that stands out the most. Cormier will be too fast for the aging Henderson, and if the indications are correct that Henderson’s chin is gone this fight appears to have more potential to be over early than handicappers are considering.
Welterweights Jake Ellenberger and Robbie Lawler will battle to remain in the upper divisional rankings with a win at UFC 173. Lawler gets the nod as the UFC odds -240 favorite, but the prop option of Lawler wins inside the distance at +115 looks more appealing. The Ellenberger upset will pay +200 at Sportsbook, but you might as well get the extra longshot value on the Ellenberger wins inside the distance option at +560.
