Eighteen-year-old phenom Raul Rosas Jr. (7-0, 1-0 UFC) looks to build on his first UFC win when he goes up against Christian Rodriguez (8-1, 1-1 UFC) at UFC 287 on April 8, an event headlined by Alex Pereira and Israel Adesanya.
Rosas’ fight will be a three-rounder on the main card, where he’s a -220 favorite over Rodriguez (+180).
UFC 287: Raul Rosas Jr. vs Christian Rodriguez Betting Odds
| Fighter | Odds |
|---|---|
| Raul Rosas Jr. | -250 |
| Christian Rodriguez | +200 |
Odds as of March 31
Our odds calculator gives Rosas (-250) an implied win probability of 71.43 percent, with a $10 bet on him paying out $14. Rodriguez’s +200 odds equate to a 33.33 percent chance of victory with a $10 bet paying out $30.
UFC 287: Rosas vs Rodriguez Preview
Rosas opened as a -170 favorite and his line has now moved to -250. The public likes the kid — and for good reason.
What Rosas Does Well
“El Nino Problema” embodies his nickname — he’s a real problem, on the ground at least. In his debut at UFC 282 against Jay Perrin, Rosas looked calm on his feet and used his striking to set up the wrestling. Eventually, he secured a takedown and took the back, sinking in a rear-naked choke.
His grappling looks advanced, but Perrin was a certified bum by UFC standards. Rodriguez is better and it’ll be exciting to see if Rosas can spider all over his next opponent or if he gets stopped in his tracks.
What Rodriguez Does Well
Rodriguez, 25, is young and also new to mixed martial arts. He packs some punch into his small frame and fought with plenty of composure in his last bout (UFC Vegas 63 vs Joshua Weems). Rodriguez looked technical, albeit unspectacular, and his victory came when Weems tumbled himself straight into an anaconda choke.
“Ceerod” is a quality fighter, but he’s been taken down eight times in two UFC fights. Rosas is a shark on the mat and he’ll obliterate Rodriguez’s vulnerabilities.
Rosas vs Rodriguez Pick
My official pick is Rosas to win by submission. On top of that, I’ll take the fight to go UNDER 1.5 rounds.
Pick: Rosas by submission (TBD); UNDER 1.5 Rounds (TBD)
While you’re here, check out our other UFC 287 main card previews:
UFC 287: Full Card & Betting Odds
- Main Card
- Middleweight Title Fight – Alex Pereira (+110) vs Israel Adesanya (-138)
- Welterweight – Gilbert Burns (-450) vs Jorge Masvidal (+350)
- Bantamweight – Adrian Yanez (-175) vs Rob Font (+150)
- Welterweight – Kevin Holland (-275) vs Santiago Ponzinibbio (+225)
- Bantamweight – Raul Rosas Jr. (-250) vs Christian Rodriguez (+200)
- Prelims
- Middleweight – Chris Curtis (+100) vs Kelvin Gastelum (-125)
- Women’s Strawweight – Michelle Waterson-Gomez (+150) vs Luana Pinheiro (-175)
- Heavyweight – Chris Barnett (+180) vs Chase Sherman (-220)
- Middleweight – Gerald Meerschaert (+150) vs Joe Pyfer (-175)
- Women’s Strawweight – Cynthia Calvillo (+240) vs Loopy Godinez (-300)
- Lightweight – Ignacio Bahamondes (TBD) vs Nikolas Motta (TBD)
- Featherweight – Shayilan Nuerdanbieke (-225) vs Steve Garcia Jr. (+187)
- Women’s Strawweight – Jaqueline Amorim (-250) vs Sam Hughes (+200)
Odds as of March 31
- Date/Time: April 8, 6 p.m. ET
- Location: Miami, Florida
- Arena: Miami-Dade Arena
- Where to Watch: ESPN+, PPV
