Tatsuro Taira is a -175 favorite over Alex Perez (+150) as these two UFC flyweights square off in a Fight Night main event on June 15 in Las Vegas.
The MMA masses have their betting preference in this one, with most fans hammering Taira at his current odds. I'm leaning in that direction, too, but let's do a full breakdown of the Taira vs Perez odds and lay out some picks.
Taira vs Perez Odds
| Fighter | Odds |
|---|---|
| Tatsuro Taira | -175 |
| Alex Perez | +150 |
Odds as of June 10
Our odds calculator suggests Taira's -175 odds equate to an implied win probability of 63.64%, meaning a $100 bet on her pays out $157.14. Perez's +150 underdog odds imply a 40% chance to win, and a $100 bet on him pays out $250.
Betting Preview: Tatsuro Taira
The Japanese native is legit. He's a fantastic grappler who has gradually ramped up his striking skills. The 24-year-old is undefeated in MMA, possesses excellent takedown ability, and is a 71% accurate striker, though much of that comes from ground and pound.
Perez has excellent takedown defense, meaning it'll take Taira multiple attempts to drag him down, if he can do it at all. Suddenly, this could become a striking battle where Perez stands a chance. But we just saw Perez lose to Muhammad Mokaev, who is quite similar to Taira.
I believe a bet on Taira straight up is fine, but I'd also consider him by decision.
Betting Preview: Alex perez
Perez is a grinder. He surprised MMA folks by knocking out Matheus Nicolau last time around, and some suggest he's an excellent underdog bet vs the grappling specialist Taira.
An early swarm represents Perez's best chance to win. Taira will want to get funky and wear Perez down for a chance at a takedown. If the American can pivot this fight into a pure boxing match, he'll have a big advantage.
Take Perez straight up, if you're keen.
Taira vs Perez Pick
If Taira moved to -200, for example, I wouldn't love the bet, but -175 is the final threshold before I cross into betting Perez as the underdog. Stay tuned on the odds throughout the week.
In the meantime, I'm taking Taira to win at -175.
