UPDATE, 11:13 p.m.: Curtis Blaydes wins by unanimous decision (49-46, 48-47, 48-46). Give credit to Volkov for some incredible cardio and work rate to get himself on his feet at the end of the fight, but the takedown and striking game of Curtis Blaydes gets the win as a big favorite.
UPDATE, 1:50 p.m.: We’re seeing little change at DraftKings Sportsbook for the main event. The public is backing the favored Curtis Blaydes in a big way, with 81% of total bets and 72% of total handle as of Saturday afternoon.
A pair of ranked heavyweights looking for a chance at Stipe Miocic’s title face off tonight when Curtis Blaydes takes on Alexander Volkov at UFC on ESPN 11 tonight in Las Vegas.
Blaydes is ranked #3 at heavyweight, has an MMA record of 13-2 and is 8-2 in the UFC. His loss to Francis Ngannou in November of 2018 was his only defeat since April of 2016, and he often wins with power: He’s got 10 TKO/KO’s in those 13 career victories. The betting public favors him too, as he’s getting 73% of the handle and 81% of the bets for tonight’s fight so far, which is why the line has moved so heavily in his direction.
The veteran Volkov is 31-7, and 5-1 in the UFC coming off a decision win over Greg Hardy in December. He has 23 career stoppages, but just two in the UFC, and is ranked #7 in the promotion. His loss to Derrick Lewis was stopped with just 11 seconds remaining in his only setback since June of 2015. He’s getting faded pretty hard, but there might be some sharp action on him. Volkov is receiving 19% of the bets but 27% of the handle for tonight’s fight.
Here are the betting splits at DraftKings Sportsbook for Curtis Blaydes vs. Alexander Volkov at UFC on ESPN 11 on June 20th:
Betting odds
Curtis Blaydes: opened -295, now -435
Alexander Volkov: opened +230, now +318
Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ/WV/PA) or 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN) or 1-800-522-4700 (NH/CO). NH/NJ/WV/IN/PA/CO only. 21+ (18+ NH). Eligibility Restrictions Apply. See website for details.