Get to know the betting odds, predictions and picks for the co-main event of UFC London: Jan Blachowicz vs. Carlos Ulberg!
Fight fans have been waiting a long time to see Jan Blachowicz back in action. The former UFC light heavyweight champion has been sidelined for nearly 20 months after undergoing shoulder surgery. His last appearance in the octagon resulted in a split decision loss to former champion Alex Pereira. Now at 42 years old, the Polish powerhouse is looking to turn back the clock and remind everyone why he once wore UFC gold around his waist.
Standing across from Blachowicz is the red-hot Carlos Ulberg. After stumbling in his UFC debut, the City Kickboxing product has been absolutely unstoppable. Ulberg rides an impressive seven-fight winning streak into this co-main event showdown at London’s O2 Arena. He has had several high-profile matchups fall through, including potential bouts with Jamahal Hill, Anthony Smith, and Dominick Reyes. A victory over a former champion like Blachowicz would undoubtedly be the biggest feather in his cap to date.
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The betting odds heavily favor the younger fighter in this matchup. Carlos Ulberg currently sits as a substantial -390 favorite according to BetMGM. Jan Blachowicz on the other hand comes in as a +240 underdog. These odds reflect both the age gap between the fighters and Blachowicz’s lengthy layoff from competition. The Polish fighter is no stranger to being underestimated, though. Throughout his UFC career, he has repeatedly defied the odds and shocked the betting public.
The wide odds gap also speaks to Ulberg’s impressive run of form. The New Zealand native has been nothing short of spectacular during his seven-fight win streak. His combination of speed, power, and improved grappling has oddsmakers convinced he will continue his climb up the light heavyweight ladder. For bettors looking for value, Blachowicz’s underdog status might be tempting given his championship pedigree and vast experience advantage.
When analyzing this fight from a stylistic perspective, Carlos Ulberg appears to have several key advantages. His speed and athleticism should create serious problems for the aging Jan Blachowicz. The City Kickboxing standout has shown tremendous improvements in his defensive wrestling as well, which could neutralize Blachowicz’s takedown attempts.
Blachowicz’s path to victory likely involves closing the distance, securing takedowns, and utilizing his legendary “Polish Power” in close exchanges. However, after such a lengthy layoff and at 42 years old, it’s fair to question whether he still possesses the explosiveness needed to execute this gameplan. Ulberg has demonstrated excellent takedown defense and the ability to circle away from danger after defending shots. He has even shown some promising offensive wrestling of his own (Da Woon Jung submission), which could turn the tables on the former champion.
We at The Playoffs are going with Carlos Ulberg to win via KO in the early rounds.
(Image Credit: UFC – X)
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