Cody Garbrandt Vs. Raphael Assuncao Odds And Predictions For UFC 250

Former UFC Men’s Bantamweight Champion Cody Garbrandt is in a must-win situation on Saturday night in the UFC 250 co-main event.

Garbrandt will attempt to snap a three-fight losing streak when he faces Brazil’s Raphael Assuncao.

Here is a look at the odds, preview and prediction.

Odds

• Garbrandt -139
• Assuncao +119

Per BetOnline.

Why Garbrandt is the Favorite

Despite his current skid, Garbrandt still brings an exciting blend of power and speed into the Octagon.

At his best–see his title-winning performance against Dominick Cruz–he can be a whirlwind who can also be measured and precise with his punches.

After being out of the Octagon for more than a year, Garbrandt has said he has worked on fixing his issues inside and out of the cage. Apparently, the oddsmakers believe him and have him pegged as the favorite.

Assuncao’s Chances for an Upset

Like Garbrandt, Assuncao is also on a skid. He’s lost two fights in a row, and badly needs a victory. His chances for an upset are rooted in his advanced and precise striking ability.

He lands 41 percent of his strikes compared to 37 percent for Garbrandt, and Assuncao is traditionally difficult to hit. He has a 68-percent striking defense. Garbrandt has made a bad habit of getting too emotional during exchanges and leaving himself open for huge counter shots.

When given the opportunity, Assuncao is an excellent counter puncher, and Garbrandt’s style could play into that if he isn’t more careful and defense conscious.

Assuncao has the power to stop Garbrandt, and he could also outland him en route to a decision victory.

Prediction

I’m taking the underdog in this one.

Garbrandt can really punch, but I’m not convinced he’s found the fix for what ails his striking defense or his penchant for going off the rails with his emotions.

I like Assuncao’s calm, poised and sometimes lower-than-ideal pace in this matchup. I believe he either catches Garbrandt with something big, or does enough to outpoint him through the three rounds.