Dominick Reyes vs Jan B?achowicz is the co-main event at UFC 253 betting on Saturday, September 26 at Flash Forum on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
This fight will determine the next UFC light heavyweight champion after Jon Jones vacated the title following almost a decade of dominance. UFC odds have Reyes — fresh off a controversial decision to Jones — installed as the -290 favorite while B?achowicz comes back at +225.
We break down the UFC betting odds for this light heavyweight title fight and give our best picks and predictions for Reyes vs. B?achowicz at UFC 253.
Reyes vs B?achowicz fight odds
| Method of Victory | Dominick Reyes | Jan B?achowicz |
|---|---|---|
| Win outright | -290 | +225 |
| Win by KO/TKO | +115 | +460 |
| Win by points | +280 | +950 |
| Win by submission | +1,300 | +950 |
| Draw | +5,000 | +5,000 |
Odds courtesy of FanDuel
Reyes vs B?achowicz betting preview
Dominick "The Devastator" Reyes is coming off a loss to Jones at UFC 247 in February. It was a very close fight, with 14 of 21 media outlets scoring the fight in favor of Reyes, and it's the only defeat on his resume.
Reyes is long, powerful and athletic and was twice named to the All-Conference team while playing football for the Stony Brook Seawolves. The 30-year-old is a terrific kickboxer, in terms of both technique and power, who lands 4.88 significant strikes per minute.
Jan B?achowicz is No. 3 in the UFC light heavyweight rankings and has won seven of his last eight fights, including three in a row against Corey Anderson, Ronaldo Souza and Luke Rockhold. The 37-year-old is the former KSW light heavyweight champ and after some up-and-down performances in his first few years in the UFC, has really hit a groove.
Blachowicz is a strong striker with excellent boxing ability. He's also an adept grappler with a background in BJJ and nine submission wins in his career
Reyes vs B?achowicz tale of the tape
| Dominick Reyes | Jan B?achowicz | |
|---|---|---|
| 30 | Age | 37 |
| 6-foot-4 | Height | 6-foot-2 |
| 205 lbs | Weight | 205 lbs |
| 77 inches | Reach | 78 inches |
| 12-1 (7 KO) | Record | 26-8 (7 KO) |
Reyes vs B?achowicz UFC predictions and betting picks
PREDICTION: Reyes to win -290 - Many fans thought Reyes deserved the decision victory against Jones. While I don't think he did enough in the championship rounds to get the W, it was certainly a close battle and he showed just how dangerous he can be.
Both these fighters are capable on the ground but are more comfortable standing up, which is where this fight will likely wind up when you consider Reyes' 82 percent takedown defense.
When it comes to striking, Reyes has several advantages. His devastating kicking ability and excellent movement allow him to maintain distance and avoid damage in inside exchanges. Fighting as a southpaw also makes Reyes tough to figure out and gives him plenty of angles to attack from, even against a fighter like Blachowicz who can switch stances.
We like the younger and more athletic fighter to win this one.
PREDICTION: Reyes to win via points +280 - Although Reyes piled up plenty of knockout wins earlier in his career, three of his last four fights have gone the distance, including his bout against Jones that went the full 25 minutes.
While B?achowicz has been on a tear over the last few years, he went through a rough period between 2015 and 2017 when he lost four of five fights. All of those defeats came by decision, and we think he'll lose by points again on Saturday with Reyes ultimately out-striking him.
PREDICTION: Fight to start Round 4 +116 - While these guys definitely have power, they are both crafty strikers who like to set up combos with leg kicks and counter when their opponents extend themselves. They also have great chins with B?achowicz only getting finished twice in his 34-fight career — and Reyes yet to be even knocked down in any bout.
We think this fight will be more defensive than many seem to believe, which has us leaning towards the Over 3.5 rounds.
