UFC 273 Prediction, Tips, Offers & Odds

Alexander Volkanovski will look to further cement himself as a featherweight all-time great when he faces Chang Sung Jung in what is set to be his third defence of the title. The Australian put on one of the greatest 145-lbs fights ever in his unanimous decision win over Brian Ortega last time out. Volkanovski dominated, and in reality - whether you believe he beat Max Holloway in the second or not and if the former champion is better - he is a current pound for pound and a featherweight legend.

This is likely just another step along the way to in that legacy as The Korean Zombie has right now just earned himself the title shot as a result of Holloway's injury. "The Great" is just a much better fighter, and even though he only boasts of three submission wins, against a fantastic grappler like the 35-year-old, he even brings a black belt to the game and clear expertise in this manner after such stunning defence against Ortega in Jui-Jitsu situations.

The Korean Zombie is known for his durability, and his experience and excellent conditioning will keep him in this fight. But just as was the case in the victory over Ortega, it could well be a dominant one for a man who is likely to go down as one of the top featherweights of all time.

The people's main event. Everyone is wondering whether or not Khamzat Chimaev really is the real deal as he has so claims to be and just as so many believe he is. We are one of those deeply tucked away in the hype train as this man really does just seems different.

Li Jingliang, whilst not a serious competitor in the welterweight rankings, is not a gimmick and Chimaev made easy work of him while having a chat with Dana White just for the fun of it. Whilst concentrating on a discussion with the boss, the Russian-born eventually finished the black belt with a rear-naked choke in round one, and those who weren't on the Chimaev hype train, were straight after the Chinese went out. It was incredible, as was his 17-second knockout over Gerald Meerschaert, as was his 10-day two-fight winning run back in 2020. He really is the real deal and at 1/5 against a #2 ranked fighter when sitting just #11 is about as big of a compliment as you can get.

Whether he can win via submission or knockout, we don't know, but we're backing him to win. Gilbert Burns is a top competitor, but against Kamuaru Usman, his chin looked weak and his most recent victory over Stephen Thompson came in a manner of which he simply won't be able to do against Chimaev. We think it's another win for the man who could well go all the way very soon.

One of the most anticipated rematches in recent times Aljamain Sterling and Petr Yan meet 13 months after the illegal knee handed "Funk Master" the title in the fourth round of their first fight.

This one is perhaps the most intriguing fight of the lot, because while Chimaev could well steamroll Burns, just as Volkanovski dominated The Korean Zombie, this fight could well be the one with the biggest likelihood of an upset. The champion is a big underdog in this fight too, but Sterling is a fantastic fighter and easily one of the best to do it in the bantamweight rankings right now. However, the first fight was, in truth, heading in one direction before the illegal knee as it slowly became a Yan masterclass.

Sterling had his moments, and he certainly won round one. As time went on, however, the Russian's cardio, boxing, precision, and overall mixed martial arts ability took control. Both men have also defeated Cory Sandhagen, and while Sterling's exceptional first-round rear-naked choke was a sensational one, Yan looked equally as good in his own right in the interim fight too. It was another unanimous decision win for the now-interim champion, and it was another boxing masterclass as well as a technical and movement clinic at times against a ferocious striker in Sandhagen.

Yan is the favourite here, and rightfully so; he too is set to go down as one of the best to ever do it in his weight class. Dominick Cruz and TJ Dillashaw both lay claim to that mantle right now, though, but Yan will seriously rival that with another impressive win here.