Heading into this weekend, UFC 189 is getting all of the hype and buzz and The Ultimate Fighter 21 Finale is largely flying under the radar. While this event may not feature big names or titles, it does feature a few interesting matchups that should be very appealing to fight fans.

Between the main event featuring Jake Ellenberger vs. Stephen Thompson, the UFC debut of Michelle ‘The Karate Hottie” Waterson and the crowing of a new TUF winner The Ultimate Fighter 21 Finale has plenty to offer. For the gamblers out there this event offers up several solid plays to increase your bankroll.

Angela Magana, +450 vs. Michelle Waterson, -600

The former Invicta FC atomweight champion will be making her UFC debut on Sunday. Following the loss of her title at Invicta FC 10 Waterson has decided to move up in weight to chase her UFC dream. A complete fighter, Waterson has the tools to be a force, but her small stature could ultimately hold her back. Her opponent Magana is game, but she is not on Waterson’s level. This fight is more about getting Waterson acclimated to her new weight class than it is about truly testing her skill set.

Play: At +124, take Waterson to win inside the distance

Cezar Ferreira, +220 vs. Jorge Masvidal, -260

While technically the TUF 21 welterweight final is co-main event for all intents and purposes this is the real co-main event of the evening. After suffering a razor thin loss to Al Iaquinta in his last outing Masvidal is moving up in weight to try his hand at welterweight. Masvidal’s opponent will also be making his welterweight debut as TUF Brazil middleweight winner Ferreira moves down a class. With two knockout losses in his last three outings Ferreira would be in a lot of trouble against Masvidal.

Play: Take Masvidal to win, and at +146, take him to win inside the distance

Jake Ellenberger, +180 vs. Stephen Thompson, -220

In the main event of the evening, Ellenberger and Thompson battle it out for position in a stacked welterweight division. Currently riding a four fight win streak and 5-1 in the UFC overall, this is a launching pad fight for Thompson. Ellenberger may be one fight removed from a 0-3 run, but he has name value and he is still ranked in the UFC’s top 10. The problem is Ellenberger is no willing stepping stone as he is hungry to fight his way back into contention.

Thompson will have a decided technical striking advantage, but Ellenberger is no slouch. If he can close the distance and force Thompson to fight ugly, he can win this fight.

Play: Take Ellenberger to win

 

Odds provided by BestFightOdds.com

About The Author

RJ Gardner
Content Coordinator

RJ Gardner is a rabid sports fan and a long time MMA enthusiast. After watching UFC 1 at ripe old age of 11 RJ was hooked and his passion for the sport has continued to blossom over the years. RJ has been covering MMA since 2007 and has had work featured on Bleacher Report, SI.com, CBSSports.com and UFC.com. RJ is also a Petroleum Transportation Operations Manager during the day.