Pinnacle -106 BET365 +110 Sportsinteraction +105 888Sport +105

Posted at 2:45 PM EST. Odds subject to change.

UFC Fight Night: Denver

Ball Arena - Live on ESPN+

Wager: Da'Mon Blackshear (best odds: +110 at Bet365)

8:35 PM EST. The only UFC fighter to ever end a bout with a twister submission, Da’Mon Blackshear is a small underdog against veteran Montel Jackson, but we think the chalk might be placed on the wrong guy. Jackson is a fine martial artist. At 32, he’s been a part of Dana White’s promotion since he was 26, and he’s only lost twice. “Quik” Jackson has already pledged that it’s “now or never” for the aging Bantamweight, fully recognizing that he hasn’t exactly set himself up for superstardom, a guy who just hasn't faced a who’s-who of contenders in his division. Jackson has done his part, though, defeating his last four enemies in swift fashion (2 KO/TKO finishes in the 1st round and 2 unanimous decisions), but the Wisconsin native knows he doesn’t have long before he slips into irrelevance if he doesn’t face some tougher tests. He also recognized that Blackshear is the guy who could catapult him into a real contender. That wouldn’t be the case if Da’Mon “Da Monster” Blackshear was an easy opponent. 

On paper, Blackshear might not appear that impressive. The 29-year-old has been in the UFC since 2022 and he’s incurred two wins, two losses, and one draw. A closer look at both losses show very questionable decisions by the cyclically controversial UFC judges, particularly his last bout against Mario Bautista, where most MMA fans and experts agreed Blackshear deserved the victory. Blackshear is explosive and enigmatic in the octagon, very unpredictable in his movements, and he’ll enter Saturday with just as much desperation to prove he’s a legitimate guy who could someday capture Bantamweight gold. 

The reality is, Blackshear may be younger but he has just as much experience as the “veteran” Jackson; he’s actually fought in 5 more bouts. Jackson is confident and bullish about finally elevating to the next level, but “Da Monster” is more versatile, he’s far better than his opponent on the mat (9 submission wins), and he’s just as desperate to make a statement. We’ll take the pooch in this early, entertaining battle.

Farley

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