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Free Picks: UFC 186 Johnson vs. Horiguchi Betting Odds & Preview

UFC Betting Lines & Predictions

The UFC returns to Montreal this weekend with what looked like an absolutely packed card before the cancellation of the Main Event TJ Dillashaw and Renan Barao II for the Bantamweight strap, the demise of the fight featuring Rory MacDonald because of a failed drug test by Hector Lombard and the realization that Rampage Jackson was off the card and is now back on – I know!

UFC 186: Johnson vs. Horiguchi

Date: April 25, 2015
Time: 10 pm ET
Location: Bell Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Broadcast: Pay-per-view, Fox Sports 1, UFC Fight Pass

Main Card (on Pay-Per-View)

Demetrious Johnson (21-2-1): -900
Kyoji Horiguchi (15-1): +600

That said one of the best pound-for-pound fighters on the planet Demetrious Johnson will be in action as will one of the most popular fighters in the UFC Michael Bisping.

Here is a peek at the full card and what should play out during a full night of quality bouts.

UFC Flyweight Champion Demetrious Johnson defends his title for the sixth time Saturday against a largely unknown challenger but certainly a worthy and dangerous opponent Kyoji Horiguchi. That said it is almost unfathomable to think that anyone will take down the only Flyweight champion the UFC has ever known.

Johnson is simply the quickest fighter on the planet right now – nobody has the hand and foot speed of the Champ. He utilizes that speed in both his striking and grappling game – if you can catch him you may have a chance. Nobody in the last couple of years has been able to catch though!

Horiguchi has been impressive since landing in the UFC – four straight wins but his style plays right into the hands of the Champ. He attacks with reckless abandon, using his speed to get inside and devastate his opponents – something he won’t be able to do Saturday. Horiguchi’s ground game isn’t all that great meaning that he will have to end this fight on the feet to have a chance.

Johnson has definitely fought more dangerous adversaries inside the Octagon – his patience, technicality, professionalism and speed will be too much for the challenger here. The Champ will know what’s coming and should be able to fight-plan around Horiguchi’s one-dimensional attack.

Simply put there are zero hole in Johnson’s game while there are certainly areas of weakness in Horiguchi’s.

MMA Betting Pick: Demitrious Johnson -900

Michael Bisping (25-7):-145
C.B. Dollaway (15-6): +125

An intriguing Middleweight battle is second-last on the card Saturday night when the highly marketable UFC loudmouth Michael Bisping attempts to turn his fortunes around against CB Dollaway. Both of these fighters seem destined to remain in the “B-level” of UFC fighters – neither seems destined for a Title shot anytime soon.

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Bisping enters having lost two of his last three fights including a beat-down at the hands of Luke Rockhold last time out while Dalloway had looked to be on an upward path before getting TKO’d by Lyoto Machida last time out.

Bisping seems past his prime and while I think he can stay out of danger with his foot speed, I just don’t think he piles up enough points to win here. In a dull, striking battle expect Dollaway to outpoint the Brit in this one. It won’t be pretty but what Bisping fight is?

MMA Betting Pick: C.B Dollaway +125

Fabio Maldonado (22-7): -145
Rampage Jackson (35-11): +125

Home town guy Steve Bosse will see his dream of fighting in the UFC put on hold after the courts reinstated Rampage Jackson for this fight. Jackson hasn’t fought inside the Octagon since Jan. 2013 when he lost a unanimous decision to Glover Teixeira at UFC on FOX 6 but he did win his three fights with Bellator ahead of this bout. Jackson is certainly a dangerous guy but you have to wonder where his head is at after battling in the courts instead of inside the Octagon.

Maldonado has won four of his last five fights overall and has beaten some decent names – Roger Hollett, Joey Beltran, Gian Villante and Hans Stringer in Brazil. Maldonado is the younger and hungrier fighter in this one. We know that he’s been training hard – I don’t know about Jackson.

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It has been a while since Rampage stepped in against the best MMA has to offer. My bet is that he struggles against a fighter that has a lot on the line. Take Maldonado to win this fight with relative ease as Jackson hits a wall after the first round of action.

MMA Betting Pick: Fabian Maldonado -145

John Makdessi (12-3): -174
Shane Campbell (11-2):+149

Shane Campbell makes his UFC debut this Saturday having won three straight fights in other organizations. He takes on John Makdessi who fights in front of his home town crowd and looks to bounce back from a decision loss to Alan Patrick at UFC 169.

Campbell brings some serious power into the Octagon – Makdessi has a very well rounded game. I’m taking the power in this one as Campbell’s energy overpowers Makdessi. Campbell has won three straight by KO/TKO – I like that run to continue Saturday.

MMA Betting Pick: Shane Campbell +149

Yves Jabouin (20-9): +349
Thomas Almeida (17-0): -419

Thomas Almeida attempts to keep his undefeated record intact Saturday against 35 year old veteran Yves Jabouin. Almeida’s impressive run has included 11 straight by KO/TKO – dominant every time out. Meanwhile Jabouin has alternated wins and losses in his last four fights and last walked out of the Octagon in defeat.

Consider Jabouin another stepping stone for the up and coming Brazilian Almeida – this fight likely won’t go the distance!

MMA Betting Pick: Thomas Almeida -419

Preliminary Card (on FOX Sports 1)

Patrick Cote (20-9): -190 vs. Joe Riggs (40-15): +165
MMA Betting Pick: Patrick Cote -190

Alexis Davis (16-6): +177 vs. Sarah Kaufman (17-2): -207
MMA Betting Pick: Sarah Kaufman -207

Chad Laprise (10-0): -300 vs. Bryan Barberena (10-2): +250
MMA Betting Pick: Chad Laprise -300

Olivier Aubin-Mercier (5-1): -330 vs. David Michaud (8-1): +270
MMA Betting Pick: David Michaud +270

Preliminary Card (on UFC Fight Pass)

Nordine Taleb (10-2): -265 vs. Chris Clements (12-5, 1 NC): +225
MMA Betting Pick: Nordine Taleb -265

Jessica Rakoczy (1-4): +155 vs. Valerie Letourneau (6-3): -180
MMA Betting Pick: Jessica Rakoczy +155

Aisling Daly (15-5): +215 vs. Randa Markos (4-2): -255
MMA Betting Pick: Randa Markos -255

Check out our Updated UFC 186 Odds.

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By DaveB

Dave B has been a Fantasy Football writer for us for 10 years. A couch potato wannabe, Dave’s insights have been read by 10’s of people for years. He hope’s for world peace + global relaxation. Enjoy and remember only smoke things that are completely natural.