Werdum vs. Gustafsson for UFC on ESPN 14 Heavyweight Clash Betting

Saturday night offers one of the most interesting main card matchups of 2020.  Namely Fabrico Werdum and Alexander Gustafsson are UFC betting draws.  Betting handle is already fluid and through the roof.  And understandably so.  Indeed, both fighters carry name branch cache.  And large fan bases.  Werdum is a beloved past champion.  Gustafsson is known best for his dramatic retirement after a loss in his last bout.  On the whole Gustafsson’s announcement of a major comeback sent excitement soaring for Saturday.  Werdum is a surprising underdog in this bout.  To some Gustafsson’s favorite status is presumptuous.

#14 Fabrico Werdum vs. Alexander Gustafsson – Heavyweight Bout CashBet Odds Overview

At the beginning, the sportsbook odds for Gustafsson were not this expensive.  Public betting has flowed strongly towards the Swede.  Cause by Gustafsson being viewed as having more future than Werdum.  Veteran and battle-tested Werdum is seen by some sharps as highly attractive.  That is because of his championship pedigree.  Of great concern is that both fighters have slumped badly before this matchup.

#14 Fabrico Werdum Profile and Record

Brazil native Fabricio “Vai Cavalo” Werdum is age 42.  Now he resides and fights out of Los Angeles, California.  Werdum is a former UFC bets Heavyweight champion.  He has a fascinating resume that has enhanced his reputation with MMA gamblers.  Consider Werdum has competed in PRIDE, Strikeforce, and Jungle Fight.  Further, he has black belts in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Judo.

Record:  23-8-1, Country: Brazil, Height: six feet, four inches, Weight: 231 pounds, Reach: 77 inches, Leg Reach:  45 inches, Win By KO/TKO:  26%, Submission:  48%, Decision:  26%, Average Fight Time: 11:14, Knockdown Average:  0.31, Significant Strikes landed per minute:  4.64, Significant Strikes:  56%, Absorbed per minute: 4.57, Defense:  55%, Grappling takedown average:  1.18, Takedown Accuracy:  27%, Takedown Defense: 31%. Submission Average:  0.39

Alexander Gustafsson Profile and Record

Stockholm Sweden native and resident Alexander “The Mauler” Gustafsson is age 33.  He began his career as a boxer.  Gustafsson is coming off an emotional Bitcoin Sportsbook loss to Anthony Smith.  Gustafsson was so distraught that he retired after the June 1, 2019 fight.  However, one year later he announced his comeback plans.  This fight with Werdum is his first since that “retirement.”  Gustafsson has lost three UFC light heavyweight title bouts. Thus, his frustration and momentarily retirement.

Record:  18-6, Country: Sweden, Height: six feet, five inches, Weight: 205 pounds, Reach: 79 inches, Leg Reach:  46 inches, Win By KO/TKO:  61%, Submission:  17%, Decision:  22%,

Average Fight Time: 11:26, Knockdown Average:  0.74, Significant Strikes landed per minute:  4.02, Significant Strikes:  40%, Absorbed per minute: 3.44, Defense:  51%, Grappling takedown average:  1.56, Takedown Accuracy: 39%, Takedown Defense: 85%, Submission Average:  0.41%

#14 Fabrico Werdum Recent Form

Balanced against his historic MMA betting glory is two straight losses for Werdum.  May 9, 2020, was a split decision defeat to Aleksei Olenik.

Alexander Gustafsson Recent Form

Despite being the big chalk here Gustafsson has lost five of his last eight online sportsbook fights. That includes two straight defeats.  Before his fourth-round submission loss to Smith was another painful defeat.  Gustafsson lost a third-round knockout to Jon Jones on December 29, 2018.   Most of all was the UFC light heavyweight title on the line.

#14 Fabrico Werdum vs. Alexander Gustafsson – Heavyweight Bout Free Picks

In this situation Alexander Gustafsson is overpriced.  Not only has he been in poor form but he’s also been retired.  In particular, it’s fair to question where his head is at for this one.  Conversely, Fabrico Werdum brings a great price to match his ability.

Werdum vs. Gustafsson CashBet Best Bet:  Fabrico Werdum