The UFC returns to our screens for another action-filled pay-per-view event from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Top-ranked lightweight contenders Rafael dos Anjos and Renato Moicano will meet in the center of the octagon for the UFC 272 co-main event. Read on for our complete betting guide taking a first look at dos Anjos and Moicano, including updated UFC odds and our free expert UFC betting picks, predictions, and analysis.
UFC Catchweight Co-Main Event Bout
Saturday, March 05, 2022 – 10:05 PM EST at T-Mobile Arena
Stepping in on five days’ notice to replace a Covid-19 stricken Rafael Fiziev, Renato Moicano has the opportunity to propel himself in the UFC rankings when facing his fellow Brazilian countryman Rafael dos Anjos.
Moicano has been slugging through the UFCs featherweight and lightweight divisions for the previous eight years. An undefeated record on the Brazilian regional scene caught the attention of UFC officials, and the well-diverse skillset of Moicano has been on display inside a UFC octagon ever since.
Since his arrival, boasting an 8-4 UFC record has undoubtedly delivered Moicano the highs and lows of the sport. Still, his losses have notably been against former champions, title contenders, and top-ranked fighters.
Riding a two-fight consecutive win streak behind back-to-back rear-naked chokes stoppages for the first time since moving up into the 155lb weight class in 2019 could prove to deliver a serious run within Moicano’s prime fighting years.
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Renato Moicano Available Odds: +145 at BetOnline (visit our BetOnline Review)
Beginning his martial arts career as a Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioner, 4th degree BJJ black belt Rafael dos Anjos wasn’t satisfied with the submission holds and grappling-only style and began competing in MMA in 2004.
Having spent fourteen years on the UFC roster, dos Anjos has participated in countless memorable events. With displays of elite grappling, he’s worked his way into becoming one of the lightweight division's most recognizable well-rounded fighters.
With eighteen years of professional experience, a UFC lightweight title, and 30 UFC appearances on his resume, RDA has already entered a Hall of Fame status as he continues to display his diverse skillset aged 37-years-old.
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Rafael dos Anjos Best Available Odds: -170 at BetOnline
Unlike the Fiziev bout, dos Anjos must now prepare to utilize his grappling defense more so than his offense. The jiu-jitsu and grappling background of Moicano presents dangers that Fiziev didn’t, and now he’ll be faced with a younger, hungrier, fellow Brazilian who’ll be looking to further his status from RDA’s name.
Dos Anjos will likely own a significant advantage in the stand-up area of the fight, from his patented leg kicks, probing jabs, and body kicks inside the southpaw position.
The veteran experience and well-rounded skillset of RDA need to avoid giving up his back. Should he accomplish this, I struggle to envision how he losses this bout.
Moicano’s muay thai style of striking isn’t likely to outsmart the stand-up skills of RDA, despite owning a size and reach advantage. This leaves Moicano’s most excellent chance of success to fall behind his Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt and the high submission finish rate he’s presented during his career thus far.
Unfortunately for Moicano, dos Anjos owns a black belt of a higher degree and needs to catch his opponent's durable and intelligent ground game off guard.
The available odds at Bookmakers Review favor Dos Anjos with a -170 price tag; I’d expect this line to move closer to -200 by fight night, as the experience and toughness of RDA are undeniable.
Having an entire fight camp and the skillset required to nullify Moicano’s greatest weapons (outside of a surprise submission finish), it’s challenging to give the unranked fighter a significant chance of success.
In addition, the five-round bout will be taxing on the cardio of Moicano, which has previously been proven to be weak. Alongside a chin that’s been compromised on multiple occasions.
UFC Pick: Rafael dos Anjos to Win (-170) [1.70u returns 1u profit] at BetOnline
*The line and/or odds on picks in this article might have moved since the content was commissioned. For updated line movements, visit BMR’s free betting odds product.