UFC 224 Odds : Kelvin Gastelum (+135) vs. Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza (-155)
Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza and Kelvin Gastelum will be battling as the second top main card fight in UFC 224 in Rio de Janiero, Brazil, where the headliner is Amanda Nunes and Raquel Pennington. We’ll also see a legacy matchup between Vitor Belfort and Lyoto Machida in UFC 224. Most importantly, we finally have a card that hasn’t been torn apart by injuries, suspensions, or Connor McGregor.
GRAPHIC: Kelvin Gastelum (+135)
What Kelvin Gastelum is giving up in reach, he should make up for in speed, as the 26-year-old draws the 38-year-old Jacare in Brazil. This is a #1 contender fight in all likelihood, as Robert Whittaker awaits the winner. Gastelum has never had a title shot, but was part of one of the best TUF cycles ever, when he bested Uriah Hall in TUF 17. Gastelum has done everything except fight for a title. He’s matched up with Tyron Woodley, Nate Marquardt, Neil Magny, Johny Hendricks, Vitor Belfort, Chris Weidman, and Michael Bisping, most of which have had titles or have fought for them in the past. That first-round KO of Bisping last time out in the main event of the November 25 Fight Night card felt like Gastelum officially making it. Even with the loss to Weidman, his first stoppage setback, and his other losses, that win felt different.
GRAPHIC: Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza (-155)
Jacare was a champion in Strikeforce, when he had to fight the likes of Robbie Lawler and Luke Rockhold, but he has never been a UFC champion. He returns to where it all began as he fights in Brazil for his 31st career fight. His ground game may be the best attribute for either fighter in this scrap and that is what Gastelum will have to overcome. Even as he has aged, Souza has only lost twice dating back to 2012. One of those losses came against Whittaker back in April 2017 and it kept Souza out of the Octagon until January 27, when he topped Derek Brunson again. No offense to the women fighting for a title in the main event, but this fight feels like at least a co- main event, if not the big one.
GRAPHIC: Pick: Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza
Jacare still has it, even at his advanced age. This is a tough matchup for Gastelum, who usually stands half a head below opponents, but he won’t be able to get inside Jacare and that is the problem. Souza can own this fight on the ground. Both fighters have plenty of experience, but Jacare should dictate the pace, tempo, and feel of this fight. Whether he gets a tap or impresses the judges for 15 minutes, he should win and get another title shot.
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