It's Shoey time Down Under!
UFC 293 brings the promotion back to Sydney, Australia, where we'll see Tai Tuivasa, an Aussie fan favorite known for chugging beer from shoes, fight Alexander Volkov in the co-main event.
This heavyweight bout, in which Volkov is a -225 favorite, will warm up the crowd for the main event between middleweight champ Israel Adesanya and loud-mouthed challenger Sean Strickland.
Tai Tuivasa vs Alexander Volkov Betting Odds
| Fighter | Odds |
|---|---|
| Tai Tuivasa | +187 |
| Alexander Volkov | -225 |
Odds as of September 5
Per our odds calculator, Volkov's -240 status awards him a 69.23% implied chance of victory, with a $100 bet paying out $144.44. At +187, Tuivasa owns a 34.84% chance and a $100 bet cashes $287.
Tuivasa vs Volkov Betting Preview
This fight profiles as one hell of a dustup. And that chaos favors Tuivasa. Here's how to read the odds and bet on this fight.
How To Bet Tuivasa
Oie, oie, oie. If you think heart wins fights, then toss a unit on "Bam Bam," a portly power puncher who brings all kinds of chaotic energy into the Octagon. Tuivasa surprises his opponents with his strength — both on punches and low kicks — and has won seven of his eight UFC fights by KO/TKO.
Tuivasa's defense is suspect (more on that later), but he could easily score an underdog KO. Bet him straight up, and you can even parlay that wager with the UNDER 1.5 rounds (-120).
How To Bet Volkov
With a five-inch advantage in both height and reach over Tuivasa, Volkov can really do some damage. The Russian's leg reach will loom large, too, as we can expect him to devastate Tuivasa's midsection with front kicks. Remember, Ciryl Gane punished Tuivasa's body before knocking him out at the 2022 UFC Paris event.
Volkov isn't an elite fighter, but he's composed and accurate — basically the antithesis of Tuivasa's game plan. The size differential would freak me out if I'm a Tuivasa backer, too.
For Volkov wagers, take him to win inside the distance (or by KO/TKO exclusively). It's hard to say when the stoppage might happen, so I'd steer clear of any rounds parlays on "Drago."
Tuivasa vs Volkov Betting Pick
I like Tuivasa and I'll give him massive credit for prioritizing entertainment over his win-loss record. I just don't think Volkov sees it that way. Drago, much like his Russian brethren Sergei Pavlovich, should come out of the gates on a mission.
Volkov by KO/TKO is the way to go.
