Gregory "Robocop" Rodrigues is a -220 favorite over Jared Cannonier (+180) on bet365 ahead of this middleweight main event on February 15 at The Apex in Las Vegas.
I can't dispute the Cannonier vs Rodrigues odds. The Brazilian is a devastating finisher with a hulk-like physique and incredible durability. But the wily veteran Cannonier might be undervalued in this bout, and his odds offer opportunities for many fun bets.
Cannonier vs Rodrigues Odds
| Fighter | Odds |
|---|---|
| Jared Cannonier | +180 |
| Gregory Rodrigues | -220 |
Odds as of Feb. 12 at bet365
How To Bet Rodrigues
Robocop's best chance to win is via early finish. bet365 has Rodrigues in Round 1 at +400, so fans of the Brazilian should consider that prop. Rodrigues is a monster of a man with lots of weapons. He's a talented grappler, but even more ferocious as a power puncher. The 32-year-old often empties the tank with hooks and kicks, flattening his opponents.
Rodrigues has finished five of his seven UFC wins, and that's how bettors should approach him this weekend. Cannonier's been stopped just once since his light heavyweight days, but Rodrigues always initiates violent fights with his forward pressure. At the same time, Rodrigues exposes himself to straight punches due to a lack of head movement, meaning "The Killa Gorilla" could return fire.
Also, Rodrigues' grappling will be a quiet X-factor. He averages 2.74 takedowns per 15 minutes, and Cannonier defends at just 62%.
If you're betting the chalk, Robocop by KO (+150) is the move.
How To Bet Cannonier
Respect to anyone who takes Cannonier as the SU +180 underdog. That's a fine bet. I understand why the 40-year-old is a moderate underdog, but I think he still has plenty to give in this five-rounder vs Rodrigues.
As I alluded to earlier, Robocop fights at a wild pace, and this is his first 25-minute fight. By comparison, Saturday marks Cannonier's sixth consecutive main event. That's wild. Also, Cannonier hasn't shown many conditioning weaknesses during that span — a lack of talent maybe, but not cardio.
If you remove the questionable Nassourdine Imavov stoppage last year, then Cannonier technically hasn't been stopped since 2018 against Dominick Reyes. That would be 11 consecutive fights. So, while I understand the danger Robocop presents, I can't help but think Cannonier can outlast him in a five-round fight.
My best is Cannonier ML, as I don't want to get greedy. I also love him to win by decision (+550), or a parlay of Cannonier ML + OVER 3.5 rounds (+450 boosted to +500 at bet365).
Cannonier vs Rodrigues Picks
I’m backing Cannonier as the +180 underdog, but be cautious with this bet. It’s more about the value in the odds than a clear talent gap.
Additionally, I love the OVER 2.5 rounds (-120) in this fight.
