Sodiq Yusuff vs. Don Shainis is scheduled for three rounds in the featherweight division as a featured undercard attraction on this weekend’s UFC Fight Night card from Las Vegas.
With Yusuff just a fight or two away from being ranked in the Top 10, he can’t afford to be on the wrong side of the upset of the decade.
UFC betting odds have Yusuff listed as a lofty -900 favorite. Shainis, a virtual unknown outside of the New England scene, enters a +625 underdog.
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Yusuff vs Shainis fight odds
Yusuff vs Shainis method of victory odds
| Method of Victory | Sodiq Yusuff | Don Shainis |
|---|---|---|
| To win by KO/TKO | -150 | +1,700 |
| To win by Points | +195 | +1,200 |
| To win by Submission | +1,200 | +3,300 |
| Draw | +5,000 | +5,000 |
Yusuff vs Shainis picks
Click on each prediction to jump to the full analysis.
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Yusuff vs Shainis betting preview
It’s going to be a tall order for late substitute Shainis if he hopes to get the job done against Yusuff. Though this bout has drawn a lot of rightful criticism due to its questionable matchmaking, we can’t fault the fighters for trying to make a living.
“Super” Sodiq is trying to make it two in a row and claw his way towards the top of the featherweight rankings while Shainis hopes a win will elevate him from a local attraction to a national stage.
Yusuff was headed towards a clash with Giga Chikazde but needs a win all the same against his nondescript opponent. He’s a sharp striker that scores 5.22 significant strikes per minute at 48% and absorbs 3.63 shots per minute, successfully defending 61% of the time. He’s gone 4-1 in his last five and half of his overall wins have come by stoppage.
Covers UFC Fight Night Betting Analysis
All eyes are on Shainis, who is the No. 2-ranked featherweight… in Massachusets. The unknown battler doesn’t have any measurable stats, but he’s 13-3 and making his promotional debut with the company here.
He’s currently on a five-fight streak and holds both the featherweight and lightweight belts for the regional Cage Titans promotions. “Shameless” Shainis’ competition leaves much to be desired, with a recent win coming against an opponent who has 106 recorded losses.
Stranger things have happened in MMA before and some regional fighters can end up being a diamond in the rough. Shainis putting forward a strong effort and taking a stand against a borderline-elite featherweight could be a victory itself. The same can’t be said for Yusuff whose career would suffer a potentially irreversible setback with an upset loss.
Yusuff vs Shainis tale of the tape
| Sodiq Yusuff | Don Shainis | |
|---|---|---|
| 29 | Age | 31 |
| 5-foot-9 | Height | 5-foot-6 |
| 145 lbs | Weight | 145 lbs |
| 71 inches | Reach | 66.5 inches |
| 12-2 (6 KOs) | Record | 12-3 (8 KOs) |
Yusuff vs Shainis UFC prediction and best bet
Our prediction is compiled from the analysis of the fighters and is an indication of who we are leaning with to win this bout.
Our best bet is the play that we like the most for this fight or where the most value lies, and is where we would put some of our bankroll behind.
Prediction: Yusuff ML
The thing about these “Rocky” style stories is that Rocky lost the first fight with Apollo Creed. Class often beats grit and there is no substitute for experience against top opposition. Yusuff has tested his mettle to be on the precipice of the featherweight elite; Shainis got called up because he was the best of what was available.
The decision to put someone so out of his depth as it is against a potential title challenger is head-scratching. Unless Shainis is saving a side of him that has been kept hidden his entire career, he’s woefully overmatched. It’s rare to see such a huge line in the UFC, but the line might get even bigger before Saturday.
We’re going with Yusuff as not only a lock but a lead-pipe lock. At -900, with the line to potentially climb, we’ll have to go to the props to find some real value in this one.
Prediction: Sodiq Yusuff moneyline (-900 at DraftKings)
Best bet: Under 1.5 rounds
Giving Shainis the absolute benefit of the doubt, it’s hard imagining him getting out of the first round. Yusuff is expected to have a short night with anything less could have a negative effect on his credibility. The Over/Under for this fight is 1.5 rounds, which is appropriate considering the matchup.
We’re going to bank on Yusuff taking care of business early, turning the heat up on Shainis early and getting him out before the end of the first round. That's the best bet of the night.
Pick: Under 1.5 rounds (+135 at DraftKings)
