Demian Maia vs. Belal Muhammad is on the main card for UFC 263 betting on June 12.
Muhammad looks to get back on track after an accidental foul cut short his previous bout in the octagon. UFC betting lines have Muhammad installed as a -230 favorite while Maia comes back at +184.
Here are our best free Maia vs. Muhammad picks and predictions for UFC 263 on Saturday, June 12 from the Gila River Arena in Glendale, Arizona.
Maia vs Muhammad fight odds
| Method of Victory | Demian Maia | Belal Muhammad |
|---|---|---|
| Win Outright | +184 | -230 |
| Win by KO/TKO | +1,400 | +310 |
| Win by Points | +600 | +110 |
| Win by Submission | +420 | +2,600 |
| Draw | +5,000 | +5,000 |
Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook as of June 10, 2021.
Maia vs Muhammad betting preview
Despite being 43 years old and coming off a first-round knockout loss, Demian Maia is still the No. 9 ranked welterweight contender.
Before that defeat against Gilbert Burns last March, Maia had won three fights in a row to snap a three-fight losing skid. That said, those losses came against the top fighters in the division in Kamaru Usman, Colby Covington, and Tyron Woodley (back when Woodley was the champ and not squaring off against YouTubers).
Maia is an MMA legend that has competed in the UFC since 2007, compiling a 22-10 record in the octagon. One of the best grapplers of all time, Maia has the second-most submissions in UFC history with 11.
Muhammad is No. 13 in the welterweight rankings and is fresh off headlining a Fight Night event in March which ended in a no contest, after he was poked in the eye by Leon Edwards.
Prior to that bout, Muhammad had won eight of his previous nine fights, including four straight. The 32-year-old is a well-rounded fighter that prefers to use his wrestling but has shown improvement in the technical striking department.
Maia vs Muhammad tale of the tape
| Demian Maia | Belal Muhammad | |
|---|---|---|
| 43 | Age | 32 |
| 6-foot-0 | Height | 5-foot-10 |
| 170 lbs | Weight | 170 lbs |
| 72 inches | Reach | 72 inches |
| 28-10 (3 KO) | Record | 18-13-1 (4 KO) |
Maia vs Muhammad UFC prediction and betting pick
PREDICTION: Muhammad by points (+110) - As much as I'd love to see Maia ride off into the sunset with a submission win, it's hard to see the aging fighter get it done here.
Muhammad is well-rounded and will be able to dictate where this fight goes, and if he's smart, he'll make sure this fight doesn't turn into a grappling affair. With his crisp combinations, speed advantage, and cardio, Muhammad should have the edge in striking exchanges.
That said, he isn't known for his power, and prior to his recent no contest, eight of his last nine fights had gone to the judges' cards. Look for Muhammed to win by decision.
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