Sterling vs. Dillashaw Prediction, Odds & Picks – UFC 280

The stars of UFC are taking over the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates this weekend for UFC 280. The upcoming pay-per-view card is littered with exciting matchups, including the co-main event that features Aljamain Sterling (21-3) defending the UFC Bantamweight Championship against T.J. Dillashaw (17-4).

Heading into his title fight with Aljamain Sterling, former champ TJ Dillashaw says he's in the best shape of his life 👀 #UFC280 pic.twitter.com/puT1RbHzmJ

— Chamatkar Sandhu (@SandhuMMA) October 18, 2022

Sterling has only been champion for just over a year, but already has one successful defense under his belt. Meanwhile, Dillashaw is no stranger to the title scene, being one of two men to have held the bantamweight championship twice.

As usual, the UFC 280 main event produces several opportunities to get in on some betting action. Here is a look at the latest Sterling vs Dillashaw odds from various sportsbooks before the duo clash this weekend.

UFC 280: Sterling vs Dillashaw Fight Odds (as of Thursday, October 20)

Odds are via our top reviewed and recommended sportsbooks.

BetOnline Sportsbook

• Aljamain Sterling -186
• T.J. Dillashaw +144

Bovada Sportsbook

• Aljamain Sterling -175
• T.J. Dillashaw +150

BetUS

• Aljamain Sterling -175
• T.J. Dillashaw +138

BetMGM

• Aljamain Sterling -165
• T.J. Dillashaw +135

Sterling Favored to Successfully Defend Championship

Each of the four highlighted sportsbooks favors a successful Sterling title defense at UFC 280. His best odds of accomplishing the feat sit at -186 on BetOnline Sportsbook, translating to an implied probability of 65.0%.

The truth is that Sterling has been on quite the roll lately. The Uniondale, NY native has racked up seven consecutive wins, having not lost a fight in nearly five years. He successfully defended the UFC Bantamweight Championship in his last outing, defeating interim champion Petr Yan by split decision.

It seems like Sterling’s neck injury is firmly behind him now, so time will tell just how his reign will go. Whether or not he makes it beyond this Saturday remains to be seen.

Meanwhile, Dillashaw made his return to the bantamweight division back in July 2021 after an unsuccessful flyweight run and a two-year suspension after testing positive for recombinant human erythropoietin. The 36-year-old veteran beat Cory Sandhagen in his bantamweight return, marking the fifth victory in his last six fights.

Now, Dillashaw looks to win the championship that was stripped from him back in 2019. He racked up three successful defenses across two reigns, however, a lot of time has passed since then. Defeating Sandhagen (by split decision) is one thing, but competing for championship gold is something else.

Hopefully, Dillashaw is prepared for the upcoming UFC 280 co-main event. Sterling is a fantastic fighter and will do everything he can to hold on to his championship.

UFC 280 Betting Markets & Trends for Sterling vs Dillashaw

Although betting on the moneyline is popular for MMA fights, BetOnline Sportsbook offers more in-depth options that help shed some light on how the co-main event could unfold.

When it comes to how the fight will end, BetOnline favors Sterling to win by decision at +125 odds. He’s currently 10-2 when his fights go the distance, also having won four of his last seven fights by decision.

On the flip side, Dillashaw’s most likely method of victory is to also win by decision, however, his odds sit at +280. He’s won three of his last six fights by decision and is 6-2 all-time when his fights head to the judges’ table.

Taking the above odds into account, it isn’t shocking that BetOnline is favoring the UFC Bantamweight Championship fight to go the distance at -210 odds.

For those looking to get more value out of a wager, method & round combo betting is the way to go. As far as that market goes, Dillashaw is favored to win by KO/TKO in Round 1 at +1400. Having said that, he’s only won twice by first-round knockout in his career.

Meanwhile, Sterling’s best method & round combo option is to win by submission in Round 1 at +1800.

Sterling vs Dillashaw UFC 280 Fight Prediction

Although both fighters have a shot at winning, I’m siding with Sterling here. The champion has looked impressive over the last few years, whereas Dillashaw has a lot to prove after his suspension. His split-decision win over Sandhagen wasn't overly impressive and it’s still hard to trust him after a lengthy layoff.

As far as the best bet goes, I’ll take Sterling winning by decision at +125. His fights have gone on longer than usual lately, so he should have enough experience to outlast the former two-time bantamweight champion.

UFC 280 Event Details

When is UFC 280?

UFC 280 will take place on Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022.

Where is UFC 280?

UFC 280 will take place at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

What time does UFC 280 start?

• UFC 280 Prelims Start Time: 10 a.m. ET
• Start Time of UFC 280’s Main Card: 2 p.m. ET

How can I watch UFC 280?

The UFC 280 prelims will be available on both ESPNEWS and ESPN+, and the main card will be available via pay-per-view (which can be ordered through the ESPN+ app).

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