Judges' Cards: UFC 270 Ngannou vs. Gane Expert Betting Picks

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Last Updated: January 21, 2022 6:38 AM EST • 2 min 60 sec read. Twitter link Google News Link

Francis Ngannou of Cameroon and France (blue gloves) reacts against Curtis Blaydes of America (red gloves) during the UFC Fight Night at Cadillac Arena in Beijing, China, 24 November 2018. Talk of Francis Ngannou's demise has been greatly exaggerated. 'The Predator' came into his rematch with Curtis Blaydes in China on Saturday riding a two-fight losing streak where his skill looked remedial at best. But in the main event of UFC Fight Night 141, Ngannou showed off the power that made him famous early on in his career by stopping Blaydes in 44 seconds of the first round. Ngannou smashed Blaydes with a huge overhand right that sent 'Razor' face first to the canvas. Ngannou followed up quickly with additional shots as Blaydes tried to scramble to his feet, but continued to drop with more shots reigning down. Ngannou took Blaydes' back and continued his onslaught, connecting with a left hand that put Blaydes back on the canvas one last time before the referee called a stop to the bout. (Photo by Chen bo / Imaginechina / Imaginechina via AFP)

The UFC is set for a titanic event on Saturday, as Brandon Moreno defends his flyweight belt in a trilogy bout with Deiveson Figueiredo before heavyweight kingpin Francis Ngannou clashes with interim champion Cyril Gane in the main event. Here are our UFC 270: Ngannou-Gane betting picks.

Saturday’s card also features an exciting fight between human-highlight reel Michel Pereira and André Fialho, as well as a bantamweight affair between Cody Stamann and Said Nurmagomedov (cousin of former lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov).

Our experts offer up their top picks and best bets for the UFC 270: Ngannou-Gane card.

UFC 270: Ngannou-Gane Expert Picks

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Fight odds via DraftKings Sportsbook as of Jan. 21, 2022. UFC 270: Ngannou-Gane picks made by Johnny Covers and Kyle Smith.

UFC 270: Ngannou-Gane Locks

Topuria to win (-575 via FanDuel Sportsbook)

The odds aren't great for this one, but it’s as close to a slam dunk as you get in this game. Topuria takes on Jourdain, who's stepping in on a week’s notice.

Having just fought - and earning a decision win - Andrew Ewell in December, Jourdain will make the quick turnaround against Topuria, who's yet to lose a professional fight. In fact, of his 11 pro bouts, a staggering nine have ended in the first round.

Look for Topuria to end this one rather early and continue his march up the featherweight rankings. Topuria by KO/TKO at +340 is certainly worth a look, as well. - Covers

Barcelos to win (-510)

This is probably too much of a favorite to invest any real money in, but I just don’t see many avenues for Barcelos to lose this fight. He’s better than Henry in virtually all aspects and should cruise to victory. - Smith

UFC 270: Ngannou-Gane Top Underdog Picks

Figueiredo to win (+150 via FanDuel)

This is as much of a value play as anything else in a fight that I have much closer to even. It's the third bout between Figueiredo and Moreno: the former would have won the first fight if not for a point deduction for an illegal strike, and Moreno made the proper adjustments in the second affair to wear down his opponent before submitting him in Round 3. Similarly, I believe Figueiredo will make the correct changes and get his revenge in this trilogy fight. - Covers

Ngannou to win (+125)

It's not often a reigning champion is considered the underdog, but I can understand why. Gane is an excellent striker and has the requisite skills to be the heavyweight champion. I just don’t see that happening Saturday night.

As long as Ngannou is slinging leather, he has the potential to end the fight with a single, devastating punch. - Smith

UFC 270: Ngannou-Gane Top Prop Picks

Moreno-Figueiredo to go distance (+135 via FanDuel)

With their eight total rounds together over two fights largely split down the middle, I don't see Moreno as the heavy favorite he's priced as. I also don’t see either fighter taking many unnecessary risks early, as Figueiredo will need to travel a long road back to get another shot at the belt should he lose this, and Moreno won't want to lose his title in his first defense.

Expect a conservative game plan from both fighters, which should lead to a grueling five-round affair. - Covers

Topuria-Jordain to go distance (+175)

As much as I love “Air” Jordain, I don’t see him emerging victorious against the ultra-talented Topuria. Still, I don’t quite think Jordain is a +460 underdog, and I definitely believe he’s tough enough to last 15 minutes with Topuria.

I see this bout going to the judge’s scorecards either way, but I expect Topuria to have his hand raised. - Smith

UFC 270: Ngannou-Gane Bold Predictions

Gane to win by KO/TKO in Rounds 1 or 2 (+600)

Ngannou could be overlooking his opponent, as he's spent portions of the buildup to this bout talking about a host of non-Gane-related topics, including his dissatisfaction with UFC fighter compensation and a potential superfight with heavyweight boxing king Tyson Fury. Gane requires all of his attention, though, and I can see Ngannou getting reckless early and being finished inside two rounds. - Covers

Ngannou to win in Round 2 (+650)

With a terrifying level of firepower between the two of them, Gane and Ngannou will likely spend most of the opening stanza trying to feel each other out. The real fireworks won’t start until the second round, and when they do, Ngannou is going to separate the challenger from his senses with a jaw-crumbling barrage of punches. - Smith

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