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The UFC returns to ‘Fight Island’ in Abu Dhabi with potentially the most anticipated fight card of 2021. Find out if the light heavyweight challenger can dethrone the champion in our Blachowicz and Teixeira picks for UFC 267.

Jan Blachowicz (28-8-0) has proudly carried and defended the gold ever since the light heavyweight championship was relinquished by former pound-for-pound greatest fighter on the planet, Jon Jones. With another title challenger on the horizon, the bookmaker’s odds expect Blachowicz to continue his reign.

Glover Teixeira (32-7-0) is a veteran in the world of mixed martial arts and continues to prove his doubters wrong despite reaching the age of 42. The Brazilian Pit Bull, who has been an underdog on countless occasions, will gladly attempt to silence the critics now that UFC gold is within his grasp.

Here are my picks and predictions for Saturday's light heavyweight UFC 267 main event championship bout between Blachowicz and Teixeira (odds via Betway).

Jan Blachowicz vs. Glover Teixeira Fight Info

Date/Time: Saturday, October 30th, 2 p.m ET (main card)TV: ESPN+Location: Etihad Arena, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

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Blachowicz vs. Teixeira Odds Analysis

Sportsbooks opened the champion as the betting favorite (-190) and public bettors continue to juice the Blachowicz betting line. In my opinion, the 34 percent decline since the opening price will progress further in this direction as we head toward fight night.

You’ll find it challenging to discover better odds than what BetWay, Unibet, and BetMGM are offering on the Blachowicz moneyline. BetWay odds, as of Wednesday morning, are showing -275. Elsewhere, we can see odds as high as -310.Teixeira has thrived as the betting underdog in his previous two contests with closing odds of +175 and +200. We’re now looking at Teixeira sailing into a similar position, and DraftKings offers the most value odds at +240 odds.

Jan Blachowicz Betting Profile

Blachowicz was a highly decorated martial artist well before stepping into the UFC octagon. Still, the reputation that followed the Polish Power didn’t originally transition upon his arrival to the promotion in 2014.

Boasting such accomplishments as the KSW light heavyweight tournament winner on three occasions (including the ownership of KSW’s light heavyweight championship), a former European and national Muay Thai championship winner, along with countless BJJ titles, initially created high expectations for Blachowicz.

The first three years spent competing against the UFC’s light heavyweight elite delivered a questionable 2-4 run and critics began to doubt the potential he once presented.

Blachowicz found his feet and has amassed an impressive 9-1 UFC win record since 2017 that included the capture of Jones’ abandoned light heavyweight strap.

His deadly Muay Thai striking offense is beautifully complemented with a defensively sound and pressuring takedown/grappling skill set. The well-rounded nature of Blachowicz is what has assisted him in thriving throughout his later years spent in the UFC. Not to mention handing middleweight champion Israel Adesanya his first professional loss.

Glover Teixeira Betting Profile

The savvy veteran nature of Teixeira has allowed the Brazilian-born fighter to extend his professional career beyond what's expected.

A strong background in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and a love for boxing from an early age have led to a solid mixed martial arts tenure that stems back over 19 years.

This will be Teixeira's second UFC light heavyweight championship opportunity and his 21st UFC bout. His most prized asset is experience fighting at the elite level of mixed martial arts.

Blachowicz vs. Teixeira Betting Picks

Jan Blachowicz to win (-275)Under 3.5 rounds (-163)

Blachowicz vs. Teixeira Betting Predictions

Blachowicz to Win (-275)

We must give respect where respect is deserved and Teixeira is possibly the most overlooked underdog of this weekend's event. With that said, taking a chance on Teixeira would involve neglecting how well Blachowicz has been performing.

Both fighters have looked incredible lately but it’s the younger, faster Blachowicz who should find an edge in the striking department. It’s unlikely that a grappling game plan will become part of the champion's tactical approach. That leads me to believe the body kicks and power punches of Blachowicz will dictate the contest’s outcome.

Teixeira’s most significant striking offense usually comes inside the pocket but finding his way into the range of Blachowicz could prove difficult. I anticipate the speed of Blachowicz will be crucial in his success, which could ultimately add a highlight-reel knockout to the champion’s resume. We're backing the favorite in our Blachowicz and Teixeira picks for UFC 267.

Under 3.5 Rounds (-163)

It's safe to assume that this championship fight will end in a knockout or submission.

The heavier weight classes inside the UFC rarely require judges’ opinions and it's difficult to see this one being any different. Blachowicz and Teixeira have combined for 44 knockout and submission victories.

There's significant value on the Under 2.5, but Under 3.5 rounds can also be found for a great betting price to give ourselves some leeway.

Picks made on 10/27/2021 at 8:51 a.m. ET.