UFC 271: Cannonier vs. Brunson MMA Odds and Picks

Top 185-pounders Jared Cannonier and Derek Brunson are set to clash in a potential title eliminator on Saturday night on the main card of UFC 271. Check out our Cannonier-Brunson picks.

There’s a lot at stake for both Cannonier and Brunson at UFC 271. A win for either fighter could catapult them into a title bout.

In his last trip to the Octagon at UFC on ESPN 29, Cannonier toppled former interim title contender Kelvin Gastelum. It wasn’t spectacular, but Cannonier showed he has the gas tank to last five rounds against a quality opponent. “The Killa Gorilla” used his length to establish a jab and never deviated from his game plan. He also shucked off most of Gastelum’s takedown attempts, showing improved defensive wrestling.

The last time Brunson graced the cage, he made sure the already derailed Darren Till hype train stayed off the middleweight tracks. Brunson dominated most of the fight with multiple takedowns and gnarly ground-and-pound. Though Till showed some life in the third stanza with sharp combinations, Brunson survived it and immediately retook momentum with a timely takedown. From there, Brunson snaked in a rear-naked choke to elicit a tap at the 2:13 mark. It was a statement performance for “Blonde Brunson.”

Here are my Cannonier-Brunson picks and predictions for Saturday’s middleweight matchup (odds via DraftKings Sportsbook; pick confidence is based on a 1-to-5-star scale).

Cannonier vs. Brunson Fight Info

Date/Time: Saturday, Feb. 12, 10 p.m. ET (main card)TV: PPV, ESPN +Location: Toyota Center, Houston, TX

SEE ALSO: UFC 271: Adesanya vs. Whittaker MMA Odds and Picks

Cannonier vs. Brunson Odds Analysis

Cannonier opened as the -136 favorite, and that number has only grown since. He’s the -165 favorite at DraftKings and is -176 at FanDuel Sportsbook. Anyone thinking the underdog can extend his winning streak to six fights can snatch up Brunson at +145 at DraftKings. That's a pretty decent payout for such a live underdog.

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Jared Cannonier Betting Profile

A heavy hitter who owns knockouts in three different weight classes, Cannonier has the ability to violently separate his opponents from their senses. When you combine that with the improved patience and takedown defense he showed against Gastelum, you have the recipe for a high-end contender at middleweight.

Since moving down to 185 pounds, Cannonier has racked up a 4-1 record, including TKO victories over Jack Hermansson, David Branch, and the legendary Anderson Silva. Cannonier blasted “The Spider” with a debilitating leg kick in their bout at UFC 237, causing the referee to wave off the fight at 4:49 of the opening frame.

As the No. 3-ranked fighter in the division, Cannonier likely earns a title shot with a convincing win Saturday night.

Derek Brunson Betting Profile

Brunson is the ultimate gatekeeper. If you can get by Brunson, you’re likely ready to vie for the title. His only losses in the past five years were against Israel Adesanya, Robert Whittaker, Jacare Souza, and Silva.

He's a stout grappler who relies on his explosive takedowns to control his opponents on the mat, and he's a terrifying man when he’s in top control, raining down ground-and-pound. Brunson possesses serious power in his hands, but his technical striking leaves something to be desired.

Brunson is in the midst of one of the hottest stretches of his career. He's racked up five wins in a row, counting Elias Theodorou, Ian Heinisch, Edmen Shahbazyan, Kevin Holland, and the aforementioned Till among his growing list of victims. Should he violently add Cannonier to that resume, it would be hard to deny him a title shot.

Cannonier vs. Brunson Betting Picks

Cannonier to win (-165) ??Cannonier by KO/TKO (+120) ??

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Cannonein vs. Brunson Predictions

Cannonier to win (-165)

This is a tough one to call, and it all hinges on who can execute their game plan. Cannonier has the technical advantage on the feet and is always one well-placed strike away from ending a fight. At the same time, Brunson also has heavy hands, is the superior wrestler, and can inflict some serious damage from the top.

Ultimately, I think Cannonier’s improved takedown defense will keep this bout upright, leading to his victory.

Cannonier by KO/TKO (+120)

Despite being tougher than a $2 steak, Brunson’s questionable striking defense has allowed him to get caught a few times. Of his seven career losses, five have come via KO/TKO. I think that’s what will happen Saturday night.

When he can’t generate much on the feet, Brunson will instinctually fall back on his wrestling. That's when Cannonier will spark him with a perfectly placed knee or uppercut.

Where to Bet on UFC 271

Here are our top-rated sportsbooks for odds boosts:

FanDuel SportsbookCaesarsDraftKings SportsbookPointsBetBetMGM

SEE ALSO: All picks and odds. Be sure to check out SportsbookReview.com’s community forums and betting tools.

Cannonier-Brunson picks made 2/10/2022 at 7:23 a.m. ET