On April 9th, 2022, at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Florida, UFC 273 is already looking to be an event MMA fans will not want to miss. The headline bout will be Alexander Volkanovski taking on Chan Sung Jung for the featherweight title and is sure to deliver some great action. This is not the only incredible fight on the cards, though – the rematch of Yan/Sterling and the face-off between Chimaev/Burns will attract lots of attention.
But who are the favorites to win at UFC 273?
What do sports news sites think?
This is a great place to start considering who the favorites might be at UFC 273. Many sports news sites carry the latest UFC odds and predictions to look over and give in-depth information on not only who the favorite is but also why. In addition, they usually bring together the best sportsbooks to make wagers and make it much easier all around to bet on UFC events.
But what seems to be the general feeling around the sports betting sector in terms of odds? For the main Volkanovski bout, it is Volkanovski himself who appears to be the favorite for now, at odds of around -435. Chimaev is currently being shown as the favorite for his bout, with odds around -300. In the Sterling/Yan bout, Yan is the most backed with current odds of around -400.
But why are these fighters favorites to win?
Volkanovski expected to win again
The main event at UFC 273 involves two colossal fan favorites in the form of Alexander Volkanovski and ‘The Korean Zombie’ Chan Sung Jung. As current odds show, though, Volkanovski might have the edge to hang on to his featherweight title. But why might this be true?
To begin with, you have to acknowledge Volkanovski’s power, will to win, and fierce warrior spirit. This makes him a formidable opponent for anyone and means he certainly has enough in his locker to emerge victoriously. He has also fought more recently than Chan Sung Jung, so he might not have the ring rust his opponent might show.
Volkanovski also knows how to win significant bouts and big titles. Sung Jung has not been there yet (he lost his previous shot at the belt to Jose Aldo in 2013), and this lack of experience in crossing the line could hold him back. With Sung Jung stepping in as a replacement for this bout due to Max Holloway’s injury, he might not have had time to prepare correctly to beat the champ.
Yan being backed to win against Sterling
This fight should be full of drama – especially when you remember that Yan was disqualified against Sterling in UFC 259 for throwing an illegal knee! This rematch could be a real grudge bout, but one Yan is currently being tipped to take.
But why is this? It could come down to Yan’s being more active in UFC than Sterling lately, so he is expected to be in better shape to win their upcoming bout. He will also be full of confidence, having beaten Cory Sandhagen recently to claim the interim UFC bantamweight crown. In addition, he certainly has the power and technique to trouble Sterling. He might also have the mental edge after getting the better of him last time out (albeit illegally). On the other hand, Sterling has not fought since their last bout and has spent a lot of time recovering from the injuries he endured.
Chimaev vs. Burns
This is a big fight because Dana White has indicated that this winner will be the number one contender for the next Welterweight title fight. The current feeling is that the new UFC sensation Chimaev should win and extend his remarkable record further.
This is easy to understand when you look at the stats and what ‘Borz’ brings to the table. He currently has a 10-0 fight record overall. His October 2021 destruction of Li Jingliang showed his impressive abilities and knack for winning. His confidence will be sky-high, and you can see him having too much for veteran Burns to cope with.
UFC 273 set to be a great event
2021 was an excellent year for the UFC, and it seems likely that UFC 273 will keep 2022 looking just as good for Dana White’s organization. Already favorites are emerging for the night’s top bouts, and you can easily see why Volkanovski, Yan, and Chimaev are being tipped to do well.
