How to bet UFC 274? Expert picks for entire card featuring Charles Oliveira vs. Justin Gaethje

Daniel Yanofsky

How to bet UFC 274? Expert picks for entire card featuring Charles Oliveira vs. Justin Gaethje image

UFC 274 odds courtesy of Sports Interaction, Canada’s most trusted sportsbook.

At UFC 274 on May 7, two titles are will be on the line. Charles Oliveira defends the UFC lightweight title against Justin Gaethje while Rose Namajunas defends the UFC strawweight title in a rematch years in the making against Carla Esparza. Taking place inside the Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona, there are a lot of enticing matchups to look at. 

Outside of the title fights, we will see the return of Mauricio “Shogun” Rua as well as a battle between two veterans in Joe Lauzon and Donald Cerrone. There are also great matchups in Macy Chiasson vs. Norma Dumont and Randy Brown vs. Khaos Williams. Which fighter do you trust the most to win? 

Sporting News, with the help of Sports Interaction, takes a closer look at the entire UFC 274 card. Which fight stands out to you the most? 

Charles Oliveira (c) vs. Justin Gaethje for the UFC lightweight title

According to Sports Interaction, Oliveira is the -175 favorite while Gaethje is the +135 underdog. 

MORE: Sign up to watch the UFC 274 PPV, exclusively on ESPN+

In only 10 UFC fights, Gaethje has absorbed 7.81 significant strikes per minute. That is a lot. Oliveira has only absorbed about 3.13. That may play a factor, especially given how both like to go on the attack.

Oliveira has proved he doesn't need regular takedowns or submissions to stop a fight. He can find his moment, sweep Gaethje in any way and tire him out. Oliveira battles back and dishes enough damage to make it a fight. Gaethje will go down swinging and will look to give it everything he’s got.

Both are true gladiators. Something will have to give. With Oliveira's overall ability and adaptability coming into play, there is cause for concern for Gaethje. At the end of the night, we could hear Bruce Buffer saying, “AND STILL!”

Sporting News prediction: Oliveira via submission (-110)

Rose Namajunas (c) vs. Carla Esparza 2 for the UFC strawweight title

According to Sports Interaction, Namajunas is the -280 favorite while Esparza is the +185 underdog. 

This is the first time since 2017 that Namajunas has not faced the same opponent in a row. She has landed 4.01 significant strikes per minute in her UFC career, while Esparza has landed 2.34. Esparza averages 3.53 takedowns per 15 minutes (1.78 for Namaunas). The former has landed 17 takedowns in her last five fights. Namajunas has landed three. Namajunas' takedown defense of 51% has helped her throughout her recent run. 

Esparza, 34, has had a tough climb back to the top. Namajunas, 29, has improved her striking ability tremendously. If it goes to the ground early, Namajunas could be in trouble. This might be the biggest upset of the night if all goes according to plan, something Esparza might relish. 

Sporting News prediction: Esparza via submission (+900) 

MORE: UFC 273 fight date, time, odds, PPV price, card & location for Alexander Volkanovski vs. 'The Korean Zombie'

Michael Chandler vs. Tony Ferguson; Lightweights

According to Sports Interaction, Chandler is the -405 favorite while Ferguson is the +295 underdog. 

This is a tough fight for multiple reasons. Both badly need a win to stay in contention, especially Ferguson. "El Cucuy" has lost three in a row and has been outstruck each time out. He has been taken down three times and took so much damage against Justin Gaethje that he hasn't been the same. Ferguson is a true wild card. 

Chandler is on a two-fight losing streak, having just coming off of a brutal affair against Gaethje. Overall, Chandler might be the complete fighter, especially due to his time in Bellator. This could be another war in the making. How much more damage can Ferguson sustain?

Sporting News prediction: Chandler via TKO (-140)

Mauricio Rua vs. Ovince Saint Preux; Light Heavyweights

According to Sports Interaction, OSP is the -270 favorite while Rua is the +195 underdog. 

"Shogun" Rua hasn't fought since 2020, losing to Paul Craig via TKO. Ovince Saint Preux is 2-3 in his last five fights. This is a rematch from when "OSP" knocked out Rua in 2014. Rua still has knockout power. By changing weight, "OSP" has spiced things up in his career. Still a much more active competitor, OSP might be able to take out the legendary fighter once again. 

Sporting News prediction: “OSP” via submission (+325)

Donald Cerrone vs. Joe Lauzon; Lightweights

According to Sports Interaction, Cerrone is the -170 favorite while Lauzon is the +130 underdog. 

The historical difference between these two veterans is that Lauzon is a fantastic starter while it takes Cerrone a while to warm up in a fight. Lauzon applies enough pressure to tire out any opponent. Both absorb damage (5.39 per minute for Lauzon, 4.49 for Cerrone), and Cerrone is known for leaving himself open. 

Lauzon has not fought since 2019 but is still a force. “Cowboy” will want to avoid Lauzon’s takedown game, something he is not a novice to. Something has to give in this fight, and if Lauzon can apply pressure and stay on top, he may be able to take out Cerrone, giving him his sixth loss in a row. 

Sporting News prediction: Lauzon via TKO +300)

Randy Brown vs. Khaos Williams; Welterweights

According to Sports Interaction, Williams and Brown are even at -115. 

This could end up being your Fight of the Night. Brown lands 4.21 significant strikes per minute, while Williams lands 5. Brown has an edge on the ground, but if it remains on the feet, it is anyone's game. Brown likes to keep the fight in range, but Williams, who has a one-inch reach disadvantage, loves to use his long calf kicks to halt an opponent in their tracks. Brown can end it on the floor, but will Williams allow it to go there? 

Sporting News prediction: Williams via decision (+275) 

Macy Chiasson vs. Norma Dumont; Featherweights

According to Sports Interaction, Chiasson is the +195 underdog while Dumont is the -275 favorite. 

Chiasson can make things interesting for Dumont, especially if she takes things to the floor. Dumont, however, is known for her defense, even in her short time in the octagon. Dumont has landed a high number of strikes against her opponents over her last three fights (227). Her volume of shots may outweigh any of Chiasson's skills. 

Sporting News prediction: Dumont via decision (-269 for it to go the distance)

Brandon Royval vs. Matt Schnell; Flyweights

According to Sports Interaction, Royval is the -315 favorite while Schnell is the +225 underdog.

Royval rebounded following a two-fight losing streak against Rogerio Bontorin. Schnell is 2-2 in his last four, last losing to Bontorin."Raw Dog" as the favorite makes the most sense here, despite the recent bad luck he has had. Facing stiffer competition, Royval has been tested against the wolves early. Schnell may land more (4.23 significant strikes per 15 minutes compared to 3.16), but Royval's patience is what can pay off in this fight. 

Sporting News prediction: Royval via submission (+175) 

MORE: MMA Schedule 2022: Date, division, location for upcoming fights

Blagoy Ivanov vs. Marcos Rogerio de Lima; Heavyweights

According to Sports Interaction, Ivanov is the -160 favorite while de Lima is the +125 underdog. 

de Lima has won 14 fights via knockout and has a height and reach advantage over Ivanov. Ivanov, however, has a takedown defense of 75% and is about even when it comes to significant strikes landed (3.32 per 15 compared to 3.39 for de Lima).

Ivanov takes a lot of damage, but he can also dish some. de Lima may have momentum because of his win streak, but the oddsmakers like Ivanov for a reason. If he can survive an onslaught from de Lima, Ivanov may get the nod from the judges. 

Sporting News prediction: Ivanov via decision (+135) 

Francisco Trinaldo vs. Danny Roberts; Welterweights

According to Sports Interaction, Trinaldo and Roberts are even at -115.

Trinaldo vs. Roberts is a fascinating matchup. Roberts has a slight edge in significant strikes landed (3.24 compared to 3.04), and they both have a 43% strike accuracy mark. Trinaldo has a better takedown accuracy mark (44% compared to 11%) and has taken down four fighters in five fights. 

Roberts can land and take a punch but he has lost to the power punch quite a few times. If Trinaldo can get his hands on Roberts, it might be game over right away. 

Sporting News prediction: Trinaldo via TKO (+475) 

Tracy Cortez vs. Melissa Gatto; Flyweights

According to Sports Interaction, Cortez is the -165 favorite while Gatto is the +125 underdog. 

A former member of Invicta FC, Cortez is 4-0 in the octagon. Moving between bantamweight and flyweight, Cortez has landed 12 takedowns in those four fights. Gatto is a striking machine early on, landing 87 in two fights. The overall ability of Cortez may end up giving her the edge. 

There are no prop bets on how many takedowns she will land here. 

Sporting News prediction: Cortez via decision (-211 for it to go the distance) 

MORE: Cain Velasquez releases first statement since attempted murder charge: 'This story is complex and slowly unraveling'

Kleydson Rodrigues vs. C.J. Vergara; Flyweights

According to Sports Interaction, Rodrigues is the -400 favorite, while Vergara is the +275 underdog. 

Vergara has taken a lot of damage early (5.23 strikes absorbed compared to 1.40 for Rodrigues), which is concerning. The younger Rodrigues likes the long-range striking game plan and has the durability to keep the fight going at his pace. With heavy strikes in his arsenal, Rodrigues may have a chance to spice things up in the flyweight division. 

Sporting News prediction: Rodrigues via TKO (+225)

Ariane Carnelossi vs. Lupita Godinez; Strawweights

According to Sports Interaction, Godinez is the -185 favorite while Carnelossi is the +145 underdog. 

A former LFA strawweight champion, Lupita "Loopy" Godinez has a better strike accuracy rate (52%) compared to Carnelossi (40%). The latter has a better significant strikes landed mark, however (4.21 compared to 1.97). 

"Loopy" has landed 15 takedowns in four fights in the octagon. Carnelossi has only landed five, and it was in one fight. If “Loopy” can tire her opponent out for three rounds, she will take home the easy win. 

Sporting News prediction: Godinez via decision (-150) 

Journey Newson vs. Fernie Garcia; Bantamweights

According to Sports Interaction, Newson is the +125 underdog. Garcia is the -155 favorite. 

A former boxer, Newson is 1-2 with one no-contest in his last four fights. He needs a win against a relative octagon unknown in Garcia. Garcia is a solid boxer and has an admirable wrestling ability. It is unknown just how well he can do on the ground, seeing how he didn’t get a chance last time around. 

For there to be interest in Garcia as the favorite, it could make for quite a pick. The Sporting News will still have to go with the UFC veteran here, and if you are into betting upsets, this is one to look into. 

Sporting News prediction: Newson via decision (+185) 

MORE: Jorge Masvidal arrested: What’s next for BMF Champion following alleged attack on Colby Covington?

Andre Fialho vs. Cameron VanCamp; Welterweights

According to Sports Interaction, Fialho is the -435 favorite while VanCamp is the +300 underdog. 

VanCamp fights at lightweight, so this welterweight bout is unfamiliar territory. Fialho lands 3.92 significant strikes per minute and is the more “experienced” fighter of the two in the octagon. This might be the one fight to stay clear from, as the unknown factor can come into play. 

Sporting News prediction: Fialho via TKO

When is UFC 274: Charles Oliveira vs. Justin Gaethje?

  • Date: Saturday, May 7
  • Start time: 6 p.m. ET
  • Prelims: 8 p.m. ET
  • Main card (PPV): 10 p.m. ET
  • Main event: 12:15 a.m. ET (approx.)

UFC 274: Charles Oliveira vs. Justin Gaethje takes place on Saturday, May 7. The early prelims kick off the event at 6 p.m. ET. The prelims will begin at 8 p.m. ET and the main card will start at 10 p.m. ET. Oliveira and Gaethje should make their way to the octagon around midnight ET, depending on the length of the undercard bouts.

Click here to learn about the different pricing and bundling options with the ESPN+ platform.

How to watch UFC 274: Charles Oliveira vs. Justin Gaethje

  • TV channels: ESPN+, ESPN Deportes
  • Live stream: ESPN+

The main card for UFC 274 is available in the U.S. and Mexico on the ESPN+ subscription streaming service for a pay-per-view cost. That portion of the event begins at 10 p.m. ET.

Earlier fights are viewable live on ESPN+, the WatchESPN app and, for the early prelims, on UFC Fight Pass.

In Canada, the main card pay-per-view is available on Bell, Rogers, Shaw, SaskTel, Videotron, Telus, Eastlink and UFC PPV on UFC Fight Pass.

In the United Kingdom, the main card will be available on BT Sport 1, with the prelims available on UFC Fight Pass. 

In Australia, the main card will be on Main Event, Fetch TV, and UFC PPV on UFC Fight Pass.

Charles Oliveira vs. Justin Gaethje price: How much does UFC 274 cost?

  • $74.99 (current ESPN+ subscribers)
  • $99.98 (new subscribers)

In the U.S., the UFC 274 main card is available via pay-per-view on ESPN+, which also requires a subscription. The PPV price for UFC 274 is $74.99 for current subscribers. New subscribers can pay a bundle price of $99.98 for the UFC 274 pay-per-view and an ESPN+ annual subscription, which offers savings of more than 30 percent.

Product Prices
ESPN+ Monthly Subscription $6.99/month
ESPN+ Annual Subscription $69.99/year
The Disney Bundle w/Hulu Ad-Supported $19.99/month
The Disney Bundle w/Hulu No-Ads $13.99/month
UFC PPV Standalone $74.99 each
UFC PPV Package (UFC PPV & ESPN+ Annual) $99.98, then $69.99/year
UFC PPV & The Disney Bundle

$88.98, then $13.99/month

UFC 274 fight card

Main Card (10 p.m. ET) 

  • Charles Oliveira (c) vs. Justin Gaethje for the UFC lightweight title
  • Rose Namajunas (c) vs. Carla Esparza 2 for the UFC strawweight title
  • Michael Chandler vs. Tony Ferguson; Lightweights
  • Mauricio Rua vs. Ovince Saint Preux; Light Heavyweights
  • Donald Cerrone vs. Joe Lauzon; Lightweights

Prelims (8 p.m. ET)

  • Randy Brown vs. Khaos Williams; Welterweights
  • Macy Chiasson vs. Norma Dumont; Featherweights
  • Brandon Royval vs. Matt Schnell; Flyweights
  • Blagoy Ivanov vs. Marcos Rogerio de Lima; Heavyweights

Early Prelims (6 p.m. ET)

  • Francisco Trinaldo vs. Danny Roberts; Welterweights
  • Tracy Cortez vs. Melissa Gatto; Flyweights
  • Kleydson Rodrigues vs. C.J. Vergara; Flyweights
  • Ariane Carnelossi vs. Loopy Godinez; Strawweights
  • Journey Newson vs. Fernie Garcia; Bantamweights
  • Andre Fialho vs. Cameron VanCamp; Welterweights

The Sporting News may earn an affiliate commission when you sign up for a streaming service through our links. The Sporting News' affiliates have no influence over the editorial content included in this article.

Daniel Yanofsky