UFC 280 odds courtesy of Sports Interaction, Canada’s most trusted sportsbook.
Two major title fights will take place at UFC 280 on October 22. There may also be a few contenders named for those titles by the end of the event. The main event will see Charles Oliveira vs. Islam Makhachev for the vacant UFC lightweight title.
The co-main event will see Aljamian Sterling defend the UFC bantamweight title against T.J. Dillashaw. The fight card takes place inside Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi.
Also on the card will be contenders Sean O’Malley, Belal Muhammad, and Katlyn Chookagian.
The Sporting News, with the help of Sports Interaction, takes a closer look at the UFC 280 card. Can we expect any upsets?
MORE: Sign up to watch the UFC 280 PPV, exclusively on ESPN+
Charles Oliveira vs. Islam Makhachev for the UFC lightweight title
In Canada, per Sports Interaction, Makhachev is the -170 favorite, while Oliveira is the +135 underdog.
The uncrowned champion, Oliveira holds the record for most submission wins in UFC history (16) and most finishes (19). He averages 2.46 takedowns per 15 minutes and has a takedown accuracy mark of 40%. Makhachev averages 3.41 takedowns per 15 minutes and has an accuracy mark of 65%. He has 13 takedowns in seven fights. Makhachev is an animal on the floor, but Oliveira is no slouch. Can Oliveira’s 57% takedown defense mark be enough to stop him?
On the feet, Oliveira’s striking ability is unlike anyone else in the UFC. He lands 3.53 significant strikes per minute (2.27 for Makhachev). "Do Bronx" has a 53% strike accuracy mark (57% for Makhachev). He takes some damage but manages to adapt and provide some of his own.
The only issue that would halt any chance of Oliveira becoming champion is his weight. He was stripped of the UFC lightweight title in his last bout after failing to make weight. Will his struggles continue?
As a result of his survival mentality and other-worldly striking ability, it is hard to think that Oliveira won't walk out with a win.
Sporting News prediction: Oliveira via submission (round two)
Aljamain Sterling (c) vs. T.J. Dillashaw for the UFC bantamweight title
In Canada, per Sports Interaction, Sterling is the -175 favorite, while Dillashaw is the +140 underdog.
Both fighters have something to prove in this fight. For Sterling, he still has doubters about his status as champion. Dillashaw will look to complete his comeback after being suspended for EPOs back in 2019.
On the feet, Dillashaw is a unique striker. He lands 5.26 significant strikes per minute (4.56 for Sterling) and has a strike accuracy mark of 41% (50% for Sterling).
On the floor, the two-time NCAA Division III All-American in Sterling averages 1.71 takedowns per 15 minutes (1.61 for Dillashaw). He has a takedown defense of 41% (Dillashaw has an impressive 86% mark). Sterling's wrestling has managed to tire out opponents enough for him to have an edge.
MORE: All the info you need for UFC 280: Charles Oliveira vs. Islam Makhachev on 'Fight Island'
With time away from the octagon due to surgery on his knee, will Dillashaw be 100% heading into this fight? He looks like he is in shape, but will that be enough? Sterling is hungry and motivated to retain his title. “The Funk Master” might have what it takes to take down the former champion.
Sporting News prediction: Sterling via unanimous decision
Petr Yan vs. Sean O'Malley; bantamweights
In Canada, per Sports Interaction, Yan is the -260 favorite, while O’Malley is the +190 underdog.
The bout will be a game of who can out-strike the other. O'Malley lands 7.75 significant strikes per minute. He landed 230 against Kris Moutinho in 2021. "Sugar" has a strike accuracy mark of 62% and a strike defense mark of 64%. Yan averages 5.45 significant strikes per minute. He has an accuracy mark of 3.88 and a strike defense mark of 61%.
Yan, a former UFC bantamweight champion, landed 149 strikes against Cory Sandhagen and 194 against Jose Aldo. Against Sterling in 2021, he landed seven takedowns, so a surprise switch in how he fights is always possible.
The bout will be O’Malley’s ultimate test to prove he is the real deal. Will he sink or swim? With a five-inch reach advantage, O'Malley will have to strike hard, fast, and accurately. He cannot get cute about his shots, which he has done in the past. Given the level of competition Yan's faced, it's hard to bet against him.
Sporting News prediction: Yan via KO (round two)
Beneil Dariush vs. Mateusz Gamrot; lightweights
In Canada, per Sports Interaction, Gamrot is the -195 favorite, while Dariush is the +150 underdog.
Dariush has been patiently waiting for his shot at lightweight gold, and now he must defend his status of contender against a rising star in Gamrot. Dariush is coming off of a dominant win against Tony Ferguson in which he took down Ferguson three times. Before that, he took down Diego Ferreira five times. He averages 2.11 takedowns per 15 minutes and has a 34% accuracy mark. Dariush is considered someone who is being avoided by many within the division.
Gamrot took down Arman Tsarukyan six times and Ferreira four times. He averages 4.83 takedowns per 15 minutes and has a 35% takedown accuracy mark. His strikes are also deadly, as he can use his kicks to his advantage.
Whoever can control the ground game first will have the edge. If Dariush wants to impress UFC brass, he must start hot right away against Gamrot, who is not afraid to punish his opponents early. Against the odds, Dariush can't afford to be desperate.
Sporting News prediction: Dariush via TKO (round two)
MORE: How to bet on combat sports
Katlyn Chookagian vs. Manon Fiorot; flyweights
In Canada, per Sports Interaction, Fiorot is the -215 favorite, while Chookagian is the +160 underdog.
This matchup features a former contender in Chookagian vs. one of the fasted-rising stars in Fiorot. After being decimated by champion Valentina Shevchenko, Chookagian has gone 5-1. Fiorot has won four-straight fights to start her UFC career.
Chookagian is a fast striker and lands 4.56 significant strikes per minute. Fiorot has proven to have knockout power, while Chookagian has outpaced her opponents. The former has landed six takedowns on the floor, while Chookagian has been pushed down seven times in five fights.
Fiorot, ranked sixth in the flyweight rankings, can take out Chookagian, ranked first, and make her way to Shevchenko. The pressure Fiorot can provide from the inside, compared to a distance fighter in Chookagian, will give her an edge. Using her kicks and unique fight IQ, Fiorot can dictate where the fight goes.
Sporting News prediction: Fiorot via TKO (round two)
Belal Muhammad vs. Sean Brady; welterweights
In Canada, per Sports Interaction, Brady is the -145 favorite, while Muhammad is the +115 underdog.
Since fighting Leon Edwards to a no-contest, Muhammad has put on a nice three-fight win streak, all via decision. Brady is 5-0 in the octagon and has altered his method of victory with submissions and decisions.
Muhammad has an edge in significant strikes landed with 4.31 per minute (3.91 for Brady). However, Brady's accuracy mark (54%) is better than Muhammad's (43%).
This may end up being a great battle on the floor. Muhammad averages 2.29 takedowns per 15 minutes (3.22 for Brady). Brady's accuracy mark (60%) is better than Muhammad's (35%). Muhammad has 12 takedowns in his last two fights. Brady has 14 in his first five fights in the octagon.
A rising star, Brady has impressed the UFC and its fans. With his unique way to switch how he attacks, it wouldn't be far out to think he can take down Muhammad and be the next big contender at welterweight.
Sporting News prediction: Brady via submission (round two)
Makhmud Muradov vs. Caio Borralho; middleweights
In Canada, per Sports Interaction, Borralho is the -220 favorite, while Muradov is the +165 underdog.
The result of this fight could depend on the durability of Muradov. In the octagon, Muradov lands 5.39 significant strikes per minute (2.72 for Borralho). He is known to outstrike his opponents by a significant margin.
On the floor is where Borralho can tire out Muradov. "The Natural" has landed eight takedowns in four fights. While Muradov took down Gerald Meerschaert three times, he was not strong enough to survive a submission attempt.
By not giving his opponent a chance to breathe, Borralho could survive the fight. The bout might be one to watch as the unpredictability factor can come into play.
Sporting News prediction: Borralho via unanimous decision
MORE: UFC 280: Charles Oliveira vs. Islam Makhachev purse, salaries
Volkan Oezdemir vs. Nikita Krylov; light heavyweights
In Canada, per Sports Interaction, Krylov is the -190 favorite, while Oezdemir is the +145 underdog.
Dana White pointed out that both veterans are on the prelims, showcasing how stacked this card is. Krylov and Oezdemir are 3-3 in their last six fights in the octagon, albeit against a different level of competition.
Oezdemir has an edge regarding significant strikes landed per minute, with about 4.75 (4.55 for Krylov). Krylov has a better strike accuracy mark (56% compared to 47%), while Oezdemir has a better strike defense mark (56% compared to 43% for Krylov).
Krylov lost to Paul Craig in March, while Oezdemir was able to beat "Bearjew" in July. This is a tough matchup between two gamers. The younger fighter with a two-inch reach advantage, a Krylov win via TKO could be the bet to make, especially if he can catch Oezdemir as he comes in.
Sporting News prediction: Krylov via TKO (round three)
Zubaira Tukhugov vs. Lucas Almeida; Featherweights
In Canada, per Sports Interaction, Tukhugov is the -185 favorite, while Almeida is the +140 underdog.
Almeida has an edge on the feet, landing about 6.60 strikes per minute (2.94 for Tukhugov). He also has a strike accuracy mark of 47% (39% for 2.94 for Tukhugov). On the ground, Tukhugov is superior, at least in the octagon. He has landed 12 takedowns in five octagon fights.
A pro since 2011, Tukhugov has struggled in the octagon (2-2-1 since 2016). Almeida, the Dana White's Contender Series alum, balances out submission and knockout wins. It is not hard to think that Almeida can pull off a win against the veteran. Both fighters will look for an edge, and one slip-up could help Almeida take down Tukhugov.
This could be one of the biggest upsets of the night.
Sporting News prediction: Almeida via TKO (round two)
Abubakar Nurmagomedov vs. Gadzhi Omargadzhiev; Welterweights
In Canada, per Sports Interaction, Nurmagomedov is the -190 favorite, while Omargadzhiev is the +150 underdog.
This will be Nurmagomedov's first fight since May 2021, when he beat Jared Gooden. He has landed about 3.59 significant strikes per minute, while Omargadzhiev has landed 1.21. When Omargadzhiev is damaged, even by a small amount, it affects his game plan. Nurmagomedov can strike with the best of them and can take down his opponents if needed.
Khabib Numagomedov, Abubakar’s cousin, has become an unstoppable coach for several fighters. Abubakar should be able to control his opponent throughout the contest.
Sporting News prediction: Numagomedov via unanimous decision
Armen Petrosyan vs. A.J. Dobson; middleweights
In Canada, per Sports Interaction, Petrosyan is the -210 favorite, while Dobson is the +160 underdog.
Two alumni of Dana White's Contender Series face off. Petrosyan can hurt his opponents with kicks and has landed 5.17 significant strikes per minute (4.70 for Dobson). However, Petrosyan is vulnerable to the ground game, having been taken down nine times in three fights. Dobson, a wrestler, may have what it takes to take down Petrosyan, but he was taken down six times in his last fight.
The bout could be a good game of cat and mouse. Dobson has a five-inch reach advantage, but will that be enough to defy the odds? The Sporting News will be sticking with Petrosyan. It will be a tough battle that could be determined by the judges.
Sporting News prediction: Petrosyan via split decision
Muhammad Mokaev vs. Malcolm Gordon; flyweights
In Canada, per Sports Interaction, Mokaev is the -1300 favorite, while Gordon is the +750 underdog.
Gordon is on a two-fight win streak, while Mokaev is unbeaten. In two fights in the octagon, the latter has impressed. He ended his UFC debut in the first round and dominated in his second. Can Gordon be the one to solve Mokaev?
Gordon has landed 2.39 significant strikes per minute in four UFC fights. He has knockout power, as seen in his last fight against Denys Bondar. However, he has been known to being taken down and submitted. On the floor, Mokaev is untouchable. He took down Charles Johnson 12 times in his last bout and beat Cody Durden via guillotine choke.
"The Punisher" can do that to Gordon, tiring him out before submitting him, which makes this an easy agreement of the odds.
Sporting News prediction: Mokaev via submission (round one)
MORE: Sign up to watch the UFC 280 PPV, exclusively on ESPN+
Lina Lansberg vs. Karos Rosa; bantamweights
In Canada, per Sports Interaction, Rosa is the -390 favorite, while Lansberg is the +265 underdog.
The bout is a must-win for both fighters, as Rosa is coming off a loss to Sarah McMann, while Lansberg has lost two in a row. On paper, Rosa has the edge on her feet. She lands about 6.65 significant strikes per minute (2.74 for Lansberg). Rosa landed triple-digit shots three times in five fights. Her strike accuracy mark is 55%, the same as Lansberg, but Rosa's defense (50%) is somewhat better than Lansberg's (45%).
On the ground is where Rosa can make things interesting. She has landed seven takedowns in her past four fights and has averaged 1.40 takedowns per 15 minutes. Lansberg has been taken down ten times in five bouts, and has only taken her opponents down three times. Rosa can tire out Rosa for fifteen minutes easily.
Rosa was on a roll before the McMann fight. If she can make adjustments, she should take home the win.
Sporting News prediction: Rosa via unanimous decision
When is UFC 280: Charles Oliveira vs. Islam Makhachev?
- Date: Saturday, Oct. 22
- Prelims: 10 a.m. ET | 3 p.m. BST | 12 a.m. AEST
- Main card: 2 p.m. ET | 7 p.m. BST | 4 a.m. AEST
- Main event: 5:15 p.m. ET | 10:15 p.m. BST | 7:15 a.m. AEST (approximate)
UFC 280 takes place on Saturday, Oct. 22. The prelims begin at 10 a.m. ET | 3 p.m. BST | midnight AEST, which is 6 p.m. local time in Abu Dhabi. The UFC 280 main card is set to start at 2 p.m. ET | 7 p.m. BST | 4 a.m. AEST (Sunday). Oliveira and Makhachev should make their way to the Octagon around 5:15 p.m. ET | 10:15 p.m. BST | 7:15 a.m. AEST (Sunday), depending on how long the undercard fights last.
How to watch UFC 280: Charles Oliveira vs. Islam Makhachev
| Country | Date | Channel + Live Stream (main card) |
| United States | Sat. Oct 22 | ESPN+, ESPN PPV |
| Canada | Sat. Oct 22 | BELL, Rogers, Shaw, SaskTel, Videotron, Telus, Eastlink, UFC PPV on UFC Fight Pass |
| United Kingdom | Sat. Oct 22 | BT Sport |
| Australia | Sun. Oct. 23 | Main Event, Kayo Sports, Fetch TV, UFC PPV on UFC Fight Pass |
The main card for UFC 280 is available in the U.S. and Mexico on the ESPN+ subscription streaming service for a pay-per-view cost. Earlier fights are viewable live on ESPN+ and ESPN News.
MORE: Sign up to watch the UFC 280 PPV, exclusively on ESPN+
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, with the prelims available on UFC Fight Pass.
In Australia, the main card will be on Main Event, Kayo Sports, Fetch TV, and UFC PPV on UFC Fight Pass.
Charles Oliveira vs. Islam Makhachev PPV price: How much does UFC 280 cost?
- $74.99 (current ESPN+ subscribers)
- $99.98 (new subscribers)
In the U.S., the UFC 280 main card is available via pay-per-view on ESPN+, which also requires a subscription. The PPV price for UFC 280 is $74.99 for current subscribers. New subscribers can pay a bundle price of $99.98 for the UFC 280 pay-per-view and an ESPN+ annual subscription, which offers savings of more than 30 percent.
| Product | Prices |
|---|---|
| ESPN+ Monthly Subscription | $9.99/month |
| ESPN+ Annual Subscription | $99.99/year |
| The Disney Bundle w/Hulu Ad-Supported | $13.99/month |
| The Disney Bundle w/Hulu No-Ads | $19.99/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 |
Click here to learn about the different pricing and bundling options with the ESPN+ platform.
UFC 280 fight card
Main card
- Charles Oliveira vs. Islam Makhachev for the UFC lightweight title
- Aljamain Sterling (c) vs. T.J. Dillashaw for the UFC bantamweight title
- Petr Yan vs. Sean O'Malley; bantamweights
- Beneil Dariush vs. Mateusz Gamrot; lightweights
- Katlyn Chookagian vs. Manon Fiorot; flyweights
Prelims
- Belal Muhammad vs. Sean Brady; welterweights
- Makhmud Muradov vs. Caio Borralho; middleweights
- Volkan Oezdemir vs. Nikita Krylov; light heavyweights
- Zubaira Tukhugov vs. Lucas Almeida; Featherweights
- Abubakar Nurmagomedov vs. Gadzhi Omargadzhiev; Welterweights
- Armen Petrosyan vs. A.J. Dobson; middleweights
- Muhammad Mokaev vs. Malcolm Gordon; flyweights
- Karol Rosa vs. Lina Lansberg; bantamweights
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