Two of the most popular mixed-martial-artists on the planet headline the UFC 274 main card when Chris Oliveira steps into the Octagon to take on Justin Gaethje. Oliveira, the UFC Lightweight champ, is a slight favorite. Keep reading for MMA odds, analysis, and free picks for the five bouts on the UFC 274 main card.

UFC 274 Event Info

• When: Saturday, May 7, 2022 at 10:00 pm ET
• Where: Footprint Center, Phoenix, AZ
• TV: PPV
• Live Stream: UFC Fight Pass

UFC 274 Main Card Odds

UFC 274 Main Card Preview

Donald Cerrone vs. Joe Lauzon

Lauzon and Cerrone are warriors. Joe has a 28-16 record. Donald’s record is 38-16. Most feel Cerrone wins this because he’s got physical advantages that Lauzon will find difficult to overcome.

Cerrone is taller 6’ 1” to 5’ 10” and has a longer reach, 73 inches to 71.5 inches. But although Cerrone can beat Lauzon, the favored fighter has lost 4-of-5 with a draw. Lauzon heads into this after beating Jonathan Pearce via first round knockout. Lauzon is the play.

UFC 274 Pick: Joe Lauzon

Mauricio Rua vs. Ovince St. Preaux

Mauricio “Shogun” Rua is a UFC legend. His legendary status, along with his 27-12-1 record, are a couple of reasons he’s only a +190 underdog versus 25-16 Ovince St. Preaux. But Preaux has a 4-inch reach advantage and is 2 inches taller. Also, Shogun lost his last bout via second-round TKO/KO to Paul Craig. The fight happened in 2020. St. Preaux also lost his last bout. But Ovince fought back in 2021.

Still, at the odds, Rua is worth a look. When betting UFC, we must take chances. Backing Shogun after more than a two-year layoff is taking a chance.

UFC 274 Pick: Mauricio Rua

Michael Chandler vs. Tony Ferguson

Since May 9, 2020, when Justin Gaethje upset Tony Ferguson, the underdog’s form has fallen off a cliff. Not only did Ferguson lose to Gaethje, but he also lost to Charles Oliveira and then to Beneil Dariush.

Chandler is 22-7 and 7-0 via submission wins. He’s also lost 2 straight, to Oliveira and Gaethje, which is a sign the chalk could be in some trouble. Ferguson is 3 inches taller and has a 5-inch reach advantage. The slight dog gets the nod.

UFC 274 Pick: Tony Ferguson

Rose Namajunas vs. Carla Esparza

Many consider champion Rose Namajunas the best pound-for-pound women’s mixed martial artist in the world. Namajunas has an excellent 12-4 record. On Saturday in Phoenix, Rose faces a tough fighter in Carla Esparza. The challenger’s record is 19-6.

But Esparza hasn’t lost since 2018. The odds indicate a tough bout. But Namajunas has fought the much higher quality opponents, including beating Zhang Weili twice in her last couple of bouts, via a first round knockout and then via decision. The champ wins.

UFC 274 Pick: Rose Namajunas

Charles Oliveira vs. Justin Gaethje

32-8 Oliveira owns the belt. 23-3 Justin Gaethje hopes to take it from him. Before either steps into the ring, some MMA fans are predicting a fight of the year candidate. Oliveira is 20-3 via submissions, which means Gaethje’s best chance of winning is to keep the fight off the mat. Once the bout hits the mat, Oliveira will have an advantage.

If you like either, bet with confidence, that’s how close this fight is. The pick from this corner is Gaethje. The former champion’s last bout happened agianst Khabib Nuramagomadev, the 29-0 since retired greatest of all time. If Gaethje can close the distance, Oliveira has a 4-inch reach advantage, he can do some damage. Justin is the pick.

UFC 274 Pick: Justin Gaethje

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