UFC 267 picks, predictions: Best bets for Blachowicz-Teixeira, Yan-Sandhagen

Petr Yan would be the UFC bantamweight champion today if he had kept his composure and not blasted a downed Aljamain Sterling with a vicious knee to the head.

Yan was up on the scorecards against Sterling and clearly on his way to retaining his title when he seemingly lost his composure and hit Sterling with an illegal shot that wound up getting him disqualified.

Sterling became the champion, but still isn’t healthy enough to fight, so Yan and Cory Sandhagen will meet for the interim title on Saturday in the co-main event of UFC 267 at Etihad Arena on Fight Island in Abu Dhabi.

Yan is a -225 favorite at BetMGM over Sandhagen in what should be a wild striking battle. Sandhagen is +185.

This is another of the UFC fights that could go either way. Sandhagen was a late replacement for Sterling, who wasn’t able to train at the level he needs to be able to compete. So the bout will be for the interim belt, with the winner to face Sterling for the unified championship.

Sandhagen’s length and kicks are going to be an issue for Yan, as is Sandhagen’s ability to adapt and adjust. Few are as good under pressure as Sandhagen at making adjustments.

Yan probably has the better pure boxing and will need to get inside so he can work while avoiding being on the end of Sandhagen’s kicks.

This is a toss-up fight, and normally, that would lead me to the underdog. Most of the early action has been on Sandhagen and the line has come down.

I’d feel bad not having to lay more than 2-1 on Yan, but I think he’s a special talent and will find a way to win. The current number is probably as high as I’d be willing to go on Yan. If it gets to -250, I’d either pass the fight or play Sandhagen.

Blachowicz-Teixeira pick

In the main event, it’s a similar situation between a pair of rejuvenated veterans. Champion Jan Blachowicz is nearly a 3-1 favorite, coming in at -280 at BetMGM in the second defense of his light heavyweight title. Glover Teixeira is at +230.

They’re similar fighters in that they’re skilled both on their feet and on the ground, and they’ve had late resurgences.

Teixeira has won five in a row since dropping a decision to Corey Anderson in 2018. He’s been particularly impressive the last two times out, stopping the always-tough Anthony Smith and submitting Thiago Santos.

Blachowicz won the vacant title against Dominick Reyes and then opened some eyes by defeating middleweight champion Israel Adesanya in his first defense.

I will take the plus money here and go with Teixeira at +230. BetMGM’s prop bets aren’t listed yet, but I like this fight to go the distance, so that’s something to consider when those numbers come out.

Best bet for UFC 267

My play of the night is on Khamzat Chimaev, who returns for the first time since Sept. 19, 2020, when he takes on Li Jingliang. Chimaev had issues with COVID-19, but the UFC was comfortable matching him with Leon Edwards, and there were many people inside the company who believed that Chimaev would defeat Edwards.

Chimaev is a bloated -525 favorite, while Jingliang is +395 at BetMGM. I will put two units on Chimaev at that number. I will also put a bet on him to win by finish when those numbers come out.