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Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Best value bets for UFC 319: Khamzat Chimaev vs. Dricus du Plessis
Finally. That must be what most MMA fans are thinking with Khamzat Chimaev getting his first title shot. Having burst onto the scene early in the COVID-19 pandemic, Chimaev benefited from the strange dynamics that affected global sports at that time. He made his debut on 'Fight Island,' the UFC's initial solution to creating a 'sports bubble' to allow competitions. Chimaev was dominant in his debut and was quickly rebooked for another Fight Island card, setting a UFC mark for fastest turnaround in just 10 days. He would go on to earn performance bonuses in each of his first five appearances, and thus the legend was solidified. Given his rapid rise and dominant performances, it's perhaps surprising it has taken this long to earn a title shot. But mixed in along the way were injuries, fight cancellations and eventually a change in weight class. Here we are, finally. Time to see if the hype train reaches the top of the mountain, or if the established champion gets to play one of the biggest spoilers in recent history. Here are my best bets for UFC 319, which takes place Saturday at the United Center in Chicago. Khamzat Chimaev (-210) vs. Dricus Du Plessis (+170) Every Chimaev fan knows he's an undefeated freak. And though he's 8-0 in the UFC, far fewer know du Plessis is actually 9-0 in the UFC over slightly less time and against — on average — heavier opponents. But streaks are less important than performance metrics, which is what I'll rely on when evaluating the matchup. I just find it interesting Chimaev has been a massive favorite in all of his UFC appearances, while DDP has quietly accomplished more as a pick 'em or underdog in plenty of his fights. Chimaev's statistics are extremely good, with just one odd exception of not avoiding punches. When you're that good, I guess defending punches matters less. But when lining these two up for comparison, I also would make Chimaev the favorite. Yet the current odds of roughly 2-to-1 for Chimaev are just a touch high for me, given the dogged wins DDP has earned against elite middleweights. The first big question will be how Chimaev's first takedown attempt goes. We shouldn't have to wait long, as he attempts one takedown every 48 seconds while standing. DDP's takedown defense is below average at just 50%, though he's only faced six attempts over nine fights. Perhaps opponents have avoided testing him on the mat out of respect. Chimaev has never been controlled on the ground — not even for one second — but his only two fights to go to the cards have been against established grapplers (Gilbert Burns and Kamaru Usman), so that's where I think the best angle is. DDP has used his grappling in most of his fights, and more often in his title fight appearances. His ground game may not turn the fight to his favor, but it could be enough to survive the early onslaught from Chimaev and potentially force later rounds. While the analytics suggest a bit of value on DDP with such a clear plus-money return, I'm still wary he has simply taken advantage of opponents who were predominantly single-threat strikers during his title run. Facing his toughest ground threat to date gives me pause on the very slight lean toward the 'dog, though I'm left hoping DDP does indeed outperform and takes the fight over 2.5 rounds. Best bets: du Plessis or pass, over 2.5 rounds Chase Hooper (-285) vs. Alexander Hernandez (+225) Chimaev isn't the only elite grappler on the card. Chase Hooper has matured inside the Octagon, recently dominating one of the most seasoned wrestlers of all time in Jim Miller. Hooper is another fighter who wastes little time between takedown attempts, and while Hernandez has above-average defense, it's likely a matter of time before he gets taken down. That scenario has me checking two important metrics for Hernandez that could be countermeasures against an overly assertive grappler: knockdown power and submissions. Unfortunately for Hernandez, he's below average in both of those metrics. The most likely scenario is Hooper will pursue, using strikes as a setup for takedowns — and once there, keeping the fight there. Hernandez's best chance is a counter against Hooper's poor head-strike defense. Hooper has been dropped four times, but three came in one fight he lost by TKO, and the other was in a fight he went on to win. So I like Hooper to remain resilient and put the fight on the ground where he can backpack his way to victory. Best bet: Hooper to win (-285) Edson Barboza (-150) vs. Drakkar Klose (+125) This matchup ultimately will be a striker versus grappler dynamic, featuring one of the most prolific knockout artists in UFC history returning to the Octagon for his 31st appearance. With 16 career knockdowns, Barboza's knockdown rate is much higher than the UFC average, and he's scored those knockdowns via impressive and diverse methods. Klose looks average on paper and is unlikely to want to stand and trade (or eat leg kicks) for long. He'll be undersized and outranged against Barboza, even more reason for Klose to change levels. Klose's roots are in wrestling, but his takedown success rate is below average, while Barboza's defense has been solid against over 100 career takedown attempts from opponents. Overall, these factors back Barboza as a worthy favorite. Let's hope he still has enough left in the tank for what is likely his last fight before turning 40. Best bet: Barboza to win (-150) Michal Oleksiejczuk (-225) vs. Gerald Meerschaert (+185) The stats here scream finish, one way or the other, in yet another striker versus grappler matchup. Oleksiejczuk is an understandable favorite, given all his advantages on the feet. With superior accuracy and knockdown power, Meerschaert's loose defense and aging and damaged chin are clear ingredients for a striking finish. However, Meerschaert has been here before and knows he needs to get this fight to the mat. Luckily for him, his opponent's takedown defense is poor, and he has a glaring weakness defending submissions. That combination of factors means we could see a Meerschaert submission prop past +300. You might use 'Does Not Go the Distance' in a chalk-filled parlay, but also shop for maximum return on a small upset submission play. Best bet: Meerschaert-Oleksiejczuk under 1.5 rounds
Irish Times
03-06-2025
- Business
- Irish Times
Eamon Ryan backed higher CEO pay at some State firms
Former Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan urged that Government departments and agencies should have greater freedom to offer more competitive packages including performance bonuses and increments when seeking CEOs for commercial State bodies. Martin Wall reports. Martin also reports that a legal challenge brought by Elon Musk's social network platform against the online safety code introduced by the country's media regulator is scheduled to commence on Tuesday. Twitter International Unlimited Company, which operates X, alleges in High Court proceedings that Coimisiún na Meán engaged in 'regulatory overreach' in its approach to restrictions on certain video content. Cork-based packaging group Zeus has completed bolt-on acquisitions in England and Spain that will add €20 million to its annual revenues, which will be in excess of €500 million this year. Ciaran Hancock has the details. Pizza maker Crust & Crumb is spending €12.5 million on boosting production as it extends a deal with supermarket chain Tesco. As Barry O'Halloran writes, the Ballyconnell, Co Cavan-based company will hire 120 more workers and double the size of its production facility to 7,430sq m after agreeing to supply Tesco with new premium pizza varieties. READ MORE Job numbers in occupations exposed to artificial intelligence (AI) in Ireland have grown 94 per cent since 2019, and the technology is making workers better able to command higher wage premiums, according to a new report from PwC. Colin Gleeson has read the report. Ireland's largest business lobby group, Ibec has called on the Government to increase the amount of public investment into research and development as Ireland drops below the European average for public spend per capita. Hugh Dooley reports. London-based pan-Asian restaurant chain, Tootoomoo is planning an expansion into the Irish retail lunch market following success with J Sainsbury in the UK. Hugh reports. While we may not be too focused on what's happening in Hungary, Hugh Linehan outlines why we should worry about the government there and its plans to control media in the country. In Your Money, there will be plenty of people taking their first job this summer, but what should you expect ?How much should you be paid? Will you be taxed? Fiona Reddan answers these and other questions. Dominic Coyle meanwhile answers a reader question on whether one needs to go to probate to deal with a dead relative's small holding of shares. If you'd like to read more about the issues that affect your finances try signing up to On the Money , the weekly newsletter from our personal finance team, which will be issued every Friday to Irish Times subscribers.
The Independent
02-06-2025
- Business
- The Independent
M&S boss's pay soared by 39% ahead of cyber attack
M&S CEO Stuart Machin's pay package soared 39 per cent to £7.1 million, driven by performance-linked bonuses, before a major cyber attack disrupted the retailer. Machin's pay for the year to March included £4.6 million in long-term performance bonuses (inaccessible for two years), a £1.6 million bonus tied to M&S's performance, and £894,000 in fixed pay and pension benefits. The pay increase followed a turnaround strategy that boosted clothing and home sales, with shares rising to a nearly nine-year high in April. A cyber attack after Easter halted online orders and compromised customer data, costing the firm an estimated £300 million and causing significant disruption. An M&S spokeswoman said that the CEO's pay was performance-based and reflected the company's growth under Machin's leadership.
