The UFC returns to New York for the first time in almost two years, with a fantastic lineup for its 268 card. Kamaru Usman will defend his championship for the second time against the brash Colby Covington.

The co-main event features a rematch between Rose Namajunas and Zhang Weili in the women’s strawweight class and a number one contender bout in the lightweight division.

UFC 268: Usman Vs. Covington 2 Start Time

  • Date: Saturday, October 30
  • Main card: 6:00 p.m. PT/9:00 p.m. ET/2:00 a.m. BST
  • Main event (approx): 9:00 p.m. PT/12:00 p.m. ET/5:00 a.m. BST

Kamaru Usman vs. Colby Covington Betting Odds

The main event is a highly anticipated rematch between Kamaru Usman and No. 1 contender Colby Covington. Their first fight was a slugfest that left Covington with a broken jaw. This is going to be a full-fledged war.

Kamaru Usman Fight Odds

Kamaru Usman is the clear favorite in this bout, for good reason: he has 19 victories under his belt and only suffered once throughout his career. He is well-known for his elite wrestling and nearly competed in the 2012 Olympics before pursuing a career in MMA. He was a highly rated prospect who made his way into the UFC via the Ultimate Fighter series. Since entering the UFC, he’s made significant strides in his striking and has recently emerged as a devastating finisher. Usman has the cardio to last five rounds, but he may try to end this fight early with a TKO/KO.

Colby Covington Fight Odds

Colby Covington is fighting for the second time after losing to Usman. He’s taken a long time to recuperate after having his jaw fractured. Covington, like Usman, is an exceptional wrestler with a record of sixteen victories and two defeats. He’s well-known for his outstanding cardio, which he used to break most fighters. He’s had a brash attitude in recent years, which has helped him earn recognition. Because Covington and Usman are equal in wrestling and cardio, Covington should continue to shoot takedowns. Then seek for a decision win.


Rose Namajunas vs. Cory Sandhagen Betting Odds

Rose Namajunas defends her title against former champion Zhang Weili in another rematch. Weili is hoping to reclaim her title after being knocked out in the first round.

Rose Namajunas Fight Odds

In this fight, Rose Namajunas is the slight favorite. It’s currently her second title run in the UFC, and she is looking to keep this belt longer this time around. She has a winning record of 10 victories and four defeats. Namajunas came to the UFC via the Ultimate Fighter series, which she lost in the final. Namajunas is well-known for her Brazilian Ju-Jitsu, but she has recently improved her striking and wrestling skills. Namajunas might win by KO again, or she could take her time and win by decision.

Zhang Weili Fight Odds

Zhang Weili is determined to reclaim her title following her devastating defeat. With twenty-one victories and two losses, Weili has more experience than Namajunas. The bulk of her victories have been KO/TKO, although she has also won through submission and decision. Weili is recognized as a tremendous striker with the cardio to back it up. Weili’s greatest chance of victory is to go for the finish early via KO/TKO.


Justin Gaethje vs. Michael Chandler Betting Odds

Two lightweights collide, with Justin Gaethje taking on Michael Chandler in the next bout The winner of this bout will be the next in line for a championship opportunity.

Justin Gaethje Fight Odds

For this bout, Justin Gaethje is the slight favorite. He lost when trying to capture the lightweight belt last year. He was on a four-bout winning streak before that bout. Gaethje had developed a name for himself as a sport’s wildman, continually charging forward, unleashing low kicks, and throwing caution to the wind. He has subsequently modified his style, with his primary focus still being on coming forward but absorbing less damage and employing counter strikes. Gaethje is a talented wrestler who has fallen in love with striking, winning nineteen matches via KO/TKO. Gaethje is the best bet to come out aggressive and go for a TKO/KO finish.

Michael Chandler Fight Odds

Michael Chandler is also coming off a defeat after attempting to win the title. He has more fight experience than Gaethje and has faced high-level opponents throughout his career. Chandler is likewise recognized for his wrestling background but, like Gaethje, prefers to strike, with the bulk of his victories coming by TKO/KO, although he has also won seven fights through submission. Chandler has lost a few fights by TKO/KO in the past, which should be considered. His most significant chance of victory is to take this fight to the ground and attempt a submission finish.


Shane Burgos vs. Billy Quarantillo Betting Odds

We have two featherweights up next, with hometown favorite Shane Burgos taking on Billy Quarantillo. Burgos needs a win to keep his UFC career alive, while Quarantillo will be looking to extend his winning streak.

Shane Burgos Fight Odds

For this bout, Shane Burgos is the slight favorite. Burgos has been a fixture in the UFC’s featherweight class since 2016 and is recognized for being a highly exciting fighter. He’s currently on a two-fight losing run against the division’s top tier. Burgos is recognized for his well-rounded approach, and he isn’t hesitant to experiment to win. He has five KO/TKO victories and five submission victories. He got knocked out in his last fight, so that’s something to think about. His best bet is to either take this battle to the ground for a submission victory or go for a TKO/KO finish.

Billy Quarantillo Fight Odds

Billy Quarantillo hopes to add Burgos’ name to his resume and begin a fresh winning streak. Quarantillo has been in the UFC for a short time, but he has more fight experience than Burgos. He entered the UFC via the Contender series and has won five of his six matches. Quarantillo is well-rounded and will go wherever the fight takes place, although most of his victories have been by TKO/KO. Quarantillo is likely to finish via TKO/KO.


Frankie Edgar vs. Marlon Vera Betting Odds

We have two popular bantamweights facing off to close off the main card, with Frankie Edgar taking on Marlon Vera. Both fighters want to remain relevant in the division.

Frankie Edgar Fight Odds

Frankie Edgar has been a mainstay of the UFC for years and has been linked to title contention.  He’s won championships at UFC lightweight and was on the verge of winning at featherweight, but as he’s gotten older, his performances have been uneven, with his most recent bout ending in a KO. Edgar has finally been assigned to a division that is more appropriate for his stature. To get points, he will need to use his footwork, takedowns, and cardio. He will try to win this bout by decision.

Marlon Vera Fight Odds

Marlon Vera is a bantamweight veteran who will be seeking to add Edgar to his resume. Vera possesses excellent Brazilian Ju-Jitsu skills as well as much improved striking. He has won most of his fights by submission, although he has also won six by TKO/KO. Vera’s defeats have all been by decision; thus, he should try for a submission or TKO/KO finish.


Dan Mendoza
Writer

Dan Mendoza is a Vegas native who learned martial arts from the age of 10 - starting with Judo & Karate - moving to amateur boxing and later becoming a MMA coach and trainer. Dan covers UFC, Bellator, Boxing and other contact sports at Vegas-Odds.com