One of the featured bouts at UFC 325’s prelims is the light heavyweight fight between Junior Tafa and Billy Ekatana, which goes down on Jan. 31 at Qudos Bank Arena in Las Vegas.
With him dropping his light heavyweight debut in his previous fight, Tafa is going to be the betting underdog with +180 UFC odds. Meanwhile, Elekana, who’s on a two-fight win streak, will be the betting favorite with -220 odds.
UFC 325: Junior Tafa vs. Billy Elekana Fight Odds
Junior Tafa: +180
Billy Elekana: -220
UFC 325: Junior Tafa vs. Billy Elekana: Tale of the Tape
Junior TafaBilly ElekanaAge2930Height6’3”6’3”Reach75 inches77 inchesLeg Reach43 inches43.5 inchesRecord6-49-2Fighting StyleKickboxerMMAFinishing Rate100%56%
UFC 325: Junior Tafa vs. Billy Elekana: Prediction
My prediction is a unanimous decision victory for Elekana over Tafa, because he’s the better grappler who can maneuver his way into a submission once he gets a hand on his opponent on the ground.
Elekana would want to shoot for a takedown as early as possible against Tafa to avoid power punches and kicks, and to deplete Tafa’s energy by forcing him to defend takedowns and submissions.
Tafa is a feared knockout artist, but the grappling and wrestling of Elekana would be the main difference, as the Australian contender struggled with his grappling, evident in his two submission defeats in the UFC.
Junior Tafa’s Recent Fight Results
Tafa was an undefeated prospect when he was signed by the UFC in 2023. However, in his six fights under the promotion, he has only recorded two wins against Parker Porter and Sean Sharaf, and dropped all four other fights to Mohammed Usman, Marcos Rogerio de Lima, Valter Walker, and Tuco Tokkos.
Billy Elekana’s Recent Fight Results
Elekana was also a highly touted prospect when he joined the UFC last year. He received a rude welcome from Bogdan Guskov via second-round submission loss, but quickly bounced back with back-to-back wins over Ibo Aslan and Kevin Christian.
UFC Betting at BetMGM
From UFC Fight Night odds to UFC futures, BetMGM has you covered for UFC betting throughout the year. Check out the online sportsbook for betting opportunities that will take your UFC entertainment to the next level.
If you don’t have a sportsbook account, register today with BetMGM’s welcome bonus. And check back for the best sportsbook promotions each day of the year.
The content provided in this blog is intended for entertainment purposes only. All views and opinions expressed are the authors and reflect their individual perspectives on sports, betting, and related topics. This content should not be considered professional betting advice or the official views of BetMGM LLC. Please gamble responsibly. If you or someone you know is experiencing issues related to gambling, seek help from a licensed health professional. This blog is not liable for any losses, damages, or consequences resulting from betting activities.