UFC 289 Predictions: Best Bets For Oliveira vs. Dariush & More

May 15, 2021; Houston, Texas, USA; Charles Oliveira reacts for his fight against Michael Chandler during UFC 262 at Toyota Center.
Image Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

In the highly anticipated UFC 289 event, Charles “Do Bronx” Oliveira is set to face off against Beneil Dariush in what appears to be a three-round title eliminator. If that wasn’t enough to pique your interest, then look no further to Amanda Nunes on the women’s side returning to the Octagon for her bantamweight title defense against Irene Aldana.

For the best analysis of each of these show-stopping fights, let’s dive into our UFC 289 predictions, best bets, and top props.

UFC 289 Predictions: Where To Bet

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UFC 289 Best Bet: Oliveira vs. Dariush 

With Oliveira listed as the underdog at +125, it’s difficult to resist the temptation to back him in what will undoubtedly be the people’s main event. 

Despite Dariush’s impressive eight-fight win streak, his victories pale in comparison to the notable wins of “Do Bronx.” Oliveira showcased his dominance in the lightweight division by defeating the likes of Michael Chandler, Dustin Poirier, and Justin Gaethje before dropping his title in Abu Dhabi.

Expecting the fight to primarily take place on the feet, I am inclined to support Oliveira as the underdog. Oliveira possesses some of the best Muay Thai skills in the UFC. I anticipate Oliveira will adopt a similar aggressive approach as he did in the Gaethje and Poirier fights. With superior stand-up abilities, he should not be underestimated in this bout, I truly believe the wrong guy is favored coming in. 

Where to bet: Charles Oliveira moneyline | +120 at FanDuel Sportsbook

UFC 289 Best Bet: Nunes vs. Aldana 

In a highly anticipated showdown at UFC 289, the legendary Amanda Nunes, widely regarded as the greatest female fighter in MMA history, makes her return to the Octagon. She will defend her bantamweight championship against Irene Aldana.

Nunes is set to make her first title defense since reclaiming the championship from Julianna Pena. Pena pulled off an upset victory over Nunes in December 2021, but Nunes left no doubts in their July 2022 rematch, dominating Pena and reclaiming her status as a two-division champion. 

Aldana steps in as a replacement for Pena, who unfortunately had to withdraw from their trilogy bout due to injury. Aldana is on a two-fight winning streak, securing two knockout victories, following her decision loss to former champion Holly Holm. While I think Aldana is a solid fighter, she isn’t near the same level as Amanda Nunes. We saw Holly Holm pick her apart and what we have in Nunes is a stronger faster and overall better version of Holm. I don’t think she possesses the skills necessary to get the job done against someone like Amanda Nunes. 

I don’t see Aldana being able to hang with Nunes standing or on the ground, and I like Nunes to win inside the distance at -140 as my second-best bet of the night.

Where to bet: Nunes to win inside the distance | -140 at FanDuel Sportsbook