UFC 279 best bets: Our favorite wagers

UFC 279 is taking place at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday. There will be a 13-fight card beginning at 6 p.m. ET/3 p., with a five-fights-a-hour main card starting at 10 p,m., ET.

Finocchiaro handicaps fights. Khamzat Chimaev is the newest sensation in MMA. Chimazat is a Russian-born vice grip with elite wrestling/grappling ability. He trains across the globe and is soon to compete at 185 pounds. Nate Diaz is one of the true OGs of MMA and he is 37 years old. Diaz's plan is to frustrate Chimez at all costs. He is also trying to keep Chamezav's mind at bay. Muhammad Ali did it against George Forman. The ace up Diaz’s sleeve is his depth of experience.

Chimaev is the favorite against Diaz. Diaz has been inactive for more than a year and Chimaov has had fewer UFC fights than Diaz in the last five years. Chimaviev has only 28 UFC minutes of Octagon time compared to Diaz's 319.

Li Jingliang is the 14th-ranked welterweight in the division. He has gone 5-2 in his last 7 fights, all at weltersweight. Finocchiaro likes his style and believes he can win a world title.

Tony Ferguson lost his last three fights. He was knocked out by Justin Gaethje in May 2020. Ferguson is moving up to welterweight. Li is a big favorite. He is four years younger than Ferguson. Fighters who are at least four times younger have won 62% of their fights since 2013.

Kevin Holland is the favorite against Daniel Rodriguez. They have both scored four knockdowns and haven't been finished by strikes. Rodriguez used to compete at lightweight and his best wins were against undersized fighters. He has a 7-inch reach advantage over Holland.

Yohan Lainesse is the taller, larger fighter with 4 inches of reach advantage in the first UFC bout. Darian Weeks has been in UFC with better talent but he's lost both of his UFC bouts. Liansese made a debut with hype and circumstance but was beaten by Gabe Green in 2nd round.

Finocchiaro recommends Lainesse + 110 on GambLou’s ’Bout Business Podcast.