UFC 298: Dvalishvili vs Cejudo Odds, Picks & Predictions

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15 February 2024

UFC 298: Dvalishvili vs Cejudo Odds, Picks & Predictions

Merab Dvalishvili looks like the next big thing in the bantamweight division, but former champ Henry Cejudo is no tomato can. "The Machine" will be tested for all three rounds, per our UFC betting picks.

Merab Dvalishvili vs. Henry Cejudo is a featured attraction on the UFC 298 undercard with these titans of the bantamweight division clashing for a future title shot this Saturday, February 17 at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California.

Though Cejudo proved he is still a force to be reckoned with, the veteran may not have enough left to turn away the challenge of one of the promotion’s most efficient grapplers.

UFC odds have Dvalishvili as a - 215 favorite, and Cejudo is a +175 underdog.

Here are my free betting picks for Dvalishvili vs. Cejudo at UFC 298.

Merab Dvalishvili vs Henry Cejudo fight odds

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Dvalishvili vs Cejudo picks

Fight prediction: Dvalishvili moneyline

Credit is due when it comes to Henry Cejudo, being that the 37-year-old former champion is trying to test himself against the best while well past his prime. Cejudo had some convinced that he defeated Aljamain Sterling for the bantamweight title at UFC 288, though he may not have as much luck against Merab Dvalishvili. Sterling’s gym partner is perhaps the best fighter at bantamweight, with many believing it is only a matter of time before the grappling menace becomes a world champion.

Dvalishvili is not just a takedown artist. While he has a fantastic talent for putting people on the mat time and again, such as the 11 times he dumped Petr Yan on there, he’s a decent striker and doesn’t wholly rely on his ground game. Cejudo does have that veteran guile, but while he took Sterling by surprise in their competitive fight, he’s going to have a tougher time in this one.

The aging Cejudo is going up against an elite defender who is in his prime. Also, Cejudo is recovering from a shoulder injury that kept him out of action against Marlon Vera at UFC 292. I wouldn’t be surprised if Cejudo gives him all he can handle, and could potentially threaten an upset.

Even so, Dvalishvili won’t be denied, and youth will be served in this bantamweight battle.

Prediction: Dvalishvili moneyline (-215 at Bet99)

Fight best bet: Over 2.5 rounds

Considering their backgrounds, this is going to be a high-class grappling match. Cejudo does have the better overall striking, but his recovery from injury and Dvalishvili’s exhausting style might negate that. Both fighters possess great takedown defense, so there might not be alot of two-way action.

Dvalishivili isn’t the most exciting fighter at times, but what he does and how he operates is impressive all the same. He might not be able to overwhelm Cejudo absolutely, but his pressure will keep him on the back foot and Cejudo might not be able to pin him down, either. The intriguing thing about this fight is that it is scheduled for three rounds, even though it carries heavy title implications for the winner.

If Cejudo looks like he did against Sterling, then there is the possibility he could steal a decision from Dvalishvili. I also get the sense that as dominant as Dvalishvili is, the crowd is going to firmly back Cejudo and boring fighters aren’t going to get a lot of love unless they’re easily winning a fight. It might be risky to bet on either man getting a specific outcome.

With this being a three-rounder, the fight going Over 2.5 rounds is the best bet to make.

Pick: Over 2.5 rounds (-325 at Bet99)

Dvalishvili vs Cejudo betting preview

Dvalishvili is one fight away from being an unavoidable force at bantamweight. With him landing a stunning 6.55 takedowns per fight and undefeated in his last nine fights, Dvalishivili looks to pick up the biggest win of his career.

In addition to the dominant victory over Yan, he’s picked up wins against Jose Aldo and Marlon Moraes.

Former champion and gold medalist Cejudo returned to the UFC last year believing he has one more run left. He’ll need to rely on his Olympic wrestling background and years of elite experience to solve an opponent who would have served as a viable challenger in his prime.

The grappling pressure and excellent defensive skills of “The Machine” figures to make him a hard target to pin down. However, “Triple C’s” superior striking and formidable takedown defense could allow him rare scoring opportunities and a chance to steal rounds in a fight where every second will count.