Best bets for UFC 270 - Francis Ngannou vs. Ciryl Gane

The best heavyweight championship fights often feel like a tossup, because the threat of power ensures that neither will see a lopsided betting line. When the markets first opened, «interim champ» Ciryl Gane was a slight underdog to incumbent champ Francis Ngannou, but lines have since flipped.

Early prelims start at 6 p.m. ET on ESPN+, followed by the prelims at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN/ESPN+, and the main card begins at 10 p.m. ET on ESPN+ PPV. Purchase the PPV here.

Ian Parker and Reed Kuhn give their favorite plays and props.

Odds are courtesy of Caesars Sportsbook.

Parker: Former training partners, now opponents, Gane and Ngannou will face off to unify the UFC Heavyweight Championship. Gane will be looking to remain undefeated and avoid the power of Ngannou.

The path to victory for Gane is to use his athleticism and technical kickboxing to keep Ngannou at distance. Gane has gone the distance in a five-round fight before, and it would be in his best interest to drag Ngannou into deep waters. On the other side, Ngannou's path to victory is to pressure Gane and knock him out as he has done to many opponents before.

Due to the speed and kicks of Gane, I believe Ngannou is going to be more poised and patient, and look for his opportunities to strike as opposed to rushing in. Look for this fight to go over 1.5 rounds as both men will take the first round to feel each other out. Gane will be looking to establish leg kicks and bounce around, while Ngannou will sit on his back foot waiting for that power strike.

Pick: Over 1.5 Rounds

Kuhn: For Ngannou, it will be a rare instance being an underdog. But Ngannou's power won't allow the market go too far in one direction. His knockdown rate is the best in the UFC and his highlight reel