Vegas Play of the Day: Zhang vs. Jedrzejczyk at UFC 248

Image

Steve Marcus

UFC women’s strawweight champion Weili Zhang, left, of China, and former champion Joanna Jedrzejczyk of Poland pose during a ceremonial weigh-in for UFC 248 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas Friday, March 6, 2020. Zhang will defend her title against Jedrzejczyk at the arena on Saturday, March 7. (AP Photo/Las Vegas Sun/)

Sat, Mar 7, 2020 (4:33 p.m.)

The sixth season of the annual Play of the Day betting competition between the Sun's sports staff is now underway, effective July 1.

Bankrolls start at $10,000 for each of the four participants, with the objective to increase it as much as possible over the next year. The minimum daily wager is $300, with a $200 penalty assessed for failing to place a bet on an assigned day.

Past winners are Case Keefer in 2018-19 and 2017-2018, Ray Brewer in 2016-2017 and 2015-2016, and Taylor Bern in 2014-2015.

Weili Zhang minus-200 vs. Joanna Jedrzejczyk: $600 to win $300

Mixed martial arts, especially women’s mixed martial arts, moves quickly. It moves quickly enough that the undisputed fact that Jedrzejczyk is the best strawweight champion in UFC history means little tonight at T-Mobile Arena in the co-main event of UFC 248.

Jedrzejczyk has moved back down to the division she once dominated in an attempt to reclaim her title, but there’s a problem. Zhang is a new generation of fighter; she’s a lot better than Jedrzejczyk.

This line was completely out of whack earlier in the week when it was at as low as minus-170 in favor of Zhang around town. It’s corrected a bit since then, but not enough.

Zhang should be closer to a 3-to-1 favorite. She’s a more well-rounded fighter than Jedrzejeczyk, which has a better chance of shining through in a 5-round championship bout.

This is a case where public perception is skewing the line too much. Jedrzejczyk is the bigger name, but she’s not the better fighter.

This is a value price on Zhang.

Current Standings: Grimala (15-5, $9,365), Keefer (28-26-2, $8,275), Brewer (15-12, $7,795), Emerson (14-17, $5,750)

Case Keefer can be reached at 702-948-2790 or [email protected]. Follow Case on Twitter at twitter.com/casekeefer.

Back to top

SHARE

Join the Discussion:

Check this out for a full explanation of our conversion to the LiveFyre commenting system and instructions on how to sign up for an account.

Full comments policy