UFC Fight Night is set to get going this weekend from VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Florida on Saturday, June 24 at 3 p.m. ET. There is a five-bout main card highlighted by a featherweight fight between #5 Josh Emmett and #9 Ilia Topuria. Also notable on the main card is a middleweight fight between Austen Lane and Justin Tafa.
Lane (12-3) is a former NFL defensive end who was a 5th-round pick of the Jacksonville Jaguars back in 2010. He is set to make his UFC debut this weekend after a strong showing on Dana White's Contender Series, defeating Richard Jacobi by way of first-round TKO last September. At 6'6″, with an 80″ reach and 45% striking accuracy, this is a good test to see how he fares against the middleweight division.
Tafa (6-3) is a knockout machine who has won his last two fights over Harry Hunsucker and Parker Porter. Both fights ended in first-round knockouts. The New Zealand born striker comes into this bout with a 74″ reach and 54% striking accuracy, he'll look to spoil Lane's debut and come home with a win.
How to watch Austen Lane vs. Justin Tafa
Date: Saturday, June 24
Fight time: Main card starts at 3 p.m. ET
Live stream: ABC/ESPN+
DraftKings Sportsbook Odds/Predictions
Lane: +160
Tafa: -190
Splits: 44% of handle, 71% of bets on Tafa
This will not go the distance as both fighters have big knockout power. With an early portion of money going toward Tafa, the under on 1.5 rounds (-210) is a sure bet. As for who will land the knockout remains to be unseen. Lane to shock the world and to win by knockout (+225) has good value.