UFC 231 on Saturday in Toronto was marked by unexpected twists and turns, and whenever there are upsets, some crazy props are sure to follow at the betting window. Here are the top five biggest props to cash at the latest Ultimate Fighting Championship event.
Max Holloway Wins in Round 4 (+1350)
The UFC 231 main event turned into one of the more memorable fights of the year, as Holloway dismissed Brian Ortega in a slugfest after the cageside physician advised that fight be stopped at the end of the fourth round. Although Ortega had his moments, Holloway landed a record number of significant strikes, as he retained the Ultimate Fighting Championship featherweight title for the second time. “Blessed” has now won 13 straight fights and is 16-3 overall in the UFC. Despite his UFC records, Holloway was available at pick-’em odds for this fight, and there were some crazy props available on him, too. The prop on Holloway winning inside the distance hit at +324, and the prop on him winning by TKO hit at +381. Best of all, the prop on Holloway winning in the fourth round hit at +1350 odds.
Gunnar Nelson Wins in Round 2 (+400)
Aside from the main event, the most unforgettable finish at UFC 231 belonged to Nelson, who brutalized Alex Oliveira on his way to a second-round technical knockout. Oliveira came out with bad intentions and appeared to win the first round, but the middle stanza was a much different story. There, Nelson managed to attain a dominant position on the ground and prompt the stoppage. A pair of elbow strikes from the Icelandic grappler sliced open Oliveira and dumped blood everywhere before Nelson advanced to the back and cinched a fight-ending rear-naked choke. The prop on Nelson winning in the second round hit at +400.
Thiago Santos Wins in Round 2 (+525)
In what was easily one of the best fights of UFC 231, Santos and Jimi Manuwa went to war at 205 pounds. Santos finished Manuwa with punches 41 seconds into Round 2. It seems amazing that the fight lasted as long as it did, considering the heavy leather the two men were slinging at one another. Ultimately, Santos managed to outlast Manuwa and score the knockout. The prop on Santos winning the second round hit at +525 odds.
Dhiego Lima Wins in Round 1 (+1300)
The most profitable upset came courtesy of Lima, who brutally knocked out Chad Laprise in the first round and potentially saved his spot on the Ultimate Fighting Championship roster. Entering the cage on a three-fight losing streak, Lima was fortunate to get one more opportunity with the promotion. The Atlanta-based Brazilian made good on it and silenced the pro-Canadian crowd with a devastating first-round finish. The prop on Lima winning inside the distance cashed at +658, and the prop on him winning by knockout hit at an enormous +1050. The crown jewel of all the available props, however, was Lima winning in Round 1, which hit at a monstrous +1300 clip.
Carlos Diego Ferreira Wins in Round 2 (+400)
Ferreira extended his winning streak to three fights on the undercard, as he dispatched short-notice replacement Kyle Nelson via second-round technical knockout. Nelson had nothing to lose and came out strong in the first round, but he tired as the bout progressed and allowed Ferreira to take over with his size, strength and cardio advantages. The prop on the Brazilian winning in the second round hit at +400.
Adam Martin is a mixed martial arts journalist who has been covering the sport since 2011. He is currently the lead odds analyst for Sherdog.com, as well as the lead staff writer for MMAOddsbreaker.com. Adam is also the co-host of “The Parting Shot Podcast” on iTunes. His favorite fight of all-time is Dan Henderson-Mauricio “Shogun” Rua, and he wishes Pride Fighting Championships never died. Adam is based out of Toronto, and he is a graduate of the University of Toronto and Centennial College. Get in touch with him on Twitter at @MMAdamMartin.