SoBet Insider: UFC 301, Kentucky Derby, NBA Playoffs

UFC 301 Main Card Eval

Title Fight: Alexandre Pantoja (-185) vs. Steve Erceg (+150) | Flyweight Championship

Pantoja, the reigning champ, is a favorite as he fights in his homeland of Brazil for the first time since 2013, carrying a streak of wins that underline his versatility and dominance. Erceg, challenging for the title with a commendable undefeated streak in the UFC, is positioned as the underdog. This matchup pits experience against momentum in a fight that could either affirm Pantoja's reign or herald Erceg's rise.

Co-Main Event: Jonathan Martinez (-150) vs. Jose Aldo (+125) | Bantamweights

Martinez steps into the octagon as the favorite, facing the legendary Aldo, who returns with a point to prove. With Martinez on a six-fight winning streak and Aldo fighting in front of a home crowd after a brief retirement, this bout is set to be a high-stakes clash that could go either way.

Anthony Smith (+360) vs. Vitor Petrino (-500) | Light Heavyweights

Smith, the veteran underdog, faces an uphill battle against the heavily favored Petrino. Despite recent setbacks, Smith's resilience and striking ability could surprise, making this match a potentially profitable venture for daring bettors.

Michel Pereira (-750) vs. Ihor Potieria (+525) | Middleweights 

Pereira, known for his dynamic and unpredictable fighting style, is the overwhelming favorite. Potieria, facing long odds, enters this fight with a chance to upset the odds and make a statement.

Paul Craig (+425) vs. Caio Borralho (-600) | Middleweights

Craig, the "Bearjew," finds himself as the underdog against the rising star Borralho. Known for his ground game, Craig’s ability to secure a win against the odds will be a test of his grappling skills against Borralho's aggressive takedown strategy.

Joanderson Brito (-165) vs. Jack Shore (+135) | Featherweights

Brito’s slight favoritism reflects his robust win streak and formidable ground game, while Shore, coming off a recent loss, looks to regain his footing in the featherweight hierarchy. This bout may pivot on endurance and strategy, offering a tight line for bettors to find plenty of value.

Karolina Kowalkiewicz (+310) vs. Iasmin Lucindo (-400) | Strawweights

Kowalkiewicz, once struggling but now resurgent, faces a historic age gap against 22-year-old Lucindo, who is favored due to her aggressive style and grappling prowess. This match provides a classic experience vs. youth scenario, rich with potential for betting upsets.

150th Kentucky Derby

Here's a betting-focused preview of the Kentucky Derby, highlighting top contenders and their current standings in the odds:

Fierceness (5-2) | Post Position: 16

Fierceness enters as the favorite, With unmatched speed and recent wins, including the Florida Derby, he remains the fastest in the lineup. Leveraging a post move from 17 to 16 after Encino's scratch gives yet another advantage. Historically, Post 16 has seen ten winners since 1930.

Sierra Leone (3-1) | Post Position: 2

Consistently strong, Sierra Leone is nearly unbeaten, showcasing three 1st place finishes in their four races. This horse is also the top closer, making him a prime candidate for bettors looking for strong finishes. It is worth noting, post position #2 is winless since 1978.

Catching Freedom (8-1) | Post Position: 4

Victorious in the Louisiana Derby and Smarty Jones Stakes, Catching Freedom has shown progressive improvement and adapts well to rising competition. At 8-1, Catching Freedom offers a truly balanced option for bettors seeking value outside the immediate favorites.

Forever Young (10-1) | Post Position: 10

An intriguing contender from the UAE Derby, Forever Young carries an undefeated record. While UAE Derby winners have historically struggled at Churchill Downs, Forever Young's unblemished record and diverse tactical ability make him a tempting bet at double-digit odds.

Just a Touch (10-1) | Post Position: 8

Coming off a strong second-place finish in the Blue Grass Stakes, Just a Touch has shown he can lead in challenging conditions. Not to mention jockey Florent Geroux won the Derby in 2021. With odds at 10-1, he represents an attractive choice for bettors.

Long Shot Pick: Domestic Product (30-1) | Post Position: 14

Domestic Product emerges as an intriguing underdog. This horse brings proven capability, having clinched first place in the Tampa Bay Derby. Notably, Post 14 has been a successful starting point, with 4 Derby winners since 1930 emerging from this position.

NBA Playoffs Series Updates

1 Thunder vs. 8 Pelicans | Series: OKC Wins 4-0

The Thunder swept the Pelicans with ease, displaying a level of dominance that positions them as serious contenders. Their next matchup against either the Clippers or Mavericks is eagerly anticipated.

4 Clippers (+540) vs. 5 Mavericks (-850) | Series: DAL leads 3-2

In one of the most evenly matched and volatile series, the Mavericks have taken a 3-2 lead thanks to a dominant Game 5. As the series shifts back to Dallas, the Mavericks look to capitalize on home-court advantage to dispatch the Clippers.

3 Timberwolves vs. 6 Suns | Series: MIN wins 4-0

Minnesota's sweep of the Suns marks them as a dark horse in the Western Conference. They outplaying Phoenix in every facet, signals their readiness for the challenges ahead in the tougher rounds. They prepare to face off against the defending champion Nuggets.

2 Nuggets vs. 7 Lakers | Series: DEN wins 4-1

The Nuggets have successfully beat the Lakers in five games, showcasing their depth and playoff poise. Denver's ability to close out tight games was evident, setting them up for a second-round duel with the Timberwolves.

1 Celtics vs. 8 Heat | Series: BOS wins 4-1

The Celtics have decisively moved past the Heat, securing their spot in the second round. Their clinical performance in Game 5 underlines their status as top contenders. They will face the Cavaliers or Magic next.

4 Cavaliers (-430) vs. 5 Magic (+320) | Series: CLE leads 3-2

Cleveland holds a one game lead against Orlando. The Cavs narrowly escaped Game 5 with a win, and now aim to close out on the road, challenging the Magic's resolve in a crucial Game 6 tomorrow night.

3 Bucks (+540) vs. 6 Pacers (-850) | Series: IND leads 3-2

The Pacers, ahead in the series due in part to injuries, stand on the brink of an upset over the Bucks. Indiana's resilience has been the story of the series, pushing Milwaukee to the edge as they look to seal the deal in Game 6 tonight!

2 Knicks (-400) vs. 7 76ers (+300) | Series: Knicks lead 3-2

The Knicks are on the verge of clinching the series against the 76ers. New York's robust performance in crucial moments has them poised to advance if they can maintain their momentum in tonight’s game.

*Series odds shown

May 2nd 2009, 50-1 Kentucky Derby CASH!

On this day in sports history, in the 135th Kentucky Derby, jockey Calvin Borel and 50-1 underdog Mine That Bird stunned the world. Trailing at dead last until the final turn, they surged to victory, delivering a massive payday for bettors who backed the long shot. As this year’s Derby approaches, could another long shot be poised to defy the odds?