UFC 266 has a good number of title fights headlining the event. The co-main event sees dominant champion Valentina Shevchenko take on challenger Lauren Murphy for the flyweight title. The fight is a very interesting one and appears to have everyone very confident in the outcome. Let's continue the UFC Odds Series and dive into this one.

Valentina Shevchenko is currently on a 7-fight win streak since she's dropped down to flyweight from bantamweight. She most recently beat Jessica Andrade by TKO in the second round. She's known as one of the most dominant champions currently in the UFC and has shown no signs of slowing down.

Lauren Murphy is on an impressive streak herself. Five wins in a row over tough names including Andrea Lee, Roxanne Modafferi, and Joanne Calderwood. She's been at flyweight since 2017 and appears to have found the ideal weight class for her power and strength to shine through.

Here's how things currently look on BettingOdds.

UFC 266 odds: Valentina Shevchenko-Lauren Murphy odds

Valentina Shevchenko (-1950)

Lauren Murphy (+950)

Over 2.5 rounds (-125)

Under 2.5 rounds (-105)

How Valentina Shevchenko wins the fight

There is a reason Shevchenko is a heavy favorite. She's well-rounded and knows how to control the fight. Look for her to operate on the counter and force Murphy to lead the dance. She'll most likely keep the fight standing and look to consistently hit Murphy with well-placed shots when openings present themselves. She isn't afraid to take the fight to the ground and has a solid array of submissions. Those likely won't come into play as Murphy is very strong physically and could pose a problem on the ground for the champion. Murphy doesn't tend to get finished and that likely won't change at UFC 266. Shevchenko wins by decision.

How Lauren Murphy wins the fight

Beating Shevchenko is a tough task for anyone. Murphy does have a strength advantage and she'll need to use it. Murphy is currently the physically strongest contender in the division after the UFC PI measured her strength. She'll need to use that advantage in the clinch and also on the ground. She'll need to make the fight ugly to win it. Pressure heavily and clinch up against the fence to tire her opponent out. She likes to use elbows in different positions and that could be a big tool for her against the champion. A finish isn't likely so Murphy will need to focus on winning rounds and pressure the champion. Murphy wins by decision.

Valentina Shevchenko-Lauren Murphy prediction & pick

The odds look ridiculous for good reason. Valentina Shevchenko is extremely dominant and Lauren Murphy has suffered setbacks in her career against lesser competition. The odds say more about Shevchenko's dominance than they do about Murphy's abilities. Murphy might be able to steal a round but the outcome is most likely Shevchenko forcing her opponent to lead and collecting a solid decision by using her counter fighting and strong stand-upskills.

FINAL VALENTINA SHEVCHENKO-LAUREN MURPHY PICK:

The champion wins by decision to stay undefeated at flyweight.