The 5 best bets for UFC 262

UFC 262 takes place this Saturday, May 15 at the Toyota Center in Houston. Before you settle in for the big fight, take a look at the five prop bets that will bring home the gold.

Viviane Araujo moneyline

Katlyn Chookagian is a one-note fighter that happens to be very good at what she does, but Araujo has more tools at her disposal. Araujo is a better striker and can get her opponents to the ground. That is a problem for Chookagian and her less-than-stellar takedown defense. We like the sharper striker and varied skill set of Araujo to score the minor upset.

Shane Burgos decision (+188)

Burgos lands an astounding 7.31 significant strikes per minute and has youth on his side. Barboza is not going to give up any ground, but he isn’t an effective striker when he's being pressured. Both of these guys are going to have their turns teeing off on each other, but Burgos’ volume and pressure will earn him a decision win.

Antonina Shevchenko decision (+115)

The elder Shevchenko sister has an easy fight on her hands against Andrea Lee in the prelims. Lee is skidding, losing her last three and is the perfect opponent to keep Shevchenko winning. Neither of them are known for their power, so taking Shevchenko by points might be the surest money pick of the night.

Beneil Dariush moneyline 

In our preview for the co-main, we liked Dariush to overcome the fading Tony Ferguson by decision, but we’re sticking with the moneyline here. TwinSpires Sports is offering +138 odds for a decision, but with Ferguson looking as bad as he has, there is a realistic possibility that he can get stopped. It is hard seeing Ferguson break his streak with such a bad style match up, so stick with Dariush on the moneyline.

Oliveira vs. Chandler over 3.5 rounds (+175)

The main event pits two offensive-minded fighters who are poised to go the distance. Oliveira can’t risk Chandler getting inside, and Chandler needs to overcome a significant disadvantage in height and reach. While there should be some good back-and-forth, any kind of stoppage is likely to happen late in the fight. Though we picked Oliveira by submission, picking the fight to go beyond 3.5 rounds is the prop bet we like for the main event.