All right, my beautiful degenerates pull up a chair and pour something stiff—this week’s Buzz from The Den is stacked with quick bites like a bar menu.
We’re talking Fútbol fever at the FIFA Club World Cup, with a special eye on our American squads; UFC-317, as my cousin Brock was in town and we got to grill some ribs and the upcoming UFC 317 fights; and we wrap it up with dozens of hot dogs being stuffed down some throats for national pride. Because nothing says “freedom” like near-regurgitation.
Let’s dig in!
⚽FIFA Club World Cup – Eyes on the Americas from June 20–26
With group play winding down and the knockout stage heating up, it’s time to get serious. This week’s slate is loaded with value — especially if you’re tracking the American squads (North and South). Let’s break down the key matchups, what to watch for, and where the betting angles might lie.
June 20 – Bayern Munich vs Boca Juniors:
This is a tall order for Boca. Bayern’s depth, physicality, and experience make them heavy favorites for a reason. Boca has that street-fighter spirit, the kind you can’t coach and their only shot might be to turn this into a scrap — slow the tempo, frustrate, and hope for a set-piece moment. If you’re backing Boca, it’s purely a longshot +1.5 goals with juice.
June 21 – River Plate vs Monterrey:
Now this is a bettable game. Monterrey’s been sharp, disciplined, and well-structured in build-up, with a great leader in Sergio Ramos, who is not just there to pack the stadiums. River has more star power, but they’ve looked a little too open at times. Still, this one smells like blood and extra time — perfect for live betting.
June 22 – Real Madrid vs Pachuca:
Madrid comes in as heavy chalk, but keep an eye on the line movement — the public’s going to hammer them, which could open up value on Pachuca spreads. Pachuca is fast in transition and fearless; don’t be shocked if they catch Real napping a long Spanish siesta. Could be closer than Vegas thinks.
June 23 – Inter Miami vs Palmeiras:
This is what the suits at FIFA dreamed about when they let Sweet Leo walk into MLS: Messi vs Brazil on a global stage. Messi’s crew has been fun to watch, but defensively, they leak chances. Palmeiras will come in well-prepared, with better fitness and a midfield built to press. Expect fireworks — but don’t bet Inter straight up unless the odds drift into plus-money.
June 24 – LAFC vs Flamengo:
And this is a popcorn match. LAFC is aggressive, Flamengo is clinical. If LA starts fast and wins the press battle, they’ve got a real shot. But Flamengo’s experience matters in tight matches. This is a good live betting game — watch the first 15 minutes, and if LAFC is on the front foot, you might grab them at a better price.
June 25 – Inter Milan vs River Plate:
If River survives Monterrey, they get a shot at one of Europe’s most tactically disciplined teams. This is River’s litmus test. Inter is organized and dangerous on the counter, but River won’t be scared. This game might be tighter than most books expect, IMHO this one goes to penalties. And I never bet on penalties… unless the payout’s nasty.
🥊UFC 317 – With Fighting Connoisseur Cousin Brock.
Brock, with his damn red Mahomes jersey on, brought his own homemade barbecue sauce and pretended to school me on the upcoming UFC fight event breakdown. Here is his expert’s POV:
- Let’s start with the big one, Lightweight Championship – Ilia “El Matador” Topuria vs Charles “Do Bronx” Oliveira. This one’s got fireworks written all over it. Topuria is undefeated and mean—precise striking, ice-cold composure, and pressure that breaks dudes. He’s not afraid to go to the ground, but he’s at his deadliest standing (-465).Oliveira? A savage. Most submissions in UFC history. Guy’s been to hell and back in that Octagon. But here’s the thing—his chin’s been tested lately, and against a sharp shooter like Topuria, that’s risky business (+340).
- My call: Topuria by KO or TKO inside 4 rounds. If the “Fight Doesn’t Go the Distance” line is hanging around -150 or better, hammer it. These boys ain’t going to a decision. One of them is hitting the mat.
- And the co-main event, Flyweight Championship – Alexandre “The Cannibal” Pantoja vs Kai “Don’t Blink” Kara-France. Pantoja (-250) is pure grit. He can wrestle, scramble, bang—he’s got cardio for days and a mean streak that shows up when fights get ugly.Kai Kara-France (+190) is slick, quick, and not afraid to stand and trade. Good takedown defense too. He can win ugly if he needs to. More ways to win.
- My call: This one does go the distance and I give the edge to Pantoja. I say Pantoja by unanimous decision and I’d sprinkle a little on “Fight Goes the Distance”. Now at The Den, you can bet YES or NO on every UFC prop if you want to hedge a bit. What else do you want, a personal corner coach?
🌭The Real July 4th Main Event – Hot Dog Hellfire
I love America. I love fireworks and there is nothing more patriotic than watching grown adults turn into food-stuffing machines on Coney Island.
Joey Chestnut is back after being banned from the competition in 2024 for striking a deal with a plant-based food company. He’s today a heavy favorite of -1500/+700 to take the mustard-yellow belt, as usual with little to no competition. In 2018, Joey Chestnut inhaled 74 hot dogs in 10 minutes. That is one every 8 seconds and it might be time for him to beat his own record, don’t you think?
The real action will be in the race for the second place as Patrick Bertoletti and Geoffrey Esper compete for a chance to upset Chestnut or just decide who’s number #2 this time. Bartoletti -140/+100 Esper is the line for their matchup and if you have the stomach to watch, it should be the most exciting thing about the whole competition.
On the other hand Miki Sudo -1200/+600 should dominate the ladies competition, the question on this one is, can she break her record of 51 HDB eaten in 2024? Only god and her toilet might now…
🤯Bet You Didn’t Know… Hot Dog Eating Contest edition
How the hell did shoving hot dogs down your throat become as American as fireworks and freedom? Well, legend has it that back in 1916, four immigrants (yeah… go figure!) stood outside Nathan’s Famous hot dog stand in Coney Island arguing about who was the most patriotic. The answer? Apparently, it was whoever could eat the most hot dogs. So they threw down right there on the sidewalk.
Whether that tale’s true or just a brilliant PR stunt cooked up decades later, who knows — but Nathan’s ran with it like a mustard-streaked American dream. Since then, it’s turned into a full-blown Independence Day tradition, broadcast live, with grown adults destroying 70+ dogs in 10 minutes while wearing sweatbands and thousand-yard stares. It’s messy, it’s glorious, and somehow Joey Chestnut became Uncle Sam with a bellyache.
And remember, if you ever feel useless, don’t forget there’s a referee in that contest whose only job is to yell “clean swallow”.
Happy Fourth of July kids, enjoy the fireworks and find a way to make the world a better place each day.
Uncle Tony
