We’re back with our UFC in Vegas Fight Night predictions. The UFC in Vegas 38: Thiago Santos vs. Johnny Walker main card UFC Odds are available. Read on for our complete betting guide and preview our favorite matchups, including updated odds and free expert betting predictions.
Thiago Santos vs. Johnny Walker
UFC Light Heavyweight Bout
Saturday, October 2, 2021 – 11:05 PM ET at the Apex Center
This weekend’s main event of the evening will see #7 ranked light heavyweight Thiago Santos and his opponent #13 ranked Johnny Walker compete for a greater UFC ranking and closer reach to competing for UFC gold.
Thiago Santos (21-9-0) has already earned a title opportunity; unfortunately, he came up short versus Jon Jones. However, he owns a knockout victory over the current light heavyweight champion Jan Blachowicz; this factor should drive Santos to find that #1 contenders’ position when knowing he’s as good as the champ.
Johnny Walker (18-5-0) is one of the younger fighters competing at light heavyweight, and his initial journey into the UFC presented a scary prospect. The grappling prowess of Corey Anderson destroyed Walker’s path into the top-five rankings and a second consecutive loss to Nikita Krylov forced Walker back to the drawing board. A diverse striking skillset and an unruly amount of power make Johnny Walker a serious threat to anybody opposing him.
Santos vs. Walker Fight Analysis
Despite the dangerous finishing ability of Walker, his all-around MMA skill set and experience is undoubtedly a drop-down in competition for Thiago Santos. Walker has taken a year off, but we simply cannot predict how much the 29-year-old has progressed. Across the five rounds, it’s difficult to pick against Santos, but Walker does pose some severe threats early on. His unorthodox style and notable power strikes could end Santos’ night early; with that said, the same can be expressed in reverse.
When taking Santos’ grappling ability into account, a well-seasoned knowledge of the striking game, and his experience against the world’s greatest – the choice to fade Walker seems viable. Sure, Santos’ has shown signs of slowing down since his knee injuries, but I can’t put my faith in Johnny Walker until he’s proven to have fixed his past mistakes.
UFC Vegas 38 Best Bet: Thiago Santos to win at -160 with BetMGM [1.60u returns 1u profit]
Kevin Holland vs. Kyle Daukaus
UFC Middleweight Bout
Saturday, October 2, 2021 – 11:05 PM ET at the Apex Centre
The UFC will showcase a pair of middleweight prospects for Saturday’s co-main event, and you’d be foolish to blink or take a toilet break during this one.
Fan favorite Kevin Holland (21-7-0) returns to the cage following back-to-back losses from tackling the middleweight divisions elite. A severe lack of awareness in the wrestling department has left many critics questioning the youngster’s ability. Still, he’s shown a willingness to adapt his game by training with Daniel Cormier at American Kickboxing Academy. Six months isn’t going to create a world-renowned wrestler out of Holland, but it can undoubtedly assist him in defending the oncoming takedown attempts of his opponents.
Kyle Daukaus (10-2-0) is no slouch, and both fighters entering this co-main event bout are the future of this division. However, he doesn’t possess a takedown offense comparable to the likes of Derek Brunson or Marvin Vettori, a factor that could heavily assist the #13 ranked Kevin Holland.
Respect is due for Kevin Holland; accepting a problematic opponent who isn’t ranked in the top-20 could severely jeopardize his path to greatness.
I believe we’re going to see a new level of intelligence from Kevin Holland; the overeager youngster who was finishing Jacare Souza off his back should now own patience for the fight game, which can see him excel to new heights.
Avoid the takedowns, remain vigilante of Daukaus’ takedown attempts, circle away, utilize his long-range and remind the fans of the hype train that once was.
UFC Vegas 38 Best Bet: Kevin Holland to win at -145 with BetMGM [1.35u returns 1u profit]
