The UFC returns to the Apex Center in Vegas for yet another UFC Fight Night event . Two of the UFC's highest ranked light heavyweights face off in the main event. Read our complete betting guide, taking a look at Thiago Santos and Johnny Walker, including updated odds and our free picks from UFC experts.
Santos x Walker Odds: Our Hunch and Prognosis
The odds of this fight are at a disadvantage for Walker, now with odds of 2.6 . Although Santos was a comfortable favorite, he now averages around 1.45 on most online sports betting we've checked.
Before fighting Corey Anderson, Johnny Walker was on a rocket towards the UFC light heavyweight title photo. The Brazilian has won four of his five UFC wins by knockout, and has two consecutive losses for Anderson and Nikita Krylov.
Who wins the Santos vs. Walker fight? Our guess: Thiago Santos wins
Will it win by KO? Our guess: No
Santos will want to remove the hype from the first round, and I believe he can use a fight plan to do that. Walker's wildness needs to be tamed; once that's done and he's feeling the lactic acid seeping into his body, Santos vs. Walker will be the fight you can't lose.
Corey Anderson and Nikita Krylov laid out the plan to neutralize Walker's path to victory, and I have no doubt Santos can do the same.
Santos is on a three-game losing streak; however, the level of competition is unparalleled. Get “Marrett” to get back to the win column before the UFC's chances increase.
Thiago Santos wins the fight:
Overall, Santos are not in the worst situation, as their record can show. If it were the main Santos, we believe he would finish with Walker in three rounds. However, after seeing his performance undermined against Rakic, it seems age and injuries are finally catching up with him.
Thiago Santos is a known name in the UFC cast. He joined the company after his stint at The Ultimate Fighter Brasil in 2013; despite not having won the contest, his talent was enough to earn him a place in the company, so our guess is this.
Fight will end in points:
A step forward in the light heavyweight division in 2018 saw Santos defeat Jimi Manuwa and Jan Blachowicz to gain a shot at Jonny “Bones” Jones. Santos was unsuccessful, but many argue that it was the most demanding test for Jon Jones, as he only managed a narrow split decision victory.Santos has a win over current UFC light heavyweight champion Jan Blachowicz, and with a significant win next weekend, he will return to the title fight, although he won't necessarily be able to KO him as many would like. .
What to expect from UFC Fight Night Santos vs. Walker?
Walker knew some changes were needed after some glaring holes were visible in his takedown defense and ground game. He switched from Tristar Canada to SBG Ireland before his last fight against Ryan Spann on September 19th.
Currently on a one-fight winning streak and at the age of 29, the future could be even brighter for Walker. He has several “Performance of the Night” bonuses from his victory in the UFC, and facing the aging Thiago Santos could be the perfect time for Walker to take a standout victory in his career.
This will be a big test for Walker and we expect a lot of heavy shooting, clinching and grappling from two powerful 93kg fighters.
This is a really close fight and a high level contest. Given the explosion of starting to miss Santos, this will come into Walker's game. Walker hasn't even reached his peak yet and is more athletic and faster, since he's efficient with his energy, we can see Walker winning this fight by decision, even by submission, if he makes his punches count, at our guess.
Santos is still hungry for UFC gold
Thiago Santos' last win in the UFC was over current light heavyweight champion Jan Blachowicz. This will give “Marrett” the extra confidence to continue fighting his current skid. After a career high of almost being the man to dethrone Jon Jones, Santos lost via submission to their #1 opponent in the Glover Teixeira division. Santos then returned against Aleksandar Rakic, which was a disappointing performance for both sides.
An eight-year capoeira background has allowed a great middleweight to possess an agile skill known for its lethal leg kick power; the Brazilian is also a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt. Still, this attribute is often overlooked due to his love of striking in the octagon.
Five years in the UFC middleweight division provided fight fans with numerous standout appearances at Santos, but a championship opportunity never materialized.
Another Brazilian fighter, Johnny Walker, will challenge Thiago Santos' abilities next week and, like his opponent, Walker is known for a great attacking force that often knocks the opponent unconscious.
Despite being born in Brazil, Walker chose to represent England, where he was noticed by UFC matchmakers and was invited to compete in the Dana Whites Contender Series. Walker brutalized the competition at the British regionals before joining the DWCS and claiming his UFC contract.
Walker made UFC fans notice his arrival with an impressive TKO submission in his first three bouts. Difficulties with Corey Anderson and Nikita Krylov made him drop in the light heavyweight rankings and now, after a year, he is back against Thiago Santos.
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