Rafael dos Anjos vs. Paul Felder Prediction: UFC Vegas 14 Card Odds

Who will struggle more with the last minute addition of Paul Felder into Saturday’s UFC Fight Night 184 card? That will be on full display as Felder locks horns with Rafael dos Anjos in one of the most hotly-anticipated fights on the card. The withdrawal of Islam Makhachev from the fight due to injury has thrust Felder into the main event. Oddsmakers aren’t optimistic about his chances, making him a +140 underdog vs. Dos Anjos (-175).

Rafael dos Anjos UFC Fight Night Odds

A move to welterweight in 2017 appeared to pay immediate dividends, as the former UFC light heavyweight champion reeled off three consecutive victories. But dos Anjos has fallen on hard times since. He has lost four of his previous five matches – all by decision – to fall well out of title contention. That said, tangling with a foe in Felder who fights at lightweight should work in dos Anjos’ favour after he struggled against bigger welterweight opponents.

Dos Anjos is a slugger who will happily go toe-to-toe or take things to the ground. His left-kick, right-hook combination is lethal if it connects, and he has developed a strong boxing game after struggling in that regard earlier in his career. He’s also an accomplished Brazilian jiu-jitsu star. His expended toolbox could make things difficult for Felder. You have to think dos Anjos will likely feel much more comfortable being back in the 155-pound range, too.

Paul Felder UFC Fight Night Odds

Give Felder credit for being willing to take this fight on mere days’ notice. The 35-year-old had pondered retirement after dropping a split decision to Dan Hooker last February, but told ESPN’s Ariel Helwani last week that he was honoured to have the opportunity “to fight a legend.” Felder was originally supposed to work the fight as a color commentator. Given the disadvantage he’ll be at, he might wish he had stuck to his first job.

Felder has won five of his previous seven fights overall, but has had precious little time to prepare for this fight (though he had been training for a Triathlon heading into the match). While he has been rewarded for his aggressive standup style in the past, he has also been on the wrong end of several beatings. Last year he suffered a collapsed lung in a win over James Vick. This will also mark just his fifth fight in nearly three years.

Dos Anjos vs. Felder UFC Fight Night 184 Prediction

Quick turnarounds rarely benefit the guy coming in at the last minute. With dos Anjos needing to make a statement in his return to the lightweight division, anything less than an early stoppage will come as a disappointment. We like a second-round dos Anjos TKO here.