UFC 301 Odds, Prediction: Anthony Smith vs. Vitor Petrino
Petrino has quickly made a name for himself since earning a UFC contract with an impressive KO performance on Dana White’s Contender Series 2022: Week 7. The 26-year-old Brazilian has since gone unbeaten in four octagon appearances, capped by a three-round unanimous decision win over Tyson Pedro at UFC Vegas 87 just two months ago. Smith is coming off a third-round TKO loss to Khalil Rountree Jr. at UFC Vegas 83 last December, and has now lost three of his past four fights and six of 11, a run that started with a failed to bid to take the UFC light heavyweight bel from Jon Jones five years ago at UFC 235.
Buoyed by the support of hometown fans, Petrino has rocketed to a -550 favourite on the UFC 301 odds. Smith trails as a distant +400 underdog, while the odds of this fight going the distance are pegged at +165.
Anthony Smith UFC 301 Odds
Once considered one of the hardest hitters in the UFC light heavyweight division, Smith has never recovered the consistent form he displayed prior to his title fight with Jones. The 35-year-old American enjoyed a dominating 3-0 round in 2020/2021, with each of his victories coming inside five minutes including a pair of submissions that earned him Performance of the Night bonuses. However, his most recent opponents have managed to stay just out of reach of “Lionheart”, who was outstruck by wide margins in each of his past three defeats including KO losses to Rountree and Magomed Ankalaev. That said, sports bettors should not underestimate Smith’s ability to finish, both standing and on the mat, with 14 of his 34 career wins coming by submission.
Vitor Petrino UFC 301 Odds
Petrino will be looking to strengthen his case to join the UFC light heavyweight rankings with a 12th straight win on Saturday. With seven wins by KO or TKO, there is no doubting the talented Brazilian’s striking ability. However, opponents underestimate his ability to change levels at their own peril. Indeed, through his first four UFC appearances, Petrino has already compiled 15 total takedowns and has amassed over 22 totals minutes of control time over that stretch. However, his striking accuracy remains somewhat suspect, which could pose challenges for him against a wily veteran like Smith, who is quite happy to do battle standing or on the mat.
UFC 301 Prediction: Anthony Smith vs Vitor Petrino
Look for this fight to be largely fought on the mat, with Petrino establishing his dominance and finishing Smith late to extend his pro record to a perfect 12-0.
Prediction: Vitor Petrino by submission (+500)