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Lightweight action hero Justin Gaethje (18-2, 15 KOs, 1 SUB) meets rising prospect James Vick (13-1, 3 KOs, 6 SUBs) at UFC Fight Night 135 on Saturday, August 25, 2018 at the Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, Nebraska. The card airs live on FS1.
In three UFC fights, Justin Gaethje has produced three Fight of the Year candidates. There are fighters that embody the out-on-your-shield mentality, and then there’s Gaethje. For all you #justbleed fans, “The Highlight” is here to donate pints of his plasma for your entertainment. There is simply no fighter more willing to take punishment in order to dish it out in return.
But that wildly exciting style is already starting to prove unsustainable. While he was able to tear through the smaller WSOF pond, two top UFC fighters in Eddie Alvarez and Dustin Poirier were able to hand the 29-year old his first career losses. No surprises here: they were both brutal knockouts that came after accumulating ungodly amounts of punishment.
This Saturday, the UFC is dialing back the competition, pitting their Fight of the Year machine against a rising prospect rather than an established contender. His opponent, James Vick, has to be drooling over the opportunity to seize the spotlight against a growing legend. “The Texecutioner” will have to walk through fire to do so, as Gaethje forces his foes dig deep and truly figure out what they’re made of.
So does Gaethje get back in the win column, or is he damaged goods? More importantly, how should you bet this fight? Let’s check out the UFC odds at BookMaker.eu and go over your best betting options.
UFC Odds at BookMaker.eu
James Vick -162
Justin Gaethje +132
Fight goes/doesn’t go to decision: +320 / -425
Striking Stats
Significant strikes landed per minute: Gaethje 8.67 / Vick 4.11
Accuracy: Gaethje 54.74% / Vick 38.38%
Significant strikes absorbed per minute: Gaethje 10.68 / Vick 3.02
Defense: Gaethje 53.69% / Vick 62.81%
Grappling Stats
Takedown average: Gaethje 0 / Vick 0.32
Takedown accuracy: Gaethje 0% / Vick 33.33%
Takedowns defended: Gaethje 80% / Vick 56.76%
Submission average: Gaethje 0 / Vick 0.8%
Justin Gaethje vs. James Vick Preview, Predictions and Picks
Oddsmakers seem to be protecting themselves against Gaethje, installing him as a slight underdog. And honestly, he’s so reckless that betting on him is a risky proposition, even if he’s not facing a proven contender. Vick also presents unique challenges as well.
At 6’3”, Vick is the tallest lightweight on the UFC roster. He’s no beanpole either, with a filled out frame that makes you really question how he gets down to 155 pounds. But despite his height, The Texecutioner is still figuring out how to best utilize his range in the striking exchanges. An improved jab is a great start, and in his last outing he really showed evolution in circling and moving against a marchdown approach.
Beating Trinaldo is a good sign, but Gaethje is an entirely different animal. Let’s start with the leg kicks, which are among the best in the game. The 29-year old nearly amputated Dustin Poirier’s lead leg using his choice weapon as a scythe, and had that fight gone to the fifth round, The Diamond might not have been ambulatory.
In this matchup, Vick is going to have to make Gaethje pay for trying to pressure him. The Texecutioner has definitely shown an ability to fight evasively, but Gaethje’s relentless Muay Thai assault is something that cannot be replicated in training. Let’s not forget this is a five-round fight, which is something Vick is not used to.
UFC Odds Pick: Gaethje to win at +132
Like we stated earlier, picking Gaethje can be hazardous to your wallet. But if he decides to fight a little smarter (a big if), this is a winnable matchup. Vick is for real, but he’s about to get put into the woodchipper against one of the grittiest opponents in the game. We like the underdog odds you can get on him right now.
Bet on UFC odds at BookMaker.eu
Access live betting lines from your mobile device at BookMaker sportsbook! Real-time spreads, totals, props and money line are all available so start betting with BookMaker today. UFC Fight Night 135 takes place on Saturday, August 25, 2018 at the Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, Nebraska. The card airs live on FS1.
