Lightweight contenders Jan Blachowicz (23-7, 5 KOs, 9 SUBs) and Thiago Santos (20-6, 14 KOs, 1 SUB) will meet at UFC Fight Night 145 (UFC on ESPN+ 3) on Saturday, February 23, 2019 at the O2 Arena in Prague, Czech Republic. The card streams live on ESPN+ starting 2pm ET.
There might not be a more unappreciated top 5 light heavyweight than Jan Blachowicz. The Polish striker has quietly racked up a four-fight winning streak that includes wins over Jared Cannonier, Jimi Manuwa and Nikita Krylov, but anyone that’s not a longtime MMA fan probably still has no idea who he is - despite the fact that he’s creeping into title contention.
Then again, Blachowicz’ lack of attention shouldn’t come as a surprise. He doesn’t speak English. Nor is he a flashy fighter. His overall UFC record is 6-4, without a single career-defining win inside the octagon. But if he keeps winning, it’ll only grow tougher to deny the guy. This Saturday’s main event is a fine example of that.
Blachowicz gets a main event matchup near his home country this Saturday, against a guy that’s making a lot of noise right now. Brazilian Thiago Santos has hulked out since moving up to 205 pounds. Not only is he consistently winning fights, “Marreta” is hammering them into submission with a destructive kicking game. That’s the kind of dude you can promote.
Let’s take a look at the UFC odds at BookMaker.eu and break down your best online betting options. Live UFC betting is also available on fight night as well.
UFC Odds at BookMaker.eu
Thiago Santos -116
Jan Blachowicz -114
Fight goes/doesn’t go to decision: +305 / -425
Significant Striking Stats
Landed per minute: Blachowicz 3.64 / Santos 5.02
Accuracy: Blachowicz 50% / Santos 50%
Absorbed per minute: Blachowicz 3.01 / Santos 2.19
Defense: Blachowicz 53% / Santos 60%
Grappling Stats
Takedown average: Blachowicz 1.59 / Santos 0.96
Takedown accuracy: Blachowicz 54% / Santos 36%
Takedown defense: Blachowicz 55% / Santos 66%
Submission average: Blachowicz 0.37 / Santos 0.14
Bet this UFC fight at BookMaker.eu
These guys are pretty much polar opposites in how they handle business. Blachowicz is a methodical, well-rounded fighter who surgically breaks down opponents. Santos is a sledgehammer that applies relentless blunt-force trauma. The question here is who can impose their style on the other.
The case for Blachowicz is clear: he figures out a way to do just enough to consistently find victory. While his wins aren’t exciting, they do showcase a very good skillset that matches a high fight IQ: he’ll wrestle strikers, strike with wrestlers and force poor submission grapplers to roll on the mat. His best skill is grappling, but let’s not forget this is a guy that beat Cannonier and Manuwa on the feet.
Santos is far more fan-friendly, operating like a tanked up version of Edson Barboza. His massively powerful kicks come at all levels, and he has the explosiveness and dexterity to make spinning kicks a staple of his attack. But make no mistake: he attacks with all eight points, and most of his finishes have actually come from punches. Even blocking his attack drains your life bar.
UFC Odds Pick: Blachowicz to win at -114
Cardio is going to be an issue for both men, but Blachowicz has gotten much better at conserving his energy. On top of that, his multi-faceted attack gives him more options to pull out the win. Though he’ll be wading through dangerous territory in the first few rounds, he should be able to wear down Santos and get the win.
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 145 (UFC on ESPN+ 3) takes place on Saturday, February 23, 2019 at the O2 Arena in Prague, Czech Republic. The card streams live on ESPN+ starting 2pm ET.
