Heavyweight knockout artist Mark Hunt (13-13, 10 KOs) meets burly big man Justin Willis (7-1, 4 KOs) at UFC Fight Night 142 on Saturday, December 1, 2018 at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre in Adelaide, Australia. The card airs live on FS1.
Another Australia card, another Mark Hunt appearance. The native of nearby New Zealand has been a staple on any card down under for years now, and he has reliable delivered exciting fights for his large fanbase there. His co-main this Saturday is a particularly fun - if not very significant in the context of the divisional picture.
The Super Samoan throws down with American Justin Willis, and it’ll be one of the rare times where Hunt walks into the ring with fighter who has a bigger belly than him. Though Willis is 6’1”, the “Big Pretty” tips the scales at 265 pounds and at times looks wider than he’s tall.
Appearance aside, Willis actually has done pretty well for himself in MMA, compiling a 7-1 record with 4 KOs. That run includes victories in all three of his UFC appearances - though Hunt is a few levels above guys like James Mulheron, Allen Crower and Chase Sherman.
Hunt is currently the midst of the worst stretch of his UFC career, losing three of his past four contests. Most recently, he was quickly subbed by Aleksei Oleinik this past September. It was a tough loss, but let’s not forget that Hunt’s four prior fights were against Curtis Blaydes, Derrick Lewis, Alistair Overeem and Brock Lesnar - Hunt is still one of the bigger names in the division.
Let’s check in with the UFC odds at BookMaker.eu, and remember that live UFC betting is also available to hedge your bets during fights. Now onto the breakdown and our value picks.
UFC Fight Night 142 Betting at BookMaker.eu
Mark Hunt -112 vs. Justin Willis -118
Fight goes/doesn’t go to decision: +185 / -265
Striking Stats
Significant strikes landed per minute: Hunt 2.89 / Willis 4.61
Accuracy: Hunt 43.87% / Willis 61.48%
Significant strikes absorbed per minute: Hunt 2.84 / Willis 3.69
Defense: Hunt 51.9% / Defense 58.48%
Grappling Stats
Takedown average: Hunt 0.53 / Willis 1.84
Takedown accuracy: Hunt 55.56% / Willis 66.67%
Takedowns defended: Hunt 64.15% / Willis 0%
Submission average: Hunt 0.21 / Willis 0
Bet on UFC Fight Night 141 Odds Now
Despite a lengthy career which includes plenty of bloody wars, Hunt has aged considerably well - this guy will likely be fighting into his late 40s. His chin might not be what it used to be, but he can still take brutal shots better than 90% of the division, and his stellar striking has maaaaybe lost about half a step at 44. A former K-1 champion, Hunt is still one of the most dynamic kickboxers in the heavyweight division.
Justin Willis is a no-name right now, but he could make a big statement with a win over Hunt. Despite his hefty frame, “Big Pretty” moves well and has astonishingly fast hands. It should be no surprise the played as a lineman in college. This is not a no-talent brawler either: Willis has great head movement and punches in combinations, punctuating those strikes with kicks to the body and leg.
The big question here is whether Willis will be able take down Hunt. So far, he’s been solid in bringing lesser opponents to the mat, but The Super Samoan is a class above anyone he’s faced so far. The good news for Willis is that takedown defense is probably the area that’s diminished most quickly for the veteran knockout artist.
UFC Odds Pick: Hunt to win at -112
While Willis should have some moments, in the end we have to lean on Hunt’s experience and striking expertise. There simply are more layers to the Kiwi’s standup, and that should let him pick apart his opponent. There’s also the question of Willis’ cardio, which faded badly in a three-rounder against a low-level guy in Chase Sherman.
UFC Odds Pick: Fight goes to decision +185
Willis has only scored a knockout in one of his three UFC fights, and as a relative newcomer to MMA his body hasn’t absorbed too much damage yet. Hunt still has beastly knockout power, but let’s remember the guy is still 44 years old.
UFC Fight Night 142 Odds
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 142 takes place on Saturday, December 1, 2018 at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre in Adelaide, Australia. The card airs live on FS1.
