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UFC Fight Night: Thiago Santos vs. Jamahal Hill Odds, Preview & Betting Guide (2022)

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The UFC returns to the UFC Apex this weekend, as it’s back into its pre-pandemic routine of just once a month. Following a great main card at UFC 277 with two title fights, both of which were great, this card features lesser-known fighters from top to bottom; but the value is very much present.

Let’s take a closer look at the main event of the evening featuring two top ten light heavyweights looking to get to the top of the division.

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Betting Profile: Thiago Santos (22-10-0)

Last Five Fights (L-W-L-L-L)

One of the few fighters on the planet to push Jon Jones to the brink in a 2019 title fight (split decision), the result was the first loss of a slide where Santos has now lost four of five, most recently to Magomed Ankalaev in March.

From a metric standpoint, Santos has edges in both grappling and striking defense.

Betting Profile: Jamahal Hill (10-1-0)

Last Five Fights (W-W-L-W-D)

Winner of two straight since losing to Paul Craig in June of 2021, Hill has ended three of his last four inside of two rounds via KO/TKO and has thus far shown a complete lack of ground game. While that might not be a concern here, Santos would be wise to press the issue, as Hill has yet to record a takedown or submission since joining the UFC.

Hill has a sizeable edge in striking, with nearly double the significant strikes landed per minute and 50% more knockdowns per 15 minutes.

Bottom Line

A closer look at Santos’ losses shows that in addition to the recent loss against a title prospect in Ankalaev, Santos’ losses have also come against a recent champ in Glover Teixeira and contender Aleksandar Rakic. While Hill’s striking might win out, I have this fight much closer to even, as Santos is still a fighter that can win in the UFC despite the one killer after another he’s been dealt as of late.

Best Bet: Thiago Santos (+220 via DraftKings)

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