When it comes to the UFC’s featherweight and lightweight divisions, there’s only one name that stands proud: Conor McGregor. However, with the Irishman seemingly forced to move from the former to the latter (although he claims the UFC have another thing coming), there’s now a race to see who will become the featherweight champion.
Now, before we breakdown the nuances of Anthony Pettis vs. Max Holloway, it’s important to note that Jose Aldo is now the undisputed champion. Despite losing the title to McGregor, the current dynamics have handed him the title which means Pettis and Holloway will now fight for an interim title. In simple speak, that means the winner of UFC 206’s main event will become the number one contender and challenge Aldo for the unified belt.
Naturally, the road from here to there is paved with danger for both fighters, but just who will come out on top. If we look at the current betting line at Sun Bets, the odds makers are siding with the man on a nine-fight win streak, Holloway. With the current line set at 8/15, the betting insiders are clearly confident the Hawaiian can extend his streak on December 11 and prove once and for all that he’s the top contender in the division.
Does that mean Pettis is a write-off at 7/4 with William Hill? Absolutely not. Although his star power has faded in recent fights, we can’t forget that he used to be the lightweight champion. Through a combination of powerful body kicks, slick jiu-jitsu and improved takedown defence, Pettis ran through the lightweight division and took the title. Although he eventually lost the belt, and his lustre, to Rafael dos Anjos, Pettis is still a world-class fighter.
Unfortunately, this one could come down to a battle of confidence. Although Pettis has been making all the right noises in the build up to the fight, his recent record suggests he’s lacking the confidence he once had. A third-round submission against Charles Oliveira marked his debut at featherweight, but prior to that, he endured tough losses at lightweight against Edson Barboza and Eddie Alvarez.
Now, losing to Barboza and Alvarez is nothing to be ashamed of. However, it’s the way he lost that matters. Despite having six submission wins from 16 fights, Pettis has always been a stand-up fighter, but he faltered against two opponents who are equally comfortable on their feet. This should be seen as a red flag going into the fight against Holloway. Although he’s more unorthodox in his technique, the rangy Hawaiian loves to strike, and if Pettis has lost his mojo in that department, it could be a win for Holloway.
Another factor in this fight could be the weight cut. Pettis has looked drawn-out in the lead up to the fight and if it goes into deep water then he could easily drown. Although he’s big for the weight, Holloway looks more natural at the weigh-ins and that will undoubtedly help his cardio if it reaches the later rounds. In fact, this could be where the fight is decided. Pettis won’t go down early, but if he does it’s likely to be towards the end of the second or the third.
For some real betting value, Holloway to win in round 3 at 16/1 with bet365 could be the bet of the night. A points win is also possible and offers some interest at 6/4, but if you’re looking for the best return for a small stake, a TKO win midway through the third is our pick for this one.
Betfair:
Bet on Henrik Stenson to become the BMW PGA Championship Winner.
Paddypower:
Back Australia to take the Ashes home with them.
Betway:
Back Rafael Nadal to become the Mens French Open Winner.
Coral:
Back One For Arthur to win the Grand National.
Bet365:
Back Mexico to win the Confederations Cup.
