In the main card, Johnny Walker faces Anthony Smith…
Ok, let's first address the elephant in the room… Johnny Walkers chin. Now I know I know, he doesn't absorb shots to the head very well but Smith doesn't have one punch KO power. Anthony did score a TKO win over Jimmy Crute but that's due to an injury ending fight. Prior to that his most recent KO wins were back in 2018 over Mauricio Rua and Rashard Evans. Very aging chinny guys indeed. Walker's recent KO loss was to current UFC champion Jamahal Hill, so that's understandable. Prior to that he was rocked a few times against Ryan Spann whom does possess power, although Walker did come out with the victory via KO round 1. Of course it's a concern but Walker's done well protecting his chin and limiting all the crazy acrobatics. Focusing more on staying technical in the pocket or seeking grappling situations. Being able to reel in his explosiveness and more economical with offensive attacks leaving himself less susceptible to big counter shots landing. His last 2 victories Johnny was either all the way in or all the way out. Meaning he's either in the clinch smothering opponent seeking grappling exchanges or all the way out working at range utilizing his long reach. Saturday Walker will have the luxury of a sizeable 7 inch reach advantage over Anthony Smith. With more explosiveness and quicker developing combinations at range should do damage. Mix in his footwork and very unorthodox style it's a tough match up for Smith whom is coming off a recent loss to Magomed Ankalaev. That bout was roughly 8 months ago in which Smith injured his ankle and feel like it's slightly a quick turn around off an injury. Both these men possess grappling yet I believe fight plays out on the feet. The vulnerability on Smith is his inability to consistently check leg kicks. This is a tool Johnny loves to start or end combinations with when at distance. The longer limbs of Walker should present opportunities to land repeatedly while working behind a 7 inch reach advantage. Believe Walker should be favorite and happy with pick'em price tag.
4% Best Bet: Johnny Walker (-110)