Jamie Mullarkey (+110) vs. Khama Worthy (-130)
Weight Class: Lightweight (155 lbs)
Khama Worthy and Jamie Mullarkey will be kicking off the UFC 260 main card in this lightweight scrap. Both fighters have been very highly regarded at points over the last couple of years and will be looking to get back in the win column. Both fighters are coming off losses, with Mullarkey having lost a split-decision to Fares Ziam while Worthy was KO’d by Ottman Azaitar.
For Pittsburgh’s Worthy, the 34 year-old couldn’t handle Azaitar’s hand speed his last time out. In my opinion, Ottman Azaitar is one of the best prospects in the sport and his win over Worthy was his biggest to date. Prior to that, Worthy picked up a solid win over Luis “violent Bob Ross” Pena. In that fight, Worthy was able to handle Pena’s and ended up pulling off an improbable guillotine late in the third.
The Pena fight was certainly a solid point of reference for this bout with Mullarkey, as the two have similar styles. Mullarkey is a solid take down artist who can hold top control. He’s also shown that he has a chin, as evidenced by his three round war with Brad Riddell.
Mullarkey’s last fight, however, was somewhat troubling. The Australian held top control for much of the third round but hardly landed any strikes. I mean bare minimum, not even baby hammer fists were being thrown. As a result, Ziam was able to pick up the W while landing very few strikes.
At (-130), it’s hard not to like Khama Worthy moneyline in this fight. Worthy has demonstrated an ability to handle himself on the ground, so it’s really tough to see Mullarkey dominating that area of the fight. Mullarkey should have an edge, sure, and I expect him to get take downs, but Worthy should ultimately be able to handle himself.
The edge on the feet goes to Khama Worthy, in my opinion, thanks to his hevay hands. Mullarkey also doesn’t wear shots very well, so I could see Worthy winning this one on points fairly decisively.
Ultimately, I think that Worthy moneyline is one of the best values on the card and will be placing 1U on it.
Prediction and play: Khama Worthy moneyline (-130)
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