A violent welterweight encounter between two noted knockout artists could steal the show this Saturday. “Platinum” Mike Perry, 10-1 with 10 KOs, will meet hard-hitting Muay Thai stylist Thiago “The Pitbull” Alves. The story here is Perry, who has the look, the ferocity and the brash outspoken nature of a star. Most importantly, he’s got the one-punch knockout power that fans can’t get enough of.
Let’s take a look at the UFC odds at BookMaker.eu and go over your betting options.
Opening UFC odds at BookMaker.eu
Mike Perry -185
Thiago Alves +150
Over/under 1.5 rounds, over -125, under -115
Fight Preview
Just 25 years old, Perry has the confidence of youth - he truly believes he can walk down and knock out anybody. It’s worked for the most part so far. Save for one decision loss to Alan Jouban, Perry’s chin has held up under fire and his fists have dropped every other opponent.
What he does isn’t pretty - there’s no poetic movement like Conor McGregor nor any flashy strikes like Anthony Pettis. Perry is going to come straight forward and start winging hooks - and he’ll gladly eat a few to give a few. His footwork or head movement is crude, but once the punches start flowing it doesn’t seem to matter.
Alves’ best shot at beating Perry is to follow Jouban’s playbook. In that matchup, Perry was outclassed on the feet by a more technical, patient striker. Jouban refused to get baited into a brawl, and Alves needs to follow suit. The Brazilian has accumulated enough damage over his 16-year career that exchanging punches with a young gun like Perry would be a futile endeavor.
In his last matchup against Patrick Cote, Alves showed still-crisp Thai boxing skills, though his aggression had faded. Once an aggressive knockout artist, the 33-year old is now much more attuned to self-preservation at this stage of his career. He still has the pop to put guys out - he just doesn’t risk as much to do so anymore.
UFC Betting Tips
Alves’ higher fight IQ makes him a live ‘dog in this matchup, but his price doesn’t justify a bet right now. The truth is that Perry is faster, more athletic and far more potent at this stage in his career. Alves doesn’t have the wrestling to force Perry into a wrestling match, which means he’ll have to avoid Perry’s bombs for 15 minutes. One of them should land and put Alves out for the count.
UFC Odds Pick: Perry to win at -185
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UFC Fight Night 116 takes place on Saturday, September 16 at the PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, PA. The card airs live on FS1 starting 10 p.m. ET.
