Johnny “Hollywood” Case will attempt to extend a 12-fight winning streak in when he meets fellow prospect Jake Matthews on “The Celtic Kid’s” native soil of Australia. There’s a lot to like about this matchup of young guns, who both have bright futures between them.
Let’s break down the fight and betting odds.
Bet on UFC Fight Night 85 odds at BookMaker.eu
Johnny Case -110
Jake Matthews -110
Over/under 2.5 rounds, over -185, under +160
Please note, the odds at BookMaker are updated daily. The lines listed here may have changed since this article was posted.
THE STAKES
It’s tough to make a name for yourself in a loaded lightweight division, but Case and Matthews have a solid opportunity here as the lead-in to the co-main event. A win alone probably wouldn’t earn a top-15 opponent, but if one fighter absolutely steals the show, we could see him on a main card very soon.
In a fighter’s career early stages, that’s about as much as you can ask for: staying active and staying on main cards.
MATTHEWS’ KEYS TO VICTORY
The 21-year old Matthews is an outstanding natural athlete, but he’s still very rough around the edges. He showed some improvement in his last outing against Akbarh Arreola, particularly in the standup department. “The Celtic Kid” commits to his combinations and punctuates them with heavy low kicks, but he still needs to improve his technique to throw more efficiently.
Matthews is also an excellent grappler, with a precocious ability to snatch submissions, but his best weapon might be his pace. Remember, he’s just 21 and has the youthful gas tank to push the pace. When you combine that pace with his great natural strength, the Australian can quickly wear down opponents.
CASE’S KEYS TO VICTORY
At just 26, Case is already extremely well-rounded and has 18 finishes in his 22 career victories. Training with a top camp in Alliance MMA, “Hollywood” thrives on movement and long, straight attacks from distance. At 6’1”, Case is tall for the 155-pound class, and his coaches have taught him how to utilize that distance.
Where Case can improve is his takedown defense, and that will be key against Matthews, who loves to drag opponents down from the clinch. Although he’s good at creating scrambles from his back, Case cannot spend the majority of three rounds trying to get back to his feet. He’s got to keep Matthews at the end of his punches.
THE BETTING PERSPECTIVE
While Matthews is a solid young fighter, Case is probably a bit too much for him right now. From a talent-perspective, Hollywood is somebody who could absolutely crack the top-15 this year, while the jury is still out on the young Australian. Matthews has enough physical tools to last all three rounds, but Case’s experience will noticeably separate the two.
BET ON UFC FIGHTS NOW
Access live betting lines from your mobile device at BookMaker sportsbook! You can even wager on sporting events as they unfold on television with BookMaker’s live betting platform. Money lines, totals, props and money line are all available now. UFC Fight Night 85 takes place Saturday, March 19, 2016 at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre in Brisbane, Australia. The card will stream on Fox Sports 1 at 10 p.m. ET following the prelims starting at 7 p.m.
