Undefeated lightweight prospect Gregor Gillespie (11-0, 5 KOs, 4 SUBs) will meet hard-hitting Vinc Pichel (11-1, 8 KOs) at UFC Fight Night 131 on Friday, June 1, 2018 at the Adirondack Bank Center in Utica, New York. The card airs live on FS1 starting 10 p.m. ET. Bet on the latest UFC odds at BookMaker.eu and get the latest previews, predictions and betting picks now.
To even get noticed in the UFC’s shark-infested lightweight division, you’ve got to be a pretty damn good fighter. Gregor Gillespie is obviously that - and perhaps a future contender. At 11-0, with four wins inside the octagon, the 31-year old is knocking on the door to the top 15. This Friday’s matchup against the 11-1 Vinc Pichel could be his gateway to a ranked opponent.
Who is Vinc Pichel? He’s a great example of how loaded the lightweight division is. Though he lost his UFC debut to Rustam Khabilov, the 35-year old has reeled off four straight wins. Granted, none of the guys he’s beaten really moves the needle, but at 155 there really are no easy matchups.
So is Pichel just another training dummy in Gillespie’s meteoric rise? Or will he seriously test the blue chip prospect. Most importantly, what are the best you should be making here? Let’s take a look at the UFC odds at BookMaker.eu and break down your options.
UFC Odds at BookMaker.eu
Gregor Gillespie -475
Vinc Pichel +350
Fight goes/doesn’t go to decision: +150 / -190
Striking Stats
Significant strikes landed p/m: Gillespie 3.77 / Pichel 3.54
Accuracy: Gillespie 48.36% / Pichel 42.65%
Significant strikes absorbed p/m: Gillespie 2.78 / Pichel 2.89
Defense: Gillespie 55.29% / Pichel 54.63%
Grappling Stats
Takedown average: Gillespie 5.49 / Pichel 5.01
Takedown accuracy: Gillespie 37.04% / Pichel 62.96%
Takedowns defended: Gillespie 0% / Pichel 16.67%
Submission average: Gillespie 0.55 / Pichel 0.29
Matchup Preview
Though Gillespie’s only been a pro for five years, he made his pro debut as a fully formed fighter. A four-time All-American wrestler and a NCAA champion, the transition from the college mats to MMA was a seamless one for Gillespie. Any time a wrestler of that caliber heads into the cage, the results are usually very good: just ask Daniel Cormier, Ryan Bader, T.J. Dillashaw and Yoel Romero.
Naturally, “The Gift” is an outstanding MMA wrestler who can easily take down and pound out a majority of 155ers already. But what’s really scary is that his striking is rapidly improving - and he’s evidently got killshot power too. Two of his last three fights ended in knockouts, and both came in the first round. Andrew Holbrook didn’t even last 30 seconds.
Injuries have kept Pichel from fighting consistently - this will only be his fifth fight in over four years. From what we’ve seen, he’s a guy that’s good everywhere but not great anywhere. He’s a solid boxer and a better wrestler, averaging over 5 takedowns per 15 minutes. The 35-year old puts it all together well, as he’s looked good outworking his opponents to a solid winning streak.
UFC Odds Pick: Parlay Gillespie to win at -475
While Pichel’s combination of skills are good enough to beat midcard fighters, expecting him to take out an uber-prospect like Gillespie is borderline crazy. Though Pichel might have a slight advantage on the feet, the massive talent differential in grappling cannot be ignored. Gillespie should post a dominant victory.
UFC Odds Pick: Gillespie inside the distance
This is more of a gut call, as Pichel as only been finished once. But Gillespie is a straight monster, and he’s going to take Pichel through the minefield on the way to the woodshed. Don’t be surprised if “The Gift” does a Khabib impression, and at this price it’s worth a small play.
Bet on UFC odds at BookMaker.eu
Access live betting lines from your mobile device at BookMaker sportsbook! Real-time spreads, totals, props and money line are all available so start betting with BookMaker today. UFC Fight UFC Fight Night takes place 131 on Friday, June 1, 2018 at the Adirondack Bank Center in Utica, New York. The card airs live on FS1 starting 10 p.m. ET.
