Light heavyweight prospect Daniel Spitz (6-1, 2 KOs, 2 SUBs) will meet veteran Walt Harris (10-7, 10 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.
Get ready for a heavyweight slobberknocker this Friday. The lanky Daniel Spitz, a 6’7” big man trying to earn a divisional prospect label, meets Walt Harris, a heavy swinger with a 100% KO ratio. While that might make Harris seem like a killer, the reality is that he’s 10-7 as a pro, with a 3-6 UFC record.
Neither fighter is ranked, even in a thin division, although they’re generally consistent in putting on some fun fights. Harris has lost two straight, with one coming as a late notice opponent against former champion Fabricio Werdum and the other a first round DQ after a late kick to the head. His only UFC wins have come against Cody East, Cyril Asker and Chase Sherman - guys most people have never heard of.
Spitz lost his UFC debut against Mark Goodbeer, but bounced back in his most recent fight with a first round TKO of Anthony Hamilton. Prior to getting called up to the UFC, the 27-year old racked up a 5-0 record in regional promotions like COTC and KOTC.
Betting on heavyweight fights always carries some risk, especially since everybody has the power to knock each other out. Let’s take a look at the UFC odds at BookMaker.eu and break down the best betting values.
UFC Odds at BookMaker.eu
Daniel Spitz +235
Walt Harris -285
Fight goes/doesn’t go to decision: +255 / -385
Striking Stats
Significant strikes landed p/m: Harris 3.01 / Spitz 3.64
Accuracy: Harris 39.25% / Spitz 39.44%
Significant strikes absorbed p/m: Harris 2.70 / Spitz 5.97
Defense: Harris 63.52% / Spitz 45.24%
Grappling Stats
Takedown average: Harris 0.25 / Spitz 1.95
Takedown accuracy: Harris 33.33% / Spitz 66.67%
Takedowns defended: Harris 75% / Spitz 0%
Submission average: Harris 0.25 / Spitz 0
Matchup Preview
For a guy so tall and long, Spitz still hasn’t come close to maximizing how to use his length most effectively in the standup. He’s got some pop in his hands, but his footwork is awkward and his punching technique is lacking. In his debut, Spitz got smacked around by Mark Goodbeer wtih knees, elbows, punches and kicks.
Where Spitz does his best work is on the ground, where he is actually pretty smooth. Using his long limbs, the Sikjitsu product is able to get good leverage for chokes and locks, and he’s surprisingly agile on the mat. Whether he can get it there is the question.
Harris is a better overall athlete, even at 34, and possesses the physical tools to be a ranked heavyweight. However, it’s questionable whether he’ll ever be able to fully maximize his skills. A former Golden Gloves boxer whose trained with WBC heavyweight champ Deontay Wilder, Harris is a puncher who hits hard, fast and efficiently.
But despite his fistic experience, his best weapon just might be his kicks. Harris has the dexterity to let his feet fly, culminating in fast left liver kicks, round head kicks and even the occasional flying knee. The problem is that his lack of cardio doesn’t allow him to pour on the volume.
UFC Odds Pick: Harris to win at -285
Spitz might just look like a baby giraffe trying to kickbox with a far more natural striker like Harris. While it’s possible that the youngster’s takedown defense prevails, we don’t see how Spitz consistently takes down his broader, heavier opponent. Expect Harris to land enough heavy bombs to take the win.
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.
