.jpg "UFC Futures")
Former lightweight Michael Johnson (17-13, 8 KOs, 2 SUBs) meets Andre “Touchy” Fili (18-5, 8 KOs, 3 SUBs) at UFC Fight Night 135 on Saturday, August 25, 2018 at the Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, Nebraska. The card airs live on FS1.
Michael Johnson’s first foray at 145 pounds didn’t go so well. In fact, it went a lot like a typical Johnson loss. In his featherweight debut against Darren Elkins, Johnson started off hot, tagging Elkins with his world-class boxing, but ultimately got out-hearted. Same story as his matchups with Justin Gaethje and Nate Diaz.
Now in a 1-5 slump, Johnson desperately needs a win this Saturday when he meets Andre Fili. A midcard talent on a two-fight win streak, Fili has found his footing as an entertaining action fighter. “Touchy” always seems to come up short against the division’s upper echelon, which is why he’s exactly the type of opponent that Johnson needs to beat if he wants to be taken seriously in a new weight class.
The three-round contest is set for the UFC Fight Night 135 main card, supporting the main event between lightweights Justin Gaethje and James Vick. While it’s going to be hard to top the violence of the headliner, Johnson and Fili both have the skills to come close.
Let’s take a look at the UFC odds at BookMaker.eu and break down your best betting options.
UFC Odds at BookMaker.eu
Michael Johnson -150
Andre Fili +120
Fight goes/doesn’t go to decision: -140 / +110
Striking Stats
Significant strikes landed per minute: Johnson 41.3 / Fili 3.9
Accuracy: Johnson 36.74% / Fili 37.51%
Significant strikes absorbed per minute: Johnson 4.03 / Fili 3.64
Defense: Johnson 57.09% / Flil 52.25%
Grappling Stats
Takedown average: Johnson 0.61 / Fili 2.91
Takedown accuracy: Johnson 50% / Fili 45.65%
Takedowns defended: 79.41% / Fili 67.5%
Submission average: Johnson 0.08 / Fili 0.14
Bet on Michael Johnson vs. Andre Fili Odds
Johnson is an elite striker - that’s undeniable. He’s got some of the fastest hands in the business, excellent technique and innate accuracy. A fast starter, “The Menace” often plasters foes with combinations before they even realize what’s happening. You’ve gotta love a southpaw that has so many options to go to with his power hand. It’s like he’s a pitcher with a hammer curve, changeup, split-finger fastball and a gyroball all loaded and ready to go.
Fili will have to weather the storm and figure out how to deal with Johnson’s speed. He’ll also want to fight against his usual offense-over-defense style for a bit. A solid orthodox striker with a stiff jab and powerful kicks, Fili often gets baited into firefights where he usually ends up taking too much damage. However, he shows no hesitation in using an underrated wrestling game, and is particularly adept in scrambles.
The key to beating Johnson is to wear him down. That might sound a bit obvious, but Johnson can be taken out of his gameplan quickly and compelled into counterintuitive fights. Why didn’t he use his speed against Justin Gaethje, electing to brawl with the ultimate brawler? After dominating Nate Diaz for a round, Johnson somehow became a training dummy for 10 minutes. Like we said before, Johnson’s tools are elite, but his fight IQ seems to be below the curve.
UFC Odds Pick: Fili to win at +120
This is a tough pick, as we’re recommending the less talented fighter. Johnson’s recent slide is the result of facing elite competition, but it’s also got a lot to do with shooting himself in the foot. While Fili can be a little too emotional, Johnson’s is in something of a career freefall. We think Fili figures out a way to edge him out.
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 Night 135 takes place on Saturday, August 25, 2018 at the Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, Nebraska. The card airs live on FS1.
