MMA Preview – Jamie Mullarkey vs Devonte Smith at UFC Vegas 38
JAMIE MULLARKEY VS DEVONTE SMITH FACTS
When is UFC Vegas 38? Saturday 2nd October, 2021 -21:00 start (UK)
Where is UFC Vegas 38? UFC APEX, Enterprise, Nevada (US)
Where can I get tickets for UFC Vegas 38? Click here for the latest ticket information for UFC events
What channel is UFC Vegas 38 on? BT Sport 3
Where can I stream UFC Vegas 38? BT Sport subscribers can stream the fight online via the BT Sport website
For viewers in the United States, the event will be shown live on ESPN+ and you can sign up for access as part of a Disney Bundle here!
JAMIE MULLARKEY VS DEVONTE SMITH LOWDOWN
Jamie Mullarkey (13-4) is coming off the biggest win of his career and it came with huge relief after losing his first two UFC fights. He arrived to the UFC having TKO’d his last four opponents on the regional scene in Australia. He was rewarded with an extremely tough UFC debut in the form of Brad Riddell and although it was the ‘fight of the night’, he lost a unanimous decision. He returned a year later to fight Fares Ziam but the Frenchman made it two unanimous decisions losses in a row. Sitting on two losses and without a UFC win, getting handed Khama Worthy was a tough break. He was expected to turn the fight into a wrestling match but proceeded to catch Worthy with a picture-perfect left hook in the first round to notch the ninth knockout of his career.
A Worthy knockout is Devonte Smith’s (11-2) only loss in his last eight fights. He got his break in the UFC after knocking out Joseph Lowry with some nasty elbows on the Contender Series back in 2018. He then sealed his fourth knockout in a row by burying Julian Erosa and Dong Hyun Ma in his first two UFC fights. He then got a taste of his own medicine by Worthy and did not return for 18 months. Fortunately, when he came back, it was business as usual knocking out Justin Jaynes in February this year.
JAMIE MULLARKEY VS DEVONTE SMITH PREDICTION
This is a similar match-up for Mullarkey to the one with Worthy and after he knocked him out, he will be more confident trading with Smith. Regardless of how your last fight goes, exchanging with Smith is always a risk considering his knockout power. Smith will also be boasting a slight reach advantage despite being three inches shorter.
The fight will start on the feet where Smith will begin to get a read on Mullarkey with his jab waiting to uncork his straight right hand. Regardless of his last fight, Mullarkey needs to get his wrestling boots on.
We know Mullarkey is capable of getting Smith’s respect on the feet now but the longer he stands, the more he will get tagged and the more likely he will get knocked out. So, if the Aussie can mix in takedown attempts with his strikes, he can take Smith down and subdue him long enough to snatch the rounds.
If Mullarkey employs a game plan around his grappling and avoids Smith’s Travis Browne elbows when shooting it, we can see him sealing a comfortable decision. The longer Mullarkey stands, the more likely Smith will walk away with his 11th knockout. We are backing Mullarkey, but this is a toss-up.
Prediction: Mullarkey via Decision - CLICK HERE FOR PARIMATCH'S WELCOME OFFER (BET £5, GET £30 IN BONUSES!)
Value Bet: Mullarkey via KO/TKO
