MMA Preview – Thiago Santos vs Jamahal Hill at UFC Vegas 59
Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
THIAGO SANTOS VS JAMAHAL HILL FACTS
When is UFC Vegas 59? Sunday 7th August, 2022 - 01:00 start (UK)
Where is UFC Vegas 59? UFC APEX, Enterprise, Nevada (US)
Where can I get tickets for UFC Vegas 59? Click here for the latest ticket information for UFC events
What channel is UFC Vegas 59 on? BT Sport 1
Where can I stream UFC Vegas 59? 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!
THIAGO SANTOS VS JAMAHAL HILL LOWDOWN
Thiago Santos (22-10) has lost four of his last five and although he has been fighting the best light heavyweights in the world for the last four years, he clearly has not been the same since his title fight with Jon Jones (2019). He somehow took the 205 ‘GOAT’ to a split decision despite destroying his left knee and damaging his right. He made a quick recovery considering, taking on Glover Teixeira (2020) 15 months on but got submitted in the third round. His trademarked aggression started to become a distant memory losing a unanimous decision to Aleksandar Rakic (2021) before earning one himself against Johnny Walker (2021). He then met future title contender Magomed Ankalaev back in March but lost another limp unanimous decision.
Jamahal Hill (10-1) is doing his best to emulate the rise of Santos. He is only six fights deep into his UFC career but has already racked up four knockouts although his TKO over Klidson Abreu (2020) was ruled a ‘no contest’ due to testing positive for marijuana. He returned seven months later to knock out Ovince Saint Preux (2020) but then got caught in Paul Craig’s (2021) web dislocating his elbow and eventually getting TKO’d. However, he has responded brilliantly stringing two ‘Performance of the Night’ bonuses together by knocking out Jimmy Crute (2021) and Johnny Walker (2022) in the first round.
THIAGO SANTOS VS JAMAHAL HILL PREDICTION
Santos appears to have hit his ceiling at 38 years old with a lot of damage racked up on the clock. He is still a ferocious striker with priceless experience, but this is not a great match up for him. Hill has the youth, momentum and volume to cause Santos some serious problems. Combine that with a slight height and reach advantage from a southpaw stance give him a great opportunity to add another big name to the record.
That said, Hill is inexperienced in comparison and has only ever gone past the third round once. Santos will have this on his mind and is likely to be more patient again and try and get Hill to the floor where he has a clear grappling advantage.
If the Brazilian is successful with his grappling, it will be a long five rounds for Hill. However, we feel Hill’s volume will put money in the bank before the championship rounds. We are backing him to earn a decision or even a knockout, but considering the odds, Santos holds all of the value.
Prediction: Hill via Decision - CLICK HERE FOR PARIMATCH'S WELCOME OFFER (BET £5, GET £30 IN BONUSES!)
Value Bet: Santos to win
