UFC Fight Night 148: Pettis vs Thompson Odds and Predictions

• The UFC heads to Nashville, Tennessee on Saturday, March 23rd
• Will Stephen Thompson get back into the win column?
• See the odds for all fights at UFC Fight Night 148

The UFC is heading to Nashville, Tennessee for UFC Fight Night 148 on Saturday, March 23rd.

In the main event, former UFC lightweight champion and featherweight title challenger, Anthony Pettis will move up to welterweight to take on Stephen Thompson. In the co-main event, heavyweights collide as Curtis Blaydes is taking on Justin Willis.

The main card is live on ESPN+ at 8 p.m. EST.

Anthony Pettis vs Stephen Thompson Odds

*All odds taken 03/17/19

Fight Record and Recent History

Anthony Pettis (21-8) is coming off of a Fight of the Night at UFC 229 where he lost to Tony Ferguson. Pettis holds wins over the likes of Michael Chiesa, Benson Henderson, Donald Cerrone, Jeremy Stephens, and others. He is also a former lightweight champion and fought Max Holloway for the interim featherweight title at UFC 206 back in 2016.

Stephen Thompson (14-3-1) is coming off of a decision loss to Darren Till back in May of 2018, where many believed Thompson won that fight. Before that, he beat Jorge Masvidal and lost to Tyron Woodley for the belt and also fought to a draw against Woodley. Thompson holds notable wins over the likes of Rory MacDonald, Robert Whittaker, Johnny Hendricks, and Jake Ellenberger, among others.

Pettis vs Thompson Tale of the Tape

There will no doubt be a size discrepancy in this fight. Thompson is a natural welterweight, while Pettis has been a 145 and 155’er for most of his career. But, talking to Pettis for this fight he made it clear the size won’t play a factor.

In striking, it doesn’t matter who hits you. If it’s clean, you are going out.

These two are some of the better strikers in the game, and it should be a striking battle with little to no grappling or wrestling. In striking, Pettis has said it doesn’t matter who hits you. If it’s clean, you are going out.

However, I think Thompson’s style will be hard for Pettis to figure out and he will be able to outpoint Pettis or possibly get the finish to get back into the win column. The odds are high for this fight, but like most, I have Thompson winning.

Pick: Stephen Thompson (-450)

Curtis Blaydes vs Justin Willis Odds

Fight Record and Recent History

Curtis Blaydes (10-2, one no-contest) is coming off a knockout loss to Francis Ngannou in under a minute back in November. It was his second loss to Ngannou of his career, and he is now looking to get back into the win column. Blaydes, who is still a top-10 heavyweight, has wins over the likes of Alistair Overeem, Mark Hunt, and Alexey Oleynik, among others.

Justin Willis (8-1), meanwhile, is riding an eight-fight winning streak. Willis, who is coming off of a decision win over Mark Hunt in December, is looking to extend his winning streak to nine. During this streak, he has wins over the likes of Chase Sherman, and Allen Crowder, among others.

Blaydes vs Willis Tale of the Tape

Blaydes will no doubt be the better wrestler and has fought and beat the better names in the sport, but it is heavyweight MMA and all it takes is one punch. If Blaydes can utilize his wrestling and dictate where the fight goes it should be a rather easy night for Blaydes.

However, Willis does train at American Kickboxing Academy, which has some of the best wrestlers in the sport. It will be interesting to see if it can negate Blaydes’ wrestling.

If Willis can land a few shots on Blaydes he can score a knockout, but I think Blaydes is the better fighter and will get back into the win column in this fight. Although I don’t see Blaydes being able to finish Willis, a decision win will be just fine for Blaydes.

Pick: Curtis Blaydes (-300)

The Rest of the UFC Fight Night 148 Card