Justin Gaethje (USA) vs Michael Chandler (USA)
Madison Square Garden, New York. USA
On November 7, an intriguing clash between Justin Gaethje and Michael Chandler will take place at UFC 268. Here's our prediction.
Claim Your Welcome Bonus!Justin Gaethje: Forget his fight with Khabib!
After four impressive victories in a row (all by knockout), Gaethje's reputation was badly damaged when he lost in one round to Khabib Nurmagomedov without any hint of resistance. Many experts immediately dubbed the fight a done deal, arguing that the fighters have the same manager. In reality, of course, this is not true, but let's face it. Justin in that fight looked very weak and did not even try to show what he could do.
The 32-year old American has 22 wins (19 by KO, 1 by submission) and 3 losses (2 KO, 1 by submission) in his pro record.
Michael Chandler: He also has something to prove
Chandler made a name for himself in Bellator, and in the UFC, he immediately started getting top fighters as opponents. On the other hand, it turns out that Dan Hooker may not be top at all, and he lost to Charles Oliveira on his turf (in the standup), so there are questions for Michael Chandler and plenty of them.
I think after beating Gaethje, I have a title fight ahead of me. Charles Oliveira hadn't lost a round since 2017 until I came in and beat him 10-8. I almost finished Charles in the first round of our fight. I take full responsibility for the loss in the fight with Oliveira. I was very close to winning, but I underperformed a bit. So I have to accept this defeat like a man. There are many options for me in the future, but I have to concentrate fully on the upcoming fight. I think I can get the job done, and after that, I'll have another chance.
In his overall pro record, the 35-year-old American fighter has 22 wins (10 KOs, 7 submissions) and 7 losses (4 KOs, 2 refereeing decisions).
Expert Betting Tips
No one but the bookmakers sees a favourite in this clash. But every expert has a little argument in Gaethje's favour.
The odds are 50-50. I think they'll put up a spectacle. I don't think anyone will predict the winner of this fight with certainty. They're both good, both have a good fight, both have a hard punch. The only thing is that Justin is superior to Michael in leg kicks. Other than that, they're on the same level.
If I get a gun to my head, I'm leaning towards Justin because of his low-kicks. The easiest way for Michael is the ground. He can dominate the fight with Gaethje there. But the bout will take place in the standup, so I'd say the second toughest guy will get the job done. Justin Gaethje will win by knockout.
The Gaethje vs Khabib fight is so out of the logic that you don't even want to consider it. It happens, and something could have happened to Gaethje, and Chandler is far from Khabib. The bet365 analysts see Justin as a big favourite here (1.47 vs. 2.75), but anything can happen in a fight between these two rubbers. And most likely, it will.
Both have a lot to prove; both have lost their previous fights without a chance so that the caged fire will break out from the start. My prediction is that it will end quickly, and my bet is Total Under 1.5 for 1.95.
Other predictions
