Jamahal Hill will fight Jiri Prochazka on January 18 in Los Angeles as part of a dazzling UFC 311 card headlined by two title fights.
The Hill vs Prochazka odds have Hill as a -125 favorite, with Jiri as a slight +100 underdog.
Both Jiri and Jamahal are coming off KO losses to current champion Alex Pereira and will be plenty motivated to re-establish some respect among the top 205-pounders. Islam Makhachev vs Arman Tsarukyan 2 will headline UFC 311, with Prochazka-Hill slotting in on the main card.
Hill vs Prochazka Odds
| Fighter | Odds |
|---|---|
| Jamahal Hill | -125 |
| Jiri Prochazka | +100 |
Odds as of Jan. 15
How To Bet Hill
There's some doubt about Hill's mobility following Achilles surgery. While we didn't get much time to evaluate Hill in his loss to Pereira at UFC 300, it's fair to say "Sweet Dreams" looked flat-footed. Prochazka didn't look great in his loss to Poatan either, as he left his chin exposed on multiple occasions.
I'm not sure what the X-factor will be in this fight, but Hill's heavy punches and kicks should make a difference. Jamahal is as tough as they come, and he fights like his opponent owes him money.
I've been very encouraged by Hill's ability to fight off his back foot (check out the Glover Texeira fight at UFC 283). Believe it or not, Glover had Hill going backward for big portions of that fight. Hill starched him. Jiri always presses forward, so keep that in mind.
Since this is a three-round fight, I'd play it safe and take Hill SU instead of him to win inside the distance.
How To Bet Prochazka
I suppose Jiri could win a three-round decision, but he'll likely need to knock Hill out to win this fight. I'm quite worried about Prochazka walking into one of Hill's nuclear strikes, as he often leaves himself exposed and sits very hard on his front leg.
Prochazka should possess a speed advantage in this fight, though. The Czech native is more technical and creative than Hill, which will help him out if Hill looks sluggish again. Prochazka may have to pick Hill apart over a round or two, so if you're betting Jiri, I'd parlay that with the OVER 1.5 total rounds.
UFC 311: Hill vs Prochazka Betting Pick
I am picking Hill outright because I'm anticipating this fight heading into Rounds 2 and 3. After the Michael Chandler-Charles Oliveira five-round fiasco at UFC 309, my confidence in these so-called "guaranteed" finishers has taken a hit.
I won't be greedy; Hill outright is the move. Beyond that, I like the OVER 1.5 rounds.
