UFC Vegas 59: Thiago Santos vs. Jamahal Hill odds, picks and predictions

Santos vs. Hill preview: UFC Fight Night 

Santos (23-10) has been the star of the show in five of his last six appearances, including his most recent two. However, if he loses on Saturday once more, his status as a top draw is likely to end. 

The 38-year-old Brazilian has competed in many noteworthy fights and has a long list of noteworthy wins, including a knockout victory over former champion Jan Blachowicz.  

Additionally, he battled Jones until the final seconds of their title match at UFC 239 before losing by a split decision. In that match, he sustained knee injuries that necessitated multiple surgeries and a 16-month suspension from competition. Since making a comeback, Santos hasn’t appeared the same, and his only victory in four appearances—a lackluster decision over Johnny Walker in October 2013—hasn’t helped. 

This is what Dana White tweeted:

Santos will be up against Hill (10-1-1), who has gone 4-1-1 in six UFC appearances, who in many ways resembles a younger version of Santos. Similar to other explosive athletes, the 31-year-old native of Chicago is a toolbox of lethal power. 

Hill lost his only UFC fight to veteran Paul Craig in June of last year, but he bounced back by KOing Jimmy Crute and Walker in the opening frame. With another impressive victory, Hill will probably move into the top-five rankings and the title-fight discussion. 

Also read: Jorge Masvidal wouldn’t be surprised if Nate Diaz ‘stops’ Khamzat at UFC 279

UFC Fight Night predictions: 

Here is one of my predictions for UFC Fight Night: on the preliminary card, women’s bantamweight prospect Mayra Bueno Silva (+105) will face off against Stephanie Egger (-125) in a matchup of heavyweight contenders.

With three knockouts and three submission wins among her seven professional MMA triumphs, Egger (7-2) is a talented finisher with a variety of techniques. Despite losing her UFC debut, the 33-year-old Swiss fighter has since won two straight fights, including one in which Jessica-Rose Clark was submitted in the first round in February.

Brazilian grappling expert Bueno Silva (8-2-1) has won two of her last three fights in the UFC. The 30-year-old was awarded a performance bonus for defeating Wu Yanan by decision in April.

While these two are still standing, Bueno Silva ought to prevail. Egger lacks the skills necessary to dominate Bueno Silva, such as the ability to chain shots together or to wrestle from a high position. I anticipate that Bueno Silva will triumph.

UFC Fight Night odds,

Jamahal Hill (-280) vs. Thiago Santos (+240)

Vicente Luque (-175) vs. Geoff Neal (+155)

Terrance McKinney (-900) vs. Erik Gonzalez (+600)

Sergey Spivak (-230) vs. Augusto Sakai (+190)

Michal Oleksiejczuk (-600) vs. Sam Alvey (+450)

Bryan Battle (-230) vs. Takashi Sato (+195)

Ariane Lipski (-170) vs. Priscila Cachoeira (+150)

Stephanie Egger (-125) vs. Mayra Bueno Silva (+105)

Josh Quinlan (-220) vs. Jason Witt (+190)

Cory McKenna (-220) vs. Miranda Granger (+190)

Zac Pauga (-240) vs. Mohammed Usman (+200)

Julianna Miller (-120) vs. Brogan Walker (+100)