MMA Expert Betting Tips: Pettis vs. Halloway

Our MMA expert betting team is back to preview the important featherweight showdown between Anthony Pettis and Max Holloway!

Two of the most dangerous fighters at 145 pounds will face off this Saturday. Unfortunately, US gambling news broke today that Anthony Pettis missed weight for the fight, so only Max Holloway will be competing for a title. Nonetheless, it should be an incredible fight. Let’s see what our MMA betting experts have to say about the match, and the betting lines set by Intertops.

Akos

This should be a good one. Both fighters have taken different routes to the title, with Halloway climbing through the ranks at featherweight, and Pettis coming down to 145 after losing his belt at lightweight. Styles make fights, and the clash of these two men’s styles should produce fireworks.

I see Halloway as the favorite here. He has won nine straight fights at 145 pounds, taking out some of the previous number-one contenders in the process. He also has the type of skill set to give Pettis problems. One of the blueprints to beat Anthony is pressure, and Max Holloway might have the best pressure in the division. I’m expecting a back and forth brawl for a couple rounds, and Halloway grabbing onto a neck and getting the submission late in the fight.

Akos prediction: Halloway via 4th round submission.

Kevin

I’m still trying to get over Pettis missing weight. This hasn’t happened since Travis Lutter missed weight at UFC 76, and one can only imagine the vexation the new UFC owners are feeling at the moment. Before the weight issue, I disagreed with most online sportsbooks in the US and thought Pettis was the favorite here. Now, not so much.

Drastic weight cuts almost always have adverse affects on athletes, and it’s logical to think Pettis will enter tomorrow’s fight still not 100%. As an MMA betting expert, I am inclined to take these things into account. It should be an amazing bout, and it’s not much of a surprise for me to see that Intertops still has the Pettis-Halloway betting lines as close as they are. It breaks my heart to say it, but I’m going with Halloway in this one.

Kevin prediction: Halloway via 2nd round TKO

Amanda McWallace

I’m all about astrology, and I see the stars aligning for Anthony Pettis tomorrow night. Yes, he missed weight, but he is still the better striker, and dare I say, the better grappler in this matchup. Let’s not forget, Pettis was the 155 pound champ not long ago. He will have the size advantage (obviously) here and will likely look to end the fight quickly. I think that’s bad news for Max.

I get it. A 9-fight win streak is no punk, but I can’t help but feel Anthony is just better everywhere. If he can avoid the trademark blitzes from Halloway, I think he can get the stoppage with a well-placed head kick late in the first round.

Amanda McWallace prediction: Pettis via 1st round KO

Do you agree with out MMA betting experts? Who wins in tomorrow’s Pettis vs. Halloway matchup? Tell us what you think by leaving a comment below, and make sure to check out Intertops for a full list of MMA betting odds this weekend!

P.S. check out our betting preview for tonight’s matchup between Derrick Lewis and Shamil Abdurakhimov!