MMA Preview – Anthony Smith vs Johnny Walker at UFC on ABC 4
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ANTHONY SMITH VS JOHNNY WALKER FACTS
When is UFC on ABC 4? Saturday 13th May, 2023 - 18:00 start (UK)
Where is UFC on ABC 4? Spetcrum Center, Charlotte, North Carolina (US)
Where can I get tickets for UFC on ABC 4? Click here to buy tickets for UFC on ABC 4
What channel is UFC on ABC 4 on? BT Sport 2
Where can I stream UFC on ABC 4? BT Sport subscribers can stream the fight online via the BT Sport website
For viewers in the United States, the event will be shown live on ESPN+ and you can sign up for access as part of a Disney Bundle here!
ANTHONY SMITH VS JOHNNY WALKER LOWDOWN
Anthony Smith (36-17) seemed unsure of his future when he lost two on the bounce to back in 2020. He got mauled and TKO’d by Glover Teixeira and then outpointed by Aleksandar Rakic, However, he found a new spark to reel off three first-round finishes earning two ‘Performance of the Night’ bonuses. He submitted Devin Clark (2020) and Ryan Spann (2021) which sandwiched a TKO over Jimmy Crute (2021). However, he fell short at the top level once again getting TKO’d by Magomed Ankalaev in July last year to lose the momentum.
Johnny Walker (20-7) is even more inconsistent and started last year going 1-4 in his last five. He got outpointed by Thiago Santos (2021) and knocked out by the current champion Jamahal Hill (2022) but then went on to display the pedigree that labelled him a future title challenger. He submitted Ion Cutelaba (2022) and then TKO’d Paul Craig back in January.
ANTHONY SMITH VS JOHNNY WALKER PREDICTION
This is a very interesting match-up and tough to predict mainly due to how inconsistent Walker is. He has the ability to blow Smith out the water with his striking, but if he is hesitant to throw, Smith will pile on the volume to chip away and drain the gas tank.
Smith gives up size and power, but he has some of them most underrated jiu-jitsu in the division, so he will not mind the wrestling exchanges and will relish tangling on the mat.
This was originally a five-round main event but has been changed to three rounds which will suit Walker. He can afford to be more explosive and take risks in the form of jumping knees and spinning attacks. We may also see him mix in takedowns to cash in on Smith’s suspect takedown defence.
The odds reflect how close this is to call. We are backing Smith’s experience, cardio and durability to survive the gunfire and grind out a decision. However, we can also see a Walker knockout in any round.
Prediction: Smith via Decision - CLICK HERE FOR PARIMATCH'S WELCOME OFFER (BET £5, GET £30 IN BONUSES!)
Value Bet: Walker via KO/TKO
