Undefeated Streak at Stake
Ilia Topuria puts his unbeaten streak on the line against star-bound Bryce Mitchell at UFC 282 on Saturday.
UFC betting markets have Topuria at -140 to improve to 13-0, but Mitchell is a star in the making and the +110 underdog will provide the action.
It’s a main-card fight and it could steal the show.
Let’s check the latest UFC fight card, stats, and UFC predictions for Mitchell vs Topuria. We’ve plenty of UFC fight night odds for you to consider.
Mitchell Bringing the Nasty
“Thug Nasty” has been delivering on the hype since joining the UFC and Mitchell has yet to lose in the company.
The 28-year-old defeated Edson Barboza by decision at UFC 272, and although he didn’t get the finish, it was a quality effort.
He didn’t fight in 2021 but his form in 2020 was excellent with wins over Andre Fili and Charles Rosa. However, fighting Topuria is by far his toughest test to date and he needs to improve slightly to win.
The sportsbook has Mitchell at +110, so he’s being respected. There is enough market confidence to suggest that he could win and he’s a confident fighter.
Despite his recent conspiracy theories blowing up in his face, including being a flat-earther, Mitchell could let his hands do the talking.
“Me and my mamma will tell you right now this earth is flat. It ain’t moving around at no 6000 mph, spinning at 1000 mph and floating through the universe constantly,” Mitchell said.
“This earth is flat, it’s fixed, and the stars rotate around us, the sun rotates around us. I can prove that!”
While his beliefs have nothing to do with his MMA skills, we found it interesting. It could be a distraction, which isn’t what he wants ahead of his biggest fight.
Scoop on Free Play from the Locker Room
Topuria Pushing Georgian Dominance
The Georgian fighters are on a tear in the UFC and Topuria is a big part of that.
He is 12-0 and he’s only 25 years old, so there is plenty more to come for the Las Vegas UFC lines favorite.
Topuria comes off a knockout win over Jai Herbert in the second round, which followed a first-round knockout win of Ryan Hall.
Three of his four UFC wins have come by knockout, so we’re not expecting the fight to go the distance, especially against an explosive fighter in Mitchell.
Most of the pre-fight talk has been with Paddy Pimblett calling out Topuria, and they could meet in 2023 should they both win. Pimblett claims Topuria is a drug cheat, which isn’t founded on truth, but it makes for great drama.
“I’ve got myself a house,” Paddy Pimblett told BT Sport. “I don’t need to stay in a hotel with those mushrooms, that hand sanitizer boy [Ilia Topuria], and that – if I see him, lad, I’ll end up snapping his chin. So I’ll just stay away, lad, won’t get (in trouble) with NSAC (Nevada State Athletic Commission).”
If Topuria wants to keep his unbeaten run going, he needs to focus on Mitchell, who is crazy enough to attempt a flying knee in the first exchange, similar to what Jorge Masvidal applied on Ben Askren.
Mitchell vs Topuria Head-to-Head
It’s the first meeting between Mitchell and Topuria.
Mitchell vs Topuria Fight Information
- Fight: Mitchell (15-1) vs Topuria (12-0)
- Location: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas
- Day/Time: Saturday, Dec 10, 10 p.m. ET
- Mitchell vs Topuria Live Stream: UFC Fight Pass
Take a Look at These Other 2 UFC Special Articles
- UFC Fight Night Parlay to Fill Your Pockets
- Men’s MMA 2022 Season Review: Upsets Disturb P4P Rankings
Mitchell vs Topuria Betting Lines
Mitchell vs Topuria Picks & Prediction
There should be fireworks and non-stop action, but Topuria has the strength advantage and he’s our pick to come away with the win.
Stopping the Georgian fighters is proving easier said than done and we don’t think Mitchell is the man to stop the run.
Ilia Topuria is listed at -140 in our Vegas UFC lines. This means that if you wager $100 on Topuria, you have a chance to win $71. Bryce Mitchell is +110, offering a chance to win $110 on a $100 wager.
The implied probability attached to the betting lines gives Topuria a 58.33% chance to win, with Mitchell at 47.62%.
