Zhumagulov vs Johnson Prediction, Fight Preview, Live Stream, Odds & Picks
Fight Night Prelims Headlined by Flyweights Needing a Win
UFC Odds Favor Johnson Against Zhumagulov
When you put two desperate fighters against each other, you may just see one of the best fights of the evening. Flyweights Zhalgas Zhumagulov and Charles Johnson both need a win to stay in the UFC. The UFC betting lines expect the latter to be the one saving his job, while the totals also have this most likely going to a decision.
Let’s check the latest UFC odds, and stats, for Zhumagulov vs Johnson. We’ve plenty of UFC 282 odds for you to consider.
Johnson Showed Out in Loss
Johnson debuted in the UFC with a brutal assignment against Muhammad Mokaev, the unbeaten phenom. You can tell the UFC likes him for that and is giving him a significant step down in competition against Zhumagulov, who is also a grappler but nowhere near Mokaev’s level.
No love lost between these two 💔
[ #UFCLondon | Tomorrow | Prelims 12pmET | LIVE on @ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/0CGC6rqaje
@MuhammadMokaev welcomes @InnerGMMA to the Octagon tomorrow!— UFC (@ufc) July 22, 2022
The American is thus expected to handle business against Zhumagulov, who the UFC tends to “feed” to make fighters they like to look good. Johnson will be bigger than Zhumagulov, and he should have a striking edge. Even against Mokaev, Johnson was landing the harder shots.
Training out of Tiger Muay Thai, Johnson trains under one of the most prolific MMA gyms that features the likes of Rafael Fiziev (his striking coach) and Petr Yan. The former LFA champion has a bright future and is worth betting on online in the UFC.
Zhumagulov Needs to Recapture Pre-UFC Form
With a 1-4 record in the UFC, Zhumagulov looks like he is not cut to be in the promotion. However, the Kazakh fighter was one of the best outside the UFC. He dominated in Fight Nights Global and beat UFC-caliber opponents like Tagir Ulanbekov and Tyson Nam.
Zhumagulov is small even for the flyweight division, but he’s outworked and out-grappled many of his opponents. It just has not translated in the UFC, as his 18 percent takedown accuracy will attest. If he can’t get Johnson to the ground, Zhumagulov will have to find a way to win on his feet.
That may prove to be a task, as he has shown poor endurance and defense. But with his job on the line, Zhumagulov may just go outside himself to ensure he wins the fight. Bettors can look at the online sportsbook for a Round 1 win for Zhumagulov at 12-1. Crazier things have happened recently.
Zhumagulov vs Johnson Head-to-Head
Johnson is the bigger fighter against Zhumagulov. The favorite has a four-inch reach advantage and is taller by five inches. He is also three years younger than Zhumagulov.
Zhumagulov vs Johnson Fight Information
- Fighters: Zhumagulov (14-7-0) vs Johnson (11-3-0)
- Location: UFC Apex, Las Vegas, Nevada
- Day/Time: Saturday, Nov. 19th, 3:35 p.m. ET
- Zhumagulov vs Johnson Live Stream: UFC Fight Pass
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Zhumagulov vs Johnson Betting Lines
Zhumagulov vs Johnson Picks & Prediction
This is a straightforward fight. Johnson will keep the fight standing and outstrike Zhumagulov to win a decision or get a late finish. Zhumagulov will start strong and could even win the first round against Johnson. But he will fade down the stretch as Johnson stuffs his takedowns and picks him apart on their feet. A live bet on Johnson after round 1 is one of the best UFC bets here.
Charles Johnson is listed at -165 in our Vegas UFC lines. This means that if you wager $100 on him, you have a chance to win $61. Zhalgas Zhumagulov is +135, offering a chance to win $135 on a $100 wager. Bet on UFC Right Away!
The implied probability attached to the betting lines gives Johnson a 62.26% chance to win, with Zhumagulov at 42.55%
