Thomas Gantt vs. Artur Minev prediction, odds, pick for UFC Vegas 117

We’re back with one other prediction and pick for UFC Vegas 117 as we turn attention towards this next bout within the Lightweight (155) Division. Debuting talents will face off as North Carolina’s Thomas Gantt welcomes Ukraine’s Artur Minev in what ought to be an in depth scrap. Check our UFC odds series for the Gantt-Minev prediction and pick.

Thomas Gantt (11-0) will make his UFC debut following a successful submission win on Dana White’s Contender Series. He’s a former collegiate wrestler and international wrestling champion, expecting to win his debut after switching opponents just days from fight night. Gantt stands 5-foot-11 with a 67-inch reach.

Artur Minev (7-0) will even make his UFC debut in relief of Trey Ogden following a last-minute pull out to this original bout. At just 22 years old, he’s a really fresh talent internationally but could have the chance to make a giant impression with a win because the underdog on this short-notice debut. Minev stands 5-foot-9, his reach is unknown.

UFC Vegas 117 Odds, courtesy of DraftKings. 

UFC Vegas 117 Odds: Thomas Gantt-Artur Minev Odds

Thomas Gantt: -198

Artur Minev: +164

Why Thomas Gantt Will Win

• Last Fight: (W) Adam Livingston – SUB (guillotine, R1)
• Last 5: 5-0
• Finishes: 5 KO/TKO, 5 SUB

Thomas Gantt will make his UFC debut on Saturday following a successful Contender Series audition where he notched a submission finish via guillotine in the primary round. He was originally slated to fight UFC’s Trey Ogden during this debut, but a last-minute withdraw will task him with a fellow debuting fighter as he is available in the strict betting favorite.

Gantt is available in as a former collegiate wresting standout and Pan American wrestling champion, so expect the grappling to be the main target of his game plan early into this fight. His latest opponent has relatively similar experience from an MMA standpoint, but Gantt has been competing under the brightest lights since his youth. This debut should see a cool, calm, and picked up version of Gantt as he has all the boldness on this planet in relation to his wrestling.

In consequence, Gantt has grown to favor the guillotine submission and can be searching for it throughout the entire fight against Minev. His squeeze and body control when grappling are at an elite level and if he’s capable of force his form of fight upon his opponent, we could possibly be in for one more quick finish from the blue chip wrestler.

Why Artur Minev Will Win

• Last Fight: (W) Derek Campos – TKO (strikes, R1)
• Last 5: 5-0
• Finishes: 4 KO/TKO, 2 SUB

Artur Minev steps into his UFC debut on just three day’s notice, forgoing a shot on Dana White’s Contender Series and quickly giving himself a likelihood to make a splash into the Lightweight roster. At just 22 years old, there’s not a ton of film on him given his seven skilled fights, but he is available in with a 4-0 record at Fury FC and is clearly showing a ton of future potential if he’s on the UFC’s radar this early.

During his last fight against Derek Campos, Minev remained extremely methodical through the opening round and allowed his opponent to shut the space himself. Fighting behind a lower stance, Minev is incredibly patient in letting his opponents open up their offense while defending himself and awaiting the counter strike. He caught Campos with an ideal check left hook, displaying his one-punch knockout power to drop his opponent and finish the fight.

Still, Minev could have to work on his defense as his level of competition will take an enormous leap within the UFC. Gantt looks like the more polished prospect up thus far, but every part changes if Minev is capable of discover a home along with his lead jab early. He’s also equally powerful with each hands and could have a ton of striking weapons at his disposal in looking for the knockout.

Final Thomas Gantt-Artur Minev Prediction & Pick

This ought to be an interesting fight given Minev’s short notice heading into this bout. Thomas Gantt is rather more experienced and has world-class wrestling to lean back on, an enormous advantage over his opponent on this fight. Still, Minev is a one-punch knockout artist already and at just 22 years old, his chin ought to be rather more durable opposite his opponent on this one.

Artur Minev will stand to see a ton of success if he’s capable of keep this fight standing and slowly lull Gantt into one among his check hooks or straight rights. Nevertheless, Gantt will likely lean on his wrestling given the change in opponents, so we could see a bout where he’s controlling from the bottom for the overwhelming majority.

For our final prediction, we’ll roll with Thomas Gantt to earn the win, but it surely could also be much tougher to secure than the betting lines indicate as Minev should offer stern striking resistance through the primary round.

Final Thomas Gantt-Artur Minev Prediction & Pick: Thomas Gantt (-198)