UFC on ESPN 19: Hermansson vs. Vettori takes place on Saturday, December 5 at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada. The offshore sportsbooks recently opened up the betting odds for the event, and MMAOB staff writer Adam Martin takes a look at the opening odds below.
UFC on ESPN 19 Odds
Marvin Vettori -160
Jack Hermansson +140
Jamahal Hill -135
Ovince Saint Preux +115
Taila Santos -265
Montana de la Rosa +185
Roman Dolidze -200
John Allan +170
Gian Villante -161
Jake Collier +134
Movsar Evloev -350
Nate Landwehr +285
Jimmy Flick -222
Cody Durden +183
Ilia Topuria -170
Damon Jackson +145
Justin Jaynes -155
Gabriel Benitez +115
Jordan Leavitt -305
Matt Wiman +225
Louis Smolka -135
Jose Quinonez -105
Here are my initial thoughts on the UFC on ESPN 19 Opening Odds:
- The main event sees Jack Hermansson (21-5) take on Marvin Vettori (15-4-1), who was pulled on short notice from a fight against Ronaldo Souza at UFC 256 to fill in for Kevin Holland, who has COVID-19. For Hermansson, he was gunning for a top-five opponent but he’s just happy to still get a fight, and this is a tough one. The oddsmakers surprisingly opened up Vettori as the underdog here despite Hermansson being ranked No. 4 in the world compared to No. 13 for Vettori. I don’t really agree with these opening odds as I believe Hermansson deserved to be anointed the favorite here. I’ll have a full breakdown of this fight on the site later this week.
- The co-main event is a really fun one as Jamahal Hill (7-0, 1 NC) looks to jump into the top-15 at 205lbs with a win over veteran Ovince Saint Preux (25-14). Hill has looked great in the UFC, as he’s coming off of a knockout win over Klidson Abreu (which was later overturned to a No Contest due to a marijuana suspension). Hill is a long, dangerous striker with knockout power in all of his limbs. At age 29, he’s primed to take the next step in his MMA career and OSP is the perfect step up. OSP is coming off of a knockout win over Alonzo Menifield in his last fight which proved that he still has power in his 37-year-old bones. We also know that OSP is great on the ground if the fight goes there. His chin is a problem at times, though, and that’s where Hill will look to expose him. I agree with Hill being slightly favored, but don’t count out OSP.
- One of the top prospects in the UFC featherweight division returns when Movsar Evloev (13-0) takes on Nate Landwehr (14-3). Evloev has looked sharp in the UFC so far as he’s picked up three straight wins, albeit by decision. He’s only 25, though, and should continue to get better and hone his finishing skills and he gains experience in the Octagon. As for Landwehr, he’s coming off of a nice win over veteran Darren Elkins which proved he’s a UFC-caliber fighter. Landwehr is a fun guy to watch but I believe this is going to prove to be a bad matchup for him. Evloev should be able to dominate this fight with his wrestling and take home a decision.
