Devonte Smith vs. Ludovit Klein Betting Odds, Picks for UFC 272

Devonte Smith vs. Ludovit Klein

Crowdsourced Projections: Devonte Smith (53.9%) 

I had higher expectations for Klein coming into the UFC, and he debuted with an impressive high kick knockout against Shane Young:

However, "Mr. Highlight" has looked much better when he's able to dictate the pace and push his opponents backward, rather than the other way around. And when he gets stuck counterpunching, his volume tends to fall off dramatically.

I would give him slight edges in durability and cardio, in addition to the grappling upside against Smith, who's a glass cannon boxer with fast hands and a 100% finish rate (wins and losses) in his 14 professional fights.

I wouldn't be surprised to see Klein land that same left high kick competition that he loves to put Smith out, and I ultimately expect one of these two to fall in an extended exchange.

Ultimately, what I like here at the plus money number is both the grappling upside and Klein's potential cardio advantage after moving up from 145 to 155 for this fight.

I wouldn't bet Klein's moneyline below +125 (projected +117). Still, he's a worthy underdog play in what likely amounts to a close/competitive decision or a violent coin flip in the center of the cage.

I also value the fight to end inside the distance (projected -210, listed as low as -175) depending on the book, which is another way I'm considering playing the fight.

Bets

• Ludovit Klein (+130, 0.5u)