UFC 288 Odds, Pick & Prediction for Kennedy Nzechukwu vs. Devin Clark: Sprinkle on This Decision Prop (Saturday, May 6)
Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images. Pictured: UFC light heavyweight Devin Clark
- An intriguing light heavyweight bout of Kennedy Nzechukwu vs. Devin Clark is part of Saturday's UFC 288 preliminary card.
- Devin Clark is the underdog in the matchup despite having a likely grappling edge.
- Below, Sean Zerillo breaks down the matchup and explains why a Clark prop bet could be the shrewd move.
Kennedy Nzechukwu vs. Devin Clark Odds
Kennedy Nzechukwu and Devin Clark look to build off some recent success when they meet each other on Saturday as part of the UFC 288 preliminary card.
The winner of this one could take another step up the 205-pound ladder.
But which vet has the edge?
Tale of the Tape
| Nzechukwu | Clark | |
|---|---|---|
| Record | 11-3 | 14-7 |
| Avg. Fight Time | 10:07 | 11:25 |
| Height | 6'5" | 6'0" |
| Weight (pounds) | 205 lbs. | 205 lbs. |
| Reach (inches) | 83" | 75" |
| Stance | Southpaw | Orthodox |
| Date of birth | 6/13/1992 | 4/12/1990 |
| Sig Strikes Per Min | 4.63 | 2.91 |
| SS Accuracy | 44% | 55% |
| SS Absorbed Per Min | 4.19 | 2.71 |
| SS Defense | 51% | 45% |
| Take Down Avg | 0.74 | 2.36 |
| TD Acc | 55% | 34% |
| TD Def | 80% | 59% |
| Submission Avg | 0.1 | 0.1 |
Nzechukwu is the much larger man, standing five inches taller with an eight-inch reach advantage, but Clark will use that length against him by winning the clinch battle up against the cage or landing takedowns.
At range, Nzechukwu should land cleaner strikes and more volume, but Clark can dictate where this fight takes place – and potentially dominate minutes with his grappling.
Both fighters are durable, and neither hits particularly hard for the division, but UFC light heavyweight bouts on average end inside the distance more than 60% of the time.
I don't see any edge on this fight's "over" or "goes the distance" prop, but that was my initial read.
Nzechukwu vs. Clark Pick
Clark has one finish in the UFC (over William Knight at heavyweight), but he's generally more of a point fighter who provides solid optics for judges (9-1 career in decisions).
While Nzechukwu could potentially have offensive grappling success of his own against a smaller opponent, he does seem to struggle to get off of his back. And I suspect that Clark can rack up substantial control time if he grapples from the outset.
I projected Clark's decision line at +277 and would poke that prop for small stakes.
The Pick: Devin Clark wins by Decision (+290, 0.1u) at FanDuel
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