Mixed martial arts is moving at a frenetic pace in 2023 with a handful of historic fights already this year. As the UFC heads to Kansas City this weekend, no belts are on the line, however there’s still plenty to watch and bet on as lightweight’s Max Holloway and Arnold Allen step into the ring together.
America’s Holloway enters this fight seeking redemption after being thoroughly dispatched by Alexander Volkanovski in one of the bouts of the year last year. He’ll have an edge in experience, but fresh face Arnold Allen carries the benefit of a far less tarnished record and will be eager to keep it that way. Which of these lightweights will concede ground on Saturday night?
We break down all of the latest odds from bookmaker William Hill and analyze the best bets to make on Holloway vs. Allen this weekend.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: April 14th, 11:30 P.M. (GMT)
Looking at the outright winner odds for this main event at the UFC on ESPN 44, we can see that bookmaker William Hill has Max Holloway as the marginal favourite to win this clash. The American has odds of 1.53 to win compared to Allen’s 2.50. Going a little deeper into the odds, bookies say this one will likely end in a Holloway decision, with that being the most likely method of victory at 2.50. From here, the next highest result in the odds is Holloway winning by knockout before an Allen decision comes in at 4.33. Either fighter winning through submission is looking very unlikely, paying 13.00 for each.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: April 14th, 11:30 P.M. (GMT)
There’s a good chance this one will go the distance. Both fighters have proven to have great stamina and will have no trouble fighting the full quota here. While Allen has won his last two clashes by knockout, including an impressive first round KO against Dan Hooker, prior to these he won four in a row on points. For Holloway, there’s no question about his ability to go the distance, something the American has done in his past seven fights.
Something to note is the form of each fighter heading into this clash. Holloway is the more proven quantity—he’s an elite fighter that has fought the best of the best and been around the block before. However, he comes into this match-up having lost four of his past seven bouts with an overall record of 23-7-0. Allen, on the other hand, is on a 12 fight win streak, holding a near perfect record of 19-1-0.
Admittedly, this is the biggest fight of Allen’s career. We say this will be mighty tight as well. Holloway should win on points and prove that he still has the pedigree to get it done in the Octagon, but don’t be surprised if Allen gets the better of him too. Back Allen will bring the best return, so those after a bigger payout would be advised to wager on an Allen knockout.
