The smallest welterweight in the UFC isn’t a betting favorite this Saturday. While it may be surprising that the formerly undefeated Gunnar Nelson (13-1-1) is the underdog against the Brandon Thatch (12-2), perhaps the oddsmakers haven’t factored in what Gunni looks like recently.
The Mjölnir/ SBGi fighter’s walk around weight has never been too far from the 170 lbs weight limit, making him a at least one weight class smaller than other welterweights in today’s huge weight-cutting standard. While it has never seemed to make too much of a difference as Nelson hadn’t loss in his first 14 bouts, Gunni and team looks to have made a strategic decision since his split decision loss last October to Rick Story.
Recent pictures of Nelson have shown that he has transformed in the last 8 months since his last bout, making the playing field in terms of weight at least a little closer for the grappling prodigy. “Defo” answered coach John_Kavanagh, when asked on Twitter if indeed Nelson was “bulking up”.
UFC 189 takes place July 11th at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, and facing the Iceland fighter will be facing the massive Thatch. The bout is seen by many as a grappler versus striker, in addition to big size difference. The Colorado based fighter was last in action versus Benson Henderson at UFC Fight Night 60 in February, where he was submitted by the former champion.
Most popular betting sites will give you $150 in winnings, if you bet $100 on Nelson. On the other side, you have to bet $185 to get back $100 in winnings if you take the Thatch.
While Nelson will still be the smaller man (and probably always will) in this welterweight matchup, perhaps the grappling skills plus the bulkier Nelson may make the difference in this intriguing matchup.
Are the oddsmakers right or wrong? We will find out on the main card this Saturday.
