UFC 272: Devonte Smith vs Ludovit Klein Prediction & Betting

Two top finishers are looking to rebound from their respective losses, in what looks to be an exciting second fight of the night. Devonte Smith is a knockout machine with a 100% finish rate in his 11 wins, 10 of which come by way of KO/TKO. His opponent, Ludovit Klein is looking to make his mark in the UFC, and also possesses insane finishing ability, with 16 of his 17 professional victories coming by finish. This fight has banger written all over it. Let’s begin.

Devonte Smith vs Ludovit Klein Prediction

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Devonte Smith is one year older, and one inch taller than Klein, and has a whopping 76 inch reach, so presumably he has the reach advantage. This works in Smith’s favour as he prefers exchanging punches, he’s incredibly reactionary and bouncy on his feet. Smith utilises parries and straight punches, but can also counter off the back foot, his power is impressive and should be respected by Klein.

Devonte Smith UFC
Devonte Smith knocking out Julian Erosa in his UFC debut

Klein may struggle with Smith’s style as his hands tend to dip as he bounces. He’s light on the feet but not as light as Smith, who may take advantage of the slower, shorter fighter with his lengthy jab. Smith isn’t afraid to win a fight by way of attrition, which is evident in his DWCS victory over Joseph Lowry, where he was patient with the jab and battered Lowry’s face from range until he shot for a takedown. Smith also demonstrated good takedown defence in his DWCS fight when defending that takedown; his long legs provide a good support frame for defensive positions, and allow him to rain down sharp elbows on his opponent’s head.

Ludovit Klein is the one to watch this saturday night.
Ludovit Klein finishing Shane Young

It’s still worth noting that Klein has incredible finishing ability and will remain a threat on the feet. However, one has to fall, and I predict Devonte Smith takes this fight by way of KO/TKO.

My pick – Devonte Smith by KO/TKO

Devonte Smith vs Ludovit Klein Betting Suggestion

Bet365 has Devonte Smith as the favourite to win at 4/7 (£7 bet nets you £4 profit). It seems fairly safe to pick Devonte Smith to win outright, if not by finish for slightly better odds.

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Mathew Riddle MMA

Mathew Riddle

Mathew is a combat sports journalist & designer. His past bylines include Sports Illustrated, Heavy on UFC, Sport Skeeda, MMA UK, and MMA Sucka.