Thomas Gantt vs. Artur Minev prediction, odds, pick for UFC Vegas 117

We’re back with another prediction and pick for UFC Vegas 117 as we turn attention towards this next bout in the Lightweight (155) Division. Debuting talents will face off as North Carolina’s Thomas Gantt welcomes Ukraine’s Artur Minev in what should be a close scrap. Check our UFC odds series for the Gantt-Minev prediction and pick.

Thomas Gantt (11-0) will make his UFC debut following a successful submission win on Dana White’s Contender Series. He’s a former collegiate wrestler and international wrestling champion, expecting to win his debut after switching opponents just days from fight night. Gantt stands 5-foot-11 with a 67-inch reach.

Artur Minev (7-0) will also make his UFC debut in relief of Trey Ogden following a last-minute pull out to this original bout. At just 22 years old, he’s a very fresh talent internationally but will have the opportunity to make a big impression with a win as the underdog in this short-notice debut. Minev stands 5-foot-9, his reach is unknown.

UFC Vegas 117 Odds, courtesy of DraftKings. 

UFC Vegas 117 Odds: Thomas Gantt-Artur Minev Odds

Thomas Gantt: -198

Artur Minev: +164

Why Thomas Gantt Will Win

• Last Fight: (W) Adam Livingston – SUB (guillotine, R1)
• Last 5: 5-0
• Finishes: 5 KO/TKO, 5 SUB

Thomas Gantt will make his UFC debut on Saturday following a successful Contender Series audition where he notched a submission finish via guillotine in the first round. He was originally slated to fight UFC’s Trey Ogden during this debut, but a last-minute withdraw will task him with a fellow debuting fighter as he comes in the stern betting favorite.

Gantt comes in as a former collegiate wresting standout and Pan American wrestling champion, so expect the grappling to be the focus of his game plan early into this fight. His new opponent has relatively similar experience from an MMA standpoint, but Gantt has been competing under the brightest lights since his youth. This debut should see a cool, calm, and collected version of Gantt as he has all the confidence in the world when it comes to his wrestling.

As a result, Gantt has grown to favor the guillotine submission and will be looking for it throughout the whole fight against Minev. His squeeze and body control when grappling are at an elite level and if he’s able to force his style of fight upon his opponent, we could be in for another quick finish from the blue chip wrestler.

Why Artur Minev Will Win

• Last Fight: (W) Derek Campos – TKO (strikes, R1)
• Last 5: 5-0
• Finishes: 4 KO/TKO, 2 SUB

Artur Minev steps into his UFC debut on just three day’s notice, forgoing a shot on Dana White’s Contender Series and quickly giving himself a chance to make a splash into the Lightweight roster. At just 22 years old, there’s not a ton of film on him given his seven professional fights, but he comes in with a 4-0 record at Fury FC and is clearly showing a ton of future potential if he’s on the UFC’s radar this early.

During his last fight against Derek Campos, Minev remained extremely methodical through the opening round and allowed his opponent to close the distance himself. Fighting behind a lower stance, Minev is extremely patient in letting his opponents open up their offense while defending himself and awaiting the counter strike. He caught Campos with a perfect check left hook, displaying his one-punch knockout power to drop his opponent and finish the fight.

Still, Minev will have to work on his defense as his level of competition will take a huge leap in the UFC. Gantt seems like the more polished prospect up to this point, but everything changes if Minev is able to find a home with his lead jab early. He’s also equally powerful with both hands and will have a ton of striking weapons at his disposal in searching for the knockout.

Final Thomas Gantt-Artur Minev Prediction & Pick

This should be an interesting fight given Minev’s short notice heading into this bout. Thomas Gantt is much more experienced and has world-class wrestling to lean back on, a huge advantage over his opponent in this fight. Still, Minev is a one-punch knockout artist already and at just 22 years old, his chin should be much more durable opposite his opponent in this one.

Artur Minev will stand to see a ton of success if he’s able to keep this fight standing and slowly lull Gantt into one of his check hooks or straight rights. However, Gantt will likely lean on his wrestling given the change in opponents, so we could see a bout where he’s controlling from the ground for the vast majority.

For our final prediction, we’ll roll with Thomas Gantt to earn the win, but it may be much tougher to secure than the betting lines indicate as Minev should offer stern striking resistance through the first round.

Final Thomas Gantt-Artur Minev Prediction & Pick: Thomas Gantt (-198)

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