Update 6:08 p.m.: Khamzat Chimaev remains the big favorite, now up to -400 on the money line, and is getting 90% of the cash and 89% of the bets behind him. It makes John Phillips a +300 underdog, with 10% of the cash and 11% of the tickets written backing him.
A gatekeeper middleweight faces an undefeated UFC newcomer and prospect as John Phillips takes on Khamzat Chimaev on the preliminary card of UFC on ESPN 13 this Wednesday from Fight Island on ESPN+.
Phillips has a 1-3 record in the UFC, though his last fight was a 17 second knockout of Alen Amedovski. Prior to that he was giving out 2.64 strikes per minute, but receiving 5.01. He also has defended only 14% of takedown attempts. He’s got a 22-9 career record with 20 knockouts and two submissions.
Chimaev is 6-0 as an MMA fighter, and has yet to see the third round in his career with three KO’s and three submissions. He’s starred in the Brave promotion in his last four fights, which is based in the Middle East, and the 26-year-old from Sweden has a highlight video that looks pretty impressive.
Below are the betting splits at DraftKings Sportsbook for John Phillips vs. Khamzat Chimaev at UFC on ESPN 13 on July 15th:
Betting Splits
John Phillips: Opened +250, now +271 (8% of handle, 16% of bets)
Khamzat Chimaev: Opened -335, now -375 (92% of handle, 84% of bets)
Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ/WV/PA) or 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN) or 1-800-522-4700 (NH/CO). NH/NJ/WV/IN/PA/CO only. 21+ (18+ NH). Eligibility Restrictions Apply. See website for details.