Dec 3, 2022; Orlando, Florida, USA; Niko Price (red gloves) fights Phil Rowe (blue gloves) during UFC Fight Night at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

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Niko Price vs. Jacobe Smith Preview, Predictions, MMA Betting Odds

Get to know the betting odds, prediction and picks for the upcoming Niko Price vs. Jacobe Smith fight at UFC 317!

Dec 3, 2022; Orlando, Florida, USA; Niko Price (red gloves) fights Phil Rowe (blue gloves) during UFC Fight Night at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

Over the years, fans have seen countless promising fighters enter the 170-pound shark tank only to discover that experience often trumps athleticism when the cage door closes. The division has produced some of the sport’s most memorable moments, from Matt Hughes’ legendary slams to Robbie Lawler’s bloody wars that left fans speechless.

At UFC 317, two fighters from completely different chapters of the welterweight story will collide in what promises to be an fascinating study in contrasts. Niko Price, the wild veteran who’s made a career out of doing the impossible at the worst possible moments, faces Jacobe Smith, an undefeated prospect whose perfect record and elite wrestling background suggest he might be the real deal.

Niko Price vs. Jacobe Smith Preview

Price’s 16-8 record with two no contests doesn’t tell the whole story of a fighter who’s spent years turning conventional wisdom upside down. Price has made a living out of snatching victory from the jaws of defeat. He often uses techniques that would make purists cringe but leave audiences on their feet. His arsenal includes everything from upkicks off his back to hammerfists that seem to come from another dimension entirely.

Jacobe Smith represents everything modern MMA prospects should be. He is undefeated, well-rounded, and backed by solid fundamentals. His 10-0 record isn’t padded with tomato cans either. Smith earned his UFC contract the hard way, steamrolling through Dana White’s Contender Series before announcing his arrival with a 73-second demolition of Preston Parsons.

Niko Price vs. Jacobe Smith MMA Betting Odds

The betting market has spoken. According to BetMGM, the oddsmakers have installed Jacobe Smith as a massive -2100 favorite. They have made Niko Price a tempting +1100 underdog. These odds suggest the bookmakers believe this fight is essentially a foregone conclusion, with Smith’s youth and wrestling advantage creating a stylistic mismatch.

The odds for the fight going the distance has also come out. Both these guys are finishers and the probability of the fight ending before the final bell is higher and the odds (-1000) reflect that. The odds for the fight seeing the judges scorecards stand at +570.

Niko Price vs. Jacobe Smith Predictions And Picks

This matchup shapes up as a classic veteran-versus-prospect scenario with clear paths to victory for both men. Smith’s game plan should be straightforward. He must use his superior wrestling to control where the fight takes place while avoiding the wild exchanges where Price thrives. His ability to mix takedowns with improving striking gives him multiple ways to dominate rounds and potentially find a finish.

Price’s path to victory requires him to turn this into the kind of chaotic brawl where technique takes a backseat to heart and determination. He needs to stuff Smith’s early takedown attempts and drag the undefeated prospect into deep waters where experience matters more than athletic advantages. If Price can survive the initial wrestling assault and turn this into a striking battle, his finishing instincts could produce another highlight-reel moment.

If we bet on the fight, we are going with Jacobe Smith to win the fight via KO/TKO.

(All Odds According to BetMGM: BetMGM offers exclusive promo codes, bonus deals and accurate odds for users upon signing up. Use BetMGM to ace your betting game in all sports!)

(Image Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck – Imagn Images)

Jacobe Smith

Niko Price

UFC 317

Zaid Quraishi

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I am a dedicated MMA and Boxing content writer at The Playoffs. I was instantly hooked on MMA after watching the fight between Lyoto Machida vs. Gegard Mousasi back in 2014, and since then, i have been an avid writer with a deep love for the sport and its techniques, providing readers with a thorough understanding of the sport. My favorite aspect of working at The Playoffs is the creative freedom it provides. The diverse range of topics, from listicles and SEO to news articles, keeps me engaged and motivates me to continuously improve my skills! I aim to capture the excitement of the combat sports world in my writing, acting as the middleman between fighters and their die-hard fans. It is kind of like a referee, but with words!