UFC 260: Jamie Mullarkey vs Khama Worthy Picks, Odds, and Predictions

Khama Worthy and Jamie Mullarkey fight Saturday in UFC 260 at the UFC APEX.

Khama Worthy enters this fight with a 16-7 record and has won 56 percent of his fights by knockout. Worthy has won seven of his last eight fights and is coming off a September loss to Ottman Azaitar. Worthy is averaging 4.12 significant strikes per minute with an accuracy percentage of 47 percent. Worthy is averaging zero takedowns with an accuracy percentage of zero percent. Worthy is coming off a first round knockout loss at UFC Vegas 10 that snapped a seven-fight winning streak. Worthy is now 2-1 under the UFC banner and he’s been knocked out in six of his seven career losses. Worthy is a power striker with a purple belt in BJJ and 15 of his last 17 fights have ended in finishes. Worthy is most comfortable on his feet where he can let his hands go and push the pace, but his questionable chin leaves serious risk in his fighting style. Worthy has enough good takedown defense to get by, but he’ll have to become more comfortable on the canvas if he’s ever going to be a factor in this division, and he’ll turn 35 years old later this year. This will be Worthy’s third career fight in Las Vegas.

Jamie Mullarkey enters this fight with a 12-4 record and has won 67 percent of his fights by knockout. Mullarkey has split his last eight fights and is coming off an October loss to Fares Ziam. Mullarkey is averaging 1.87 significant strikes per minute with an accuracy percentage of 33 percent. Mullarkey is averaging four takedowns with an accuracy percentage of 30 percent. Mullarkey is coming off a decision loss at UFC Fight Night 180 where he landed 29 total strikes and produced five takedowns. Mullarkey drops to 0-2 under the UFC banner and has now lost two of his three career decisions. Mullarkey is a technical striker who works his jab well, mixes in kicks and has eight career knockouts, so his power is no joke. Mullarkey does have a brawler feel to his attack and he does some of his best work with the ground and pound. If he’s ever going to be a factor on this stage, Mullarkey has to improve his takedown defense and his conditioning.

This should be an interesting fight between two power strikers with questionable chins, so you can make a case for either side. In terms of where I lean, I’ll take the under 1.5 rounds. Both fighters are finishers and strong candidates of either producing a knockout or being slept themselves. Out of 39 combined fights, these guys have seen just seven decisions. I expect an aggressive fight from the start and an early stoppage.

Give me the under 1.5 rounds.