Johnny Walker vs. Jamahal Hill: UFC Fight Night betting odds, preview, and pick

Johnny Walker and Jamahal Hill headline the Feb. 19 edition of UFC Fight Night, and these big swinging light heavyweights are set to show out.

Let's dig into their bout, beginning with the latest betting odds available.

Hill is getting back on track

Hill got back on track with a huge win over fellow bruiser Jimmy Crute in his last bout, and he faces a similar style of opponent with Walker. Hill has a peculiar striking style that is hard to pin down, but he’s very strong and uses his footwork to fire off at unusual angles.

The unorthodox nature of his striking and his power can take him far, but his predictable shortcomings such as a leaky defense and non-existent ground game are things he’ll have to address against a desperate Walker.

Walker needs a big win to end slump

Just when it seemed inevitable that Walker was closing in on a light heavyweight title shot, his career hit the skids, and he’s still in the mud. An explosive striker in every sense, Walker operates with a high-octane style not unlike driving down the freeway blindfolded going 100 MPH. His kill-or-be-killed style has been both a service and detriment in recent bouts.

He’s lost three of his last four, with the lone win against Ryan Spann not coming easy. Because of his experience and big power, along with Hill’s propensity to strike wildly, it would behoove Walker to take a measured approach.

Hill will blast out Walker in a firefight

It would be appropriate for splash guards to be handed out prior to the first bell, because this could get bloody. Walker doesn’t seem to have the same confidence he showed prior to his losing streak, and his timid performance in a defeat to Thiago Santos reinforces that. One thing about Hill is that he’s hard to counter and he hits like a truck. Hill’s shots can come from all angles, and Walker will more than likely strike with Hill before trying to clinch him or try for a takedown.

Both guys are susceptible to getting stopped early, but Hill’s confidence and the strength of his recent showings gives him the edge. Expect Hill to blasts out Walker in a fun fight that should put the spotlight back on him in the evolving light heavyweight division.

UFC Fight Night pick: Hill