Point of interest: Odds and opinions
The oddsmakers and public seem to be favoring the more familiar name, listing Pettis -145 and Bandejas +120 as of this writing.
Although I don’t disagree with Pettis being favored, I can also see why this is a closely lined fight considering that Bandejas is not one to be slept on.
Bandejas is no stranger to coming through in underdog spots, as he has more than enough power and competency to replicate Pettis’ lone knockout loss to Ryan Benoit back at UFC 185. However, as we saw in Pettis’ Bellator debut, his muscle memory, nor his intentions, are easily shook under fire.
It’s a deceptively hard call to make, but I’ll take Pettis’ crisper striking and overall process, as I see his counter crosses and high kicks having some real play from a stylistic standpoint. Bandejas will definitely have his moments throughout this fight, I’m just not sure it will be enough to secure the scorecards should he not score a stoppage before the final bell.
Prediction: Pettis by decision