The UFC will close out the year with two heavyweight bangers going toe-to-toe for the final event of 2021. Derrick Lewis, who fought for the title in 2018, will face Chris Daukaus on December 18th at the UFC Apex Center in Las Vegas. The card will be airing live exclusively on ESPN+ at 7:00 PM EST.

UFC Betting Sites

Daukaus, who also works for the Philadelphia Police Department, is coming off 5-straight knockout victories and will test himself against his first top-five opponent in the UFC. Lewis looks to recover from a TKO loss to heavyweight title challenger Cyril Gane at UFC 265 for the interim heavyweight title.

When: 7:00 PM EST, December 18, 2021

Where: UFC Apex Center, Las Vegas, Nevada

Watch: ESPN+

Derrick Lewis vs. Chris Daukaus Prediction

Chris Daukaus is unbeaten and has left behind a trail of knockouts during his climb up the UFC rankings. He has excellent movement in the cage, and his striking is clean and technical. However, the caliber of competition he has faced isn’t at the same level as Derrick Lewis.

Before his latest loss, Lewis was on a four-fight winning streak, including a knockout victory over top heavyweight contender Curtis Blaydes. Lewis has shown the ability to work his way out of bad spots in the past, and if he lands that right hand, it’s lights out. In a striker vs. striker matchup, all it takes is for one of those bombs to find its mark and the show is over.

Best Bet: Derrick Lewis by Knockout (+115)

UFC Betting Guide

Stephen Thompson vs. Belal Muhammad Prediction

Belal Muhammads’ last fight ended in a no-contest after an accidental eye poke against Leon Edwards. Before that, Edwards won his previous six contests and only lost once since 2017. He has a well-rounded game and can decide to take this fight to the ground if he needs to.

Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson is a UFC legend and one of the best strikers in the UFC. With his karate style and elusive stance, finding training partners to prepare for a wonderboy fight is a significant challenge his opponents face. While he has lost a few of his recent fights, he is still a tough outing for anyone in the welterweight division.

Best Bet: Stephen Thompson by Decision (-240)

Amanda Lemos vs. Angela Hill Prediction

Angela Hill is a workhorse for the UFC and one of the most active fighters on the roster. She has an aggressive style and likes to pressure her opponents by staying in their faces and throwing strikes. Hill looks to bounce back from a decision loss to Tecia Torres but will a tall mountain to climb with Amanda Lemos.

Lemos has won four fights in a row since a disappointing debut in which she lost her only professional fight. She likes to back her opponents up with kicks before landing combinations with her hands against the cage. She is tough to take down and can mix in takedowns of her own if necessary. Lemos is on a tear and looks to have the momentum going into this matchup.

Best Bet: Amanda Lemos by Decision (-335)

Boxing Betting Guide

UFC Vegas 45 Betting Odds

Derrick Lewis (+120) vs. Chris Daukaus (-140)

Stephen Thompson (-240) vs. Belal Muhammad (+190)

Amanda Lemos (-335) vs. Angela Hill (+255)

Raphael Assuncao (+200) vs. Ricky Simon (-250)

Diego Ferreira (+145) vs. Mateusz Gamrot (-175)

Cub Swanson (-200) vs. Darren Elkins (+170)

View our latest sports betting guides and gambling news.