The UFC returns to the Apex Centre in Las Vegas this coming Saturday. Heavyweight brutes will throw down in the evening’s co-main event, and we’re supplementing all your wagering needs.
Read on for our complete betting guide taking a first look at Ben Rothwell vs. Marcos Rogerio de Lima, including the updated UFC odds and our free expert UFC in Vegas 42 betting picks, predictions, and analysis.
UFC Heavyweight Co-Main Event Bout
Ben Rothwell vs. Marcos Rogerio de Lima
Saturday, November 13, 2021 – 10:05 PM EDT at UFC Apex Centre
Ben Rothwell
- Pro MMA Record: (39-13-0) (22 KOs, 13 Submission)
- Age: 40
- Height: 6’4"
- Reach: 80.0"
- Training Out Of: Rothwell MMA/Roufusport
- Origin Fighting Style: Kickboxing/Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
A troubled childhood that often involved fighting and violence led the 6ft 4inch, 265lb Ben Rothwell into his mixed martial arts career. Stumbling upon a gym owned by the UFC’s first-ever welterweight champion, Pat Miletich, is where Rothwell initiated his long-life career in the world of MMA.
A professional since 2001, 40-year-old Rothwell has now been involved in 52 pro MMA bouts, 16 of which took place on the grandest stage of them all – The Ultimate Fighting Championship octagon.
Knockout power and a keen eye for a submission finish make Rothwell a complicated competitor to face. Although he’s never held UFC gold, the Wisconsin native has been a heavyweight gatekeeper for over a decade.
Ben Rothwell MMA Accomplishments
- USMMA Heavyweight Championship (One time, first)
- UFC Performance of the Night (Two times) vs Alistair Overeem & Josh Barnett
- UFC Knockout of the Night (One time) vs. Brendan Schaub
Ben Rothwell Best Available Odds: -141 with BetOnline (visit our BetOnline Review)
Marcos Rogerio de Lima
- Pro MMA Record: (18-7-1) (10 KOs, 7 Submissions)
- Age: 36
- Height: 6’1"
- Reach: 75.0"
- Training Out Of: 011 MMA Team/American Top Team
- Origin Fighting Style: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
The heavy-hitting Brazilian Marcos Rogerio de Lima is quite the anomaly. Initially practicing Jiu-Jitsu to a black belt level in his home country, de Lima has rarely utilized and has often been on the wrong end of submission finishes. He stormed the national MMA circuit in Brazil before arriving in America, where the level of competition has seemed to cause him a streaky record.
There’s no doubting that de Lima can leave the opposition unconscious. Still, since his arrival to the UFC following a stint on The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil, he’s failed to find consecutive victories making him a cause for concern in the betting market.
The Sao Paulo born martial artist has a 7-5 UFC record, and strangely enough, the BJJ black belts losses for the promotion are 100% via submission.
Rogerio de Lima Available Odds: +135 with Bovada (visit our Bovada Review)
UFC in Vegas 42: Rothwell vs. De Lima Breakdown and Analysis
De Lima Fight Style & How Can de Lima Beat Rothwell?
It may not be the popular opinion, but even throughout de Lima’s recent losses, I’ve noticed an evolution in his MMA game that could easily takeout an aging Ben Rothwell. De Lima’s takedown defense looked impressive versus Romanov, an ability I believe he’ll need to have ready against Rothwell.
For the offensive side, de Lima can be found starting and ending his combinations with low kicks, an area where Rothwell becomes uncomfortable. De Lima will own a speed advantage, and should he avoid the takedowns, I can’t envision him losing a striking battle.
Rothwell Fight Style & How Can Rothwell Beat de Lima?
Rothwell was well known for his fearless pressure and walking-down style, accepting shots no matter the opponent. However, through close inspection of his recent contests, he’s seemingly lost a certain level of confidence and has seemed tentative when exchanging strikes. This could be age-related, but he’s undoubtedly fighting outside his prime years and should attempt to avoid a striking battle with de Lima.
I believe Rothwell’s most significant path to victory would fall behind a grappling/submission game plan. I’ve already mentioned the horrific submission defense of de Lima, which has produced all 5 of his UFC losses to end in this manner. In addition, the Brazilian gets tired quickly, making him an easy target for a wrestling approach followed by a chokehold to end his night.
Ben Rothwell vs. Marcos Rogerio de Lima Betting Picks and UFC Vegas Odds
The available odds at Bookmakers Review favor the veteran in Ben Rothwell, but a severe decline in output and speed makes this position a risky one.
Outside of Rothwell landing a takedown, the striking combinations of de Lima will be money in the judges’ eyes. I envision a mixture of low-kick, straight punch combinations leading the underdog to a unanimous victory.
UFC in Vegas 42 Pick: Marcos Rogerio de Lima (+135) with BetOnline
*The line and/or odds on picks in this article might have moved since the content was commissioned. For updated line movements, visit BMR’s free betting odds product.
