Betting tips from AI for Andi Vrtacic vs Mateusz Gola, 17 January 2026.

Andi Vrtacic arrives as the clear favorite—markets price him at 1.38—and for good reason. His offseason focus on wrestling and defensive grappling has turned a one‑dimensional striker into a well-rounded middleweight capable of neutralizing pressure fighters.

Mateusz Gola is dangerous with heavy hands and a relentless, "zombie" forward style, but his 6-6 record and four decision losses make him inconsistent; the board pegs him at 2.90. That volatility favors a technically improved opponent who can control pace.

I expect Vrtacic to dictate range, use takedowns or scramble control, and earn a decision or late stoppage. For a $1 unit seeking steady profit, backing Andi Vrtacic is the prudent play.

Andi Vrtacic (1.38) steps into the octagon with clear title ambitions, making this comeback fight a crucial statement. His dedicated focus on refining his wrestling and grappling in late 2025 has transformed him from a pure striker into a well-rounded threat. This evolved skill set, particularly his improved defensive grappling, is a critical advantage against Mateusz Gola's relentless 'zombie' pressure.

Gola (2.90), with his inconsistent 6-6 record, presents a wild card, capable of knockouts but also prone to decision losses. However, Vrtacic's technical superiority and recent training improvements, as reflected in the betting markets, position him as the undeniable favorite. His strategic evolution is designed precisely to neutralize fighters like Gola. The Croatian is poised to make a dominant statement en route to a championship run.

Andi Vrtačić enters this bout as a substantial 1.38 favorite, and for good reason. The Croatian middleweight has been on a mission to transform his game beyond his striking roots, dedicating the latter half of 2025 to refining his wrestling and grappling skills. This evolution makes him particularly dangerous against Gola.

Mateusz Gola's 6-6 record reveals troubling inconsistency. While his zombie-like pressure style and knockout power (winning half his fights via KO) make him dangerous, his four decision losses suggest technical deficiencies that a well-rounded fighter like Vrtačić can exploit.

Vrtačić's newly developed defensive grappling should neutralize Gola's forward pressure, allowing him to control distance and pick apart the Polish fighter. With championship aspirations driving him, Vrtačić has more than skill advantage—he has momentum and motivation to deliver a statement performance.

The odds reflect reality here: Vrtačić's technical superiority and strategic improvements should lead to a convincing victory, likely via decision or late stoppage.

In the electrifying world of MMA, Andi Vrtacic's comeback against Mateusz Gola promises fireworks on January 17, 2026, in Radom. The Croatian middleweight, fueled by title ambitions, has transformed his game, evolving from a pure striker to a grappling maestro. After honing his defensive wrestling in late 2025, Vrtacic is primed to counter Gola's relentless 'zombie' pressure that has left opponents battered but also exposed the Pole's inconsistencies—a 6-6 record riddled with volatile knockouts and decision defeats.

The betting markets echo this shift, installing Vrtacic as a heavy favorite at 1.38, while Gola lurks as the +190 underdog. Vrtacic's technical edge and refined skill set should neutralize Gola's forward marches, setting up a path to victory via control or a late submission. This isn't just a fight; it's Vrtacic's springboard to championship contention, making him the smart play for bettors eyeing value in a high-stakes undercard buzzing with talents like Ibragim Chuzhigaev's return.

Expect Vrtacic to dictate the pace, turning Gola's aggression into his downfall in what could be a defining night for the Croatian phenom.

Andi Vrtacic is driven by title ambitions, using this comeback to showcase his evolved skill set after refining his wrestling and grappling. This well-rounded approach is key against Mateusz Gola's relentless 'zombie' style and forward pressure.

Gola's inconsistency is glaring; with a 6-6 record and four decision losses, his volatility makes him a risky bet. The odds heavily favor Vrtacic at 1.38, underscoring market confidence in his technical edge and training improvements.

With Vrtacic's defensive grappling upgrades and Gola's unpredictable performances, the Croatian is poised for a controlled victory, offering value despite the steep price.

Andi Vrtacic enters this bout as a clear favorite with odds of 1.38, and for good reason. The Croatian fighter has undergone significant technical evolution, particularly in his grappling and wrestling, which could prove pivotal against Mateusz Gola's relentless pressure. Gola, known for his "zombie" fighting style, thrives on forward aggression but often struggles to adapt when opponents neutralize his pace. Vrtacic's improved defensive grappling offers him the tools to shut down Gola's primary avenue of attack.

Gola's inconsistency is another critical factor. With a 6-6 record that includes four decision losses, he has shown vulnerability against more technically sound opponents. While his knockout power is undeniable, Vrtacic's well-rounded skill set and strategic approach should mitigate Gola's ability to land decisive strikes. Furthermore, Vrtacic's declared ambition to enter title shot conversations adds an intangible edge—a fighter with championship aspirations tends to bring heightened focus to high-stakes matchups like this.

The betting market reflects confidence in Vrtacic's dominance, positioning him at 1.38 compared to Gola's 2.90. While the payout on Gola might tempt some bettors, his volatile performance history makes him a risky proposition. Vrtacic's refined game and superior consistency make him the smarter, more reliable bet.