UFC 156 main card betting odds are out, and all the betting experts are going over the fights with fine tooth comb to maximize success for their picks. Everyone knows that there’s never a “sure thing” in the sport of MMA, but as a pro betting advocate for those who are well educated in the sport, this will be one of the more difficult events to ensure high profits.
More often than not, there’s at least one fight in which the majority of analysts agree on who should reign victorious. In this case, that choice is not so obvious, as the picks are more split. So before you run to topbet.eu/sportsbook to lock in your bets, let’s take a closer look at the bouts and ponder the best fighter to put all that money on.
Joseph Benavidez vs. Ian McCall
Current betting odds are Benavidez -270 McCall +220, which is more than a little in the favor of Benavidez. If McCall has an advantage at, it’s his speed, something that Demetrious Johnson used very effectively against Benavidez. It’s possible that the striking edge will go to McCall as well, but the skill gap is much greater in the grappling and power advantage. Putting $270 down to make a $100 profit might make some hesitate, but in reality, the odds aren’t that unusual. If you read my prior predictions, you know I picked Benavidez to get his and raised, and if I was betting on this fight, I’d put the money on “Jobi Wan Kenobi”.
Demain Maia vs. Jon Fitch
Current betting odds are Fitch -170 Maia +150, and this is a fight that I won’t be betting on. It‘s difficult enough to call a winner in this fight, let alone try and wisely play the betting odds. Although I ultimately chose Fitch to get the win, it’s not worth the $170 risk. Same thing goes for Maia, 50/50 chance of loosing $100.
Alistair Overeem vs. Antonio Silva
Current betting odds are Overeem -370 Silva +290, and although I’m fairly confident that Overeem will take the victory, the $370 risk for a $100 profit can make anyone second guess. Ultimately, Overeem has the size, power, and striking to finish “Big Foot” in similar fashion that Daniel Cormier was able to do. Even if Silva initiates the take down, Overeem has one heck of a guillotine. Don’t believe me? Ask Vitor Belfort. If you can muster up $370 without being financially irresponsible, I would do it.
Rashad Evans vs. Antiono Rogerio Nogueira
Current betting odds are Evans -450 Nogueira +350, and this is my most confident pick on the card. Evans’ last fight was against the current Light heavyweight king, Jon Jones, and for how well he performed, he should be able to handle Nogueira without any problems. If Ryan Bader and Phil Davis were able to defeat Nogueira using just their wrestling, than the same should be said for Evans. The only thing that gets me down is the $450 to put down. That’s a lot of dough, but as my most confident pick, I’m biting the bullet and waiting to reap my rewards.
Jose Aldo vs. Frankie Edgar
Current betting odds are Aldo -230 Edgar +190, and this is the first fight that I suggest betting on the underdog. Aldo has outstanding Muay Thai, but Chad Mendes had him in the air, parallel to the ground, ready for a big slam. Aldo saved himself by illegally grabbing the fence, which allowed him to stay on the feet and shortly after knock Mendes out. Frankie Edgar has the wrestling of Mendes with outstanding boxing, footwork, head movement, and cardio. It will be a close fight, but Aldo will slow as the fight progresses and Edgar will have the same pace throughout the fight. I’m not putting $230 on Aldo, but a $100 bet on Edgar to win near $200 means more money and less risk.
Agree? Disagree? Let me know. MMAFix.com has been on a roll with the predictions.
– Ryan “Fight Freek” Poli
@FightFreek