Tag: General MMA betting

UFC Light Heavyweight bout:  Quinton Jackson vs. Matt Hamill

Odds:  ( -270 Jackson / +210 Hamill )

Betting Pick:  Jackson

Bet on this fight at Bodog.com

In the main event of the evening, former Light Heavyweight champion Quinton “Rampage” Jackson returns to action against tough young wrestler Matt “The Hammer” Hamill. Rampage has been one of the top players in the Light Heavyweight division for years, since his stint in PRIDE, but Hamill is a powerful and effective wrestler with constantly improving standup, which makes him a tough matchup for almost anyone. Rampage has been known to turn in inconsistent performances in the past, and if he underestimates Hamill and doesn’t bring his a-game, he could be ripe for an upset here.

Matt Hamill, a fan favorite from Team Ortiz on The Ultimate Fighter, is an inspirational story and a formidable fighter. The only deaf fighter in any major company, Hamill has overcome his handicap to become a top player in UFC’s Light Heavyweight division. A skilled amateur wrestler, Hamill has some of the most powerful and effective takedowns in the division. At first he was a relatively one-dimensional wrestler, but over time his striking has continued to develop to the point that he has solid boxing with heavy hands and even some devastating high kicks in his arsenal. His best work is always going to be with takedowns and ground and pound, and against a superior striker like Rampage that is doubly true, but his improved striking makes it much easier to set up his shots and keep opponents guessing.

Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, one of the top Light Heavyweights in the world, has been fighting the best in the division for years now. Lately he has had some mixed results and turned in a few disappointing performances, but his focus seems to be fully back on fighting after a stint in the movies. Rampage is extremely physically powerful, has an amazingly sturdy chin, and mixes up great wrestling and clinch work with some of the more devastating punching in the division. His power punches are extremely scary, he has great takedown defense, great submission defense, and is great at neutralizing opponents in the clinch and keeping fights standing where he can punish his opponents.

This is going to be a very tough fight for Hamill. Rampage is the bigger and stronger guy, and despite Hamill’s world class wrestling he is going to have a hard time getting this fight to the floor. On the feet, Hamill may have improved a lot, but he is still not on Rampage’s level in terms of technique or power. I think Hamill is going to have to telegraph his takedowns, which is just going to make it easier for Rampage to keep the fight standing, where he has a very clear advantage. I expect Hamill to hang around a while, but eventually Rampage will overwhelm him on the feet and catch him with a big power punch. Rampage by T/KO

Prediction:  Quinton “Rampage” Jackson via second round T/KO. 

To add  a little more excitement on fight night, you can bet on this fight at Bodog.com Odds.   Check out my review of Bodog here…

UFC Heavyweight bout:  Frank Mir vs. Roy Nelson

Odds:  (-140 Mir / +110  Nelson )

Betting Pick:  NELSON

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In the semi-main event, former Heavyweight champion Frank Mir faces a big challenge, literally and figuratively, in the form of Roy “Big Country” Nelson. This is an interesting fight in that these guys have completely opposite physiques but extremely similar styles. Both guys have slick and effective jiu-jitsu games and technical, powerful striking. This is a very interesting match because these guys seem evenly matched in every way, which could result in a boring stalemate or a very exciting and competitive fight.

Roy Nelson, who made a name for himself in the IFL before dominating his way through The Ultimate Fighter, is a great fighter who doesn’t necessarily look the sport. Nelson’s bulbous physique is extremely misleading, because he is actually quite light on his feet and has excellent cardio. If anything, his weight is something of an advantage, because he has learned to use his considerable bulk as a way of neutralizing opponents on the ground, especially in the crucifix position. Nelson’s jiu-jitsu is extremely underrated, which is important against a skilled grappler like Mir. He also has very effective wrestling, although he tends to favor his striking game a lot of the time. On the feet he is deceptively fast, has good technique, and solid punching power. The biggest flaw in Nelson’s game is that despite having a very complete skill set, he tends to get locked into one aspect of his game instead of mixing it up and keeping his opponents off-balance.

Frank Mir, the former Heavyweight champion, is an extremely inspiring story. Once at the top of the division, Mir’s life and career were derailed by a near-fatal motorcycle accident that sent him right back to square one. After a rocky restart to his career, Mir has worked his way back to being one of UFC’s better Heavyweights. Obviously, Mir’s base is his jiu-jitsu, which is extremely good, especially for a Heavyweight. Unlike most guys his size, Mir is quite comfortable working off his back and has submissions from every position. Recently, though, he has also developed into an extremely formidable striker, with decent Muay Thai and very powerful boxing. The big flaw in Mir’s game is that his wrestling, both offensively and defensively, are decidedly subpar. His jiu-jitsu is very good, but he lacks the takedowns that would allow him to set him up his ground game effectively.

This is an interesting matchup for a lot of reasons. Both of these guys can bang, and both have great submissions on the ground. The biggest difference between the two of them is that Nelson has effective wrestling and positional control, whereas Mir depends on big punches and catching guys with submissions off his back. I think that is going to make the difference in this fight. Both guys have good chins and it is unlikely that either will be able to submit the other, but I think Nelson’s ability to force the fight to the ground and control position from the top, coupled with his more technically proficient striking, should be enough to earn him the unanimous decision win and a moderate upset.

Prediction:  Roy “Big Country” Nelson via Decision.

• Bet on the Underdog Nelson @ +110 Odds.

To add  a little more excitement on fight night, you can bet on this fight at Bodog.com Odds.   Check out my review of Bodog here…

UFC Middleweight bout:  Brian Stann vs. Jorge Santiago

Odds:  ( -135 Stann /+105 Santiago )

Betting Pick:  Santiago

Bet on this fight at Bodog.com

In the second bout of the evening, Sengoku standout Jorge Santiago makes his return to the UFC against tough brawler Brian “All American” Stann. Santiago has been on a tear in Japan recently, while Stann is coming off the biggest win of his career against Chris Leben. Santiago is very dangerous and well-rounded, but Stann has devastating striking and an underrated ground game, so this is going to be a rough return to the Octagon for Santiago.

Brian Stann made his way to UFC when WEC folded its heavier weight classes, and has been extremely successful since. A heavy-handed boxer with decent technique and serviceable wrestling, Stann is a dangerous opponent for anyone because he could explode on his feet at any time and can hold his own on the ground. While he is not one of the most technical fighters in the world in any area, he is very tough, very durable, and capable of playing spoiler on any night against almost anyone.

Jorge Santiago washed out of the UFC years ago, but has completely rejuvenated his career in Japan, becoming one of the top Middleweights in the world outside of the UFC. Now, riding a huge wave of momentum and having won 11 of his last 12, he makes his return to the big show. Santiago is very well-rounded, with decent wrestling, good striking, and effective submissions. Not only does he have a versatile skill set, he puts it all together very well, which keeps his opponents off their game and opens up more opportunities for him.

I think that Santiago is just too versatile for Stann. Stann has great striking with a lot of power, but so does Santiago, and Santiago is the superior wrestler and grappler. Stann is very tough and difficult to finish, but I think Santiago’s superior versatility and ground game will earn him the unanimous decision victory.

Prediction:  Jorge Santiago via Unanimous Decision.

• I  like Santiago @+105 to pull off an upset victory.

To add  a little more excitement on fight night, you can bet on this fight at Bodog.com Odds.   Check out my review of Bodog here…

UFC Welterweight bout:  Rick Story vs. Thiago Alves

Odds:  ( +160 Story / -200 Alves )

Betting Pick:  ALVES

Bet on this fight at Bodog.com

In a featured Welterweight bout, Rick “Horror” Story looks for his sixth consecutive win against slumping former title challenger Thiago “Pitbull” Alves. Story has been on a roll recently, putting together five wins in a row by utilizing his solid wrestling and versatile offense. Alves, on the other hand, has been disappointing lately, but is still a devastating striker with amazing takedown defense who matches up very well with Story stylistically, so this is an interesting fight.

Rick “Horror” Story is a very effective wrestler who mixes up his offense well with solid striking and good submissions from top position. He is not always a finisher, but he is a very effective grinder who stays in his opponents’ faces and wears them down with wrestling, top control, ground and pound, and clinch work. He is also extremely durable, having never been finished as a professional. Against Alves, who is a vastly superior striker, he is going to need to keep his distance on the feet and try to use his jab to set up takedowns, which is no small feat considering how good Alves’ takedown defense is.

Thiago “Pitbull” Alves is one of the better strikers in the Welterweight division. He has devastating punching, some of the best leg kicks in the sport, and can devastate opponents in the clinch. Much like a prime Chuck Liddell, what makes Alves so special as a striker is his ability to keep fights on the feet, employing sprawl and brawl tactics to punish grapplers who try to wrestle him down. He doesn’t have much of a ground game, really, but his ability to thwart takedowns and make opponents pay for their attempts make him an extremely devastating fighter.

I don’t think this is a particularly favorable matchup for Story. He is not inept on his feet, but he is not in Alves’ league, and his wrestling is not dominant enough to negate Alves’ incredible takedown defense. Story is extremely tough and durable, so I would be surprised if Alves finished him for the first time in his career, but I think Alves will frustrate him by stopping his takedown attempts and punish him on the feet for the unanimous decision win.

Prediction:  Thiago “Pitbull” Alves via Unanimous Decision.

To add  a little more excitement on fight night, you can bet on this fight at Bodog.com Odds.   Check out my review of Bodog here…

Current Strikeforce Betting Odds – On June 18, 2011, action in Strikeforce’s Heavyweight Grand Prix will continue live from the American Airlines Arena in Dallas, Texas, as Heavyweight champion Alistair Overeem (34-11-0) looks to avenge a 2006 loss to Fabricio “Vai Cavalo” Werdum (14-4-1). Werdum made Overeem submit to a kimura midway through the second round of their last encounter, and while he is just as dangerous as he ever was on the ground, Overeem has grown leaps and bounds both as a striker and a wrestler. Overeem is the much larger man, and a very underrated wrestler, so if Werdum can’t find a way to get him on the ground he is going to be in for a very rough time. On the ground, Overeem is more than competent, but Werdum is still light years better, so this should be a very compelling main event

Main Card:

Fabricio Werdum vs. Alistair Overeem

Bodog.com Odds

• Werdum    (+250)
• Overeem   (-325)

Betonline.com Odds

• Werdum   (+220)
• Overeem  (-333)

Josh Barnett vs. Brett Rogers

Bodog.com Odds

• Barnett  (-340)
• Rogers   (+260)

Betonline.com Odds

• Barnett  (-285)
• Rogers   (+225)

Gina Carano vs. Sarah D’Alelio

Bodog.com Odds

• Carano
• D’Alelio

Betonline.com Odds

• Carano
• D’Alelio

Valentijn Overeem vs. Chad Griggs

Bodog.com Odds

• Overeem
• Griggs

Betonline.com Odds

• Overeem
• Griggs

KJ Noons vs. Jorge Masvidal

Bodog.com Odds

• Noons
• Masvidal

Betonline.com Odds

• Noons
• Masvidal

The co-main event will feature another Grand Prix matchup as skilled veteran Josh Barnett (29-5-0) faces heavy-handed slugger Brett “The Grim” Rogers (11-2-0) in a fight between two guys with serious striking prowess. Also featured is the return to action of Gina Carano (7-1-0), who will take on skilled grappler Srah D’Alelio (4-1-0). Former Light Heavyweight champ Muhammad “King Mo” Lawal (7-1-0) will look to get back in the win column against Ovince St. Preux (10-4-0). Rounding at the card is a meeting of two undefeated prospects pitting dominant wrestler Daniel Cormier (7-0-0) against well-rounded Shane Del Rosario (11-0-0) and a Heavyweight matchup between Chad “The Gravedigger” Griggs (10-1-0) and Valentjin Overeem (29-25-0).

Be sure to Check back with us closer to fight night as I will have updated UFC 130 Odds plus UFC 130 Fight Predictions.  And if you want to add a little excitement to your fight night, you can bet on this fight at Bodog.com Odds.

Current UFC 131 Betting Odds –  On June 11, 2011, UFC returns to the Rogers Center in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, where recent Ultimate Fighter coach Junior “Cigano” dos Santos (12-1-0) will face his toughest challenge yet in the form of heavy-handed wrestler Shane Carwin (12-1-0).  Carwin, who is stepping up on short notice to replace the only man to beat him, Brock Lesnar, is a physical bruiser with dynamite in his hands.  “Cigano”, for his part, is arguably the UFC’s most formidable Heavyweight striker, but he has yet to face someone as dangerous as Carwin on the feet who can also effectively get fights on the ground and keep them there.  Carwin’s chin hasn’t been tested the way dos Santos can test it, but dos Santos’ ability to handle dominant wrestlers is a question mark, so this is a very interesting main event.

Main Card:

Junior Dos Santos vs. Shane Carwin

Bodog.com Odds

• Dos Santos   (-185)
• Carwin           (+155)

Betonline.com Odds

• Dos Santos  (-185)
• Carwin          (+155)

Mark Munoz vs. Demian Maia

Bodog.com Odds

• Munoz
• Maia

Betonline.com Odds

• Munoz
• Maia

Donald Cerrone vs. Vagner Rocha 

Bodog.com Odds

• Cerrone
• Rocha

Betonline.com Odds

• Danzig      (+210)
• Cerrone   (-270)

Kenny Florian vs. Diego Nunes

Bodog.com Odds

• Florian
• Nunes

Betonline.com Odds

• Florian
• Nunes

Preliminary Card:

Sam Stout vs. Yves Edwards

Bodog.com Odds

• Stout
• Edwards

Jesse Bongfeldt vs. Chris Weidman

Bodog.com Odds

• Bongfeldt
• Weidman

Dustin Poirier vs. Jason Young

Bodog.com Odds

• Poirier
• Young

Krzysztof Soszynski vs. Igor Pokrajac

Bodog.com Odds

• Soszynski
• Pokrajac

Jon Olav Einnemo vs. Dave Herman

Bodog.com Odds

• Olav Einemo
• Herman

Nick Ring vs. Jason Head

Bodog.com Odds

• Ring
• Head

Joey Beltran vs. Aaron Rosa

Bodog.com Odds

• Beltran
• Rosa

Darren Elkins vs. Michihiro Omigawa

Bodog.com Odds

• Elkins
• Omigawa

In the co-main event, long-time Lightweight contender Kenny “KenFlo” Florian (13-5-0) makes his 145 pound debut against tough opponent Diego “The Gun” Nunes (16-1-0).  Rounding out the card is jiu-jitsu ace Demian Maia (14-2-0) against tough wrestler Mark “The Filipino Wrecking Machine” Munoz (10-2-0) and a 145 pound bout between Dustin “The Diamond” Poirier (9-1-0) and Jason “Shotgun” Young (8-3-0).

Make sure to Check back with us closer to fight night as I will have updated UFC 130 Odds plus UFC 130 Fight Predictions.  And if you want to add a little excitement to your fight night, you can bet on this fight at Bodog.com Odds.