(Clearly, trash-talking skills have not been factored into the odds here.)
We’re just over a month out from the highly-anticipated middleweight showdown between Michael Bisping and Luke Rockhold at Fight Night 55, and tensions between the two could not be higher (think Nick Diaz and Joe Rogan binge-watching Scooby Doo episodes on Netflix. That high.). Both guys are coming off big wins over Cung Le and Tim Boetsch, respectively, and the winner could easily find himself in title contention for the first time in their UFC career. But the most important question regarding this pivotal matchup remains: Yeah, but can I make any money off it?
Well, if the early odds are any indication…maybe? According to BestFightOdds, Bisping is currently being given slightly worse than 2 to 1 odds (+223)against Rockhold despite coming off arguably the most impressive performance of his career (and against another roided-up opponent, no less). Rockhold, meanwhile, is hovering around the 3-to-1 mark (-339) as a favorite.
Our thoughts…
(Clearly, trash-talking skills have not been factored into the odds here.)
We’re just over a month out from the highly-anticipated middleweight showdown between Michael Bisping and Luke Rockhold at Fight Night 55, and tensions between the two could not be higher (think Nick Diaz and Joe Rogan binge-watching Scooby Doo episodes on Netflix. That high.). Both guys are coming off big wins over Cung Le and Tim Boetsch, respectively, and the winner could easily find himself in title contention for the first time in their UFC career. But the most important question regarding this pivotal matchup remains: Yeah, but can I make any money off it?
Well, if the early odds are any indication…maybe? According to BestFightOdds, Bisping is currently being given slightly worse than 2 to 1 odds (+223)against Rockhold despite coming off arguably the most impressive performance of his career (and against another roided-up opponent, no less). Rockhold, meanwhile, is hovering around the 3-to-1 mark (-339) as a favorite.
This matchup really comes down to whether or not you think Bisping will be outgunned by Rockhold on the feet, as the only guy to successfully keep Bisping on his back for more than a moment has been Tim Kennedy, a far more decorated wrestler than Rockhold (who albeit could not take Rockhold down in their 2012 Strikeforce title fight). The odds likely reflect the fact that Rockhold has shown the ability to finish a fighter with body shots in the past, whereas Bisping found the most resistance against Le in the form of the body shot.
Then again, Bisping’s easily faced the higher-level competition of the two, and no amount of wind-surfing on Rockhold’s part will bring his cardio to the level of “The Count”, whose resting heart rate is something like 4 beats a minute.
But what do you think Nation? Is Rockhold going to run through Bisping in Hendo-esque fashion, or is “The Count” being undervalued here?
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.
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.
George “Rush” St. Pierre has given Nick Diaz the greatest and the worst Christmas present ever. On one hand he gave him the biggest pay day of his life, and on the other he will.
George “Rush” St. Pierre has given Nick Diaz the greatest and the worst Christmas present ever. On one hand he gave him the biggest pay day of his life, and on the other he will give him the worst ass kicking of his life. I’m going to make a bold prediction here; GSP is going to retire Nick Diaz. I may end up eating my words, but after being dominated for five rounds I believe Nick Diaz will call it quits. GSP has the edge in all of the areas; here are a few where I believe he will really show his dominance.
Wrestling
This is quite obvious, St. Pierre is one of the best wrestlers in the UFC; and he had no prior wrestling experience when he began his career. When GSP met Koscheck for the first time he showed the world how dominant of a wrestler he really was, out wrestling the All American for all three rounds. Some people say that when the fight hits the mat Diaz will have the advantage because of his BJJ; those people forget that GSP has a black belt in the “gentle art” as well. GSP has crushing top control and Diaz will be no match for his strength and skill.
Athleticism
GSP is by far the most athletic fighter to grace the Octagon, yet this is only due to his hard work and dedication. Whereas in my opinion Diaz is one of the least athletic, sure he trains for triathlons, but he doesn’t measure up against GSP. The Champ is stronger, faster, and can go hard for five full rounds, something he has been doing for eleven out of his past twelve fights.
X-Factor
I’m not talking about the TV show here, I’m talking about intangibles. The fight is taking place in GSP’s home town of Montreal at the Bell Centre. Diaz is known for hating press conferences and the likes; it will be interesting to see how he fairs in another country while doing these activities.
GSP is also one of the most composed fighters ever, he is strictly business when he steps in the Octagon. Diaz on the other hand is not, he is known for his trash talking and antics while fighting and leading up to fights. This I believe will play into the hands of the Champion. GSP has dealt with trash talkers from Koscheck to Hardy, and I don’t believe Diaz has what it takes to get into his head.
Summary
In the end Diaz will be no match for GSP, much like all of the previous challengers to his belt. GSP will beat Diaz to the punch, kick, and takedown; and he will do so for five rounds. As we saw in the Condit fight, Diaz will lose his cool and begin to talk trash and try to anger King George. In the end the judges will be called to make a decision and Bruce Buffer will announce “And still the UFC Welterweight Champion of the World! George “Rush” St. Pierre”. I wouldn’t be surprised to see a brawl ensue, but in the coming days Diaz will retire; who knows maybe he will become a professional triathlete.
