UFC 159: Jones vs. Sonnen

The fight that almost nobody called for finally goes down on Saturday when Jon Jones, one of the most dominant Light Heavyweight fighters ever seen takes on a Middleweight mouthpiece that seemed to somehow talk his way into this fight – and we all know that Chael Sonnen can talk!

Date: April 27, 2013
Time: 10pm ET/7pm PT
Location: Prudential Center, Newark, New Jersey
Broadcast: Pay-per-view
UFC Odds From Bovada

Main Card:

Jon Jones (17-1-0): -875
Chael Sonnen (27-12-1): +675

Sonnen brings some of the best technical classic wrestling to the Octagon – he is strong and when he gets you down, there is simply no getting up. Other than that, Sonnen has to be viewed as average in every other aspect of MMA. He has made a career of bullying his opponents – something that just won’t happen against Jon Jones.

Jones is perhaps the most athletic fighter in the UFC. He is long, he is lanky, he is quick, he is unorthodox and he is simply top notch anywhere a fight happens to go. Taking a look at whom he’s defeated is a who’s who of MMA legendry – Shogun Rua, Lyoto Machida, Rashad Evans, Rampage Jackson and Vitor Belfort to name a few. His only career loss came against Matt Hamill – by DQ in a fight he was totally dominating. Nobody has been close to Jon Jones in his 18 fight UFC career.

Jones will have a huge striking advantage in this fight and he may just have the edge on the ground as well. Perhaps the biggest advantage for Jones however will be his size – Sonnen is a Middleweight hoping to hang with an absolutely elite Light Heavyweight – I can’t see it happening. Jones will pick Sonnen apart on his feet and finish this fight in style on the ground – Sonnen has been submitted eight times in his career already.

While I am tempted to put a little dough on the upset, common sense has crept in!

Pick: Jon Jones -875

Alan Belcher (18-7-0): +150
Michael Bisping (23-5-0): -170

A rather prickly encounter immediately precedes the Main Event. Michael Bisping and Alan Belcher have made no bones about their disdain for each other – now they get to show it in the Octagon. Both of these men are in the second tier of Middleweights – close to title contention but not quite at the Anderson Silva level. Both have gone 1-2 in their last three fights against top Middleweights and both absolutely need the win to get their names back in the contender conversation again.

Belcher and Bisping are both elite strikers with underrated ground games but this fight is most likely to stay standing. I like the footwork of Bisping to be too much for Belcher in this one – any tiny advantage may be enough for victory in this battle of evenly matched stars. Bisping likely won’t engage Belcher all that much – movement will be his game. This fight is almost certainly headed for a decision with Bisping doing enough from the outside to outpoint Belcher.

Pick: Michael Bisping -170

Roy Nelson (18-7-0): -240
Cheick Kongo (18-7-2): +200

Heavyweights clash at UFC 159 when Roy Nelson returns to the Octagon against Cheick Kongo. We all know what Nelson brings to the table – immense power, a granite chin and an elite grappling skill set. Kongo has won three of his last four fights but has been somewhat unflattering inside the Octagon as of late.

Kongo can’t help but engaging in striking battles for some reason – he always seems to get himself into slugfests. Against Nelson, this is a dangerous proposition. He won’t be able to hurt Nelson’s cement head and he won’t be able to duck Nelson’s hay-makers. It all adds up to and early night for both men and a huge headache for Cheick Kongo.

Pick: Roy Nelson -240

Phil Davis (10-1-1): -350
Vinny Magalhaes (10-5-0): +270

Former M-1 champion Vinny Magalhaes brings his incredible Brazilian jiu-jitsu chops to the Octagon Saturday against the well rounded Phil Davis – loser of just one fight in his 12 fight career. Davis is an elite wrestler with emerging striking – he has defeated the likes of Alexander Gustafsson, Antonio Rogerio Nogueira and Brian Stann over his career.

Magalhaes has an incredible submission game but the problem here is that he has to hope to get Davis to the mat in order to apply his strategy and Davis’s wrestling chops should be enough to prevent this from happening. Expect the athleticism and wrestling skills of Davis to dominate in this one – Magalhaes’s tremendous skills will be minimized by the striking advantage and the overall strength and octagon control of Davis.

Pick: Phil Davis -320

Pat Healy (29-16-0): +265
Jim Miller (22-4-0): -315

Veteran Lightweights clash in the first fight on the Pay-Per-View card Saturday when former Strikeforce standout Pat Healy takes on Jim Miller. Both will be trying to enter the Title Contender conversation on Saturday. Miller is as tough as nails – a wrestler primarily with a terrific submission game while Healy has a very similar skill set although it may not quite be at the caliber of Miller.

In a fight between two fairly evenly matched wrestlers, the striking game will likely be the difference. Miller has the technical striking edge here and the fact that he has been inside the Octagon with the superior challengers has me leaning Miller’s way in a decision victory. It should be entertaining and it should be Miller with his hand raised at the end of the night.

Pick: Jim Miller -315

FX & Facebook Preliminary Card

Sarah McMann (6-0-0): -665
Sheila Gaff (10-4-1): +515
Pick: Sarah McMann -665

Johnny Bedford (19-9-1): -140
Bryan Caraway (17-6-0): +120
Pick: Johnny Bedford -140

Cody McKenzie (13-3-0): +150
Leonard Garcia (15-10-1): -170
Pick: Leonard Garcia -170

Rustam Khabilov (15-1-0): -290
Yancy Medeiros (9-0-0): +245
Pick: Rustam Khabilov -290

James Head (9-3-0): -155
Nick Catone (9-4-0): +135
Pick: James Head -155

Kurt Holobaugh (7-1-0): +105
Steven Siler (21-10-0): -125
Pick: Steven Siler -125

Ovince St. Preux (12-5-0): -195
Gian Villante (10-3-0): +170
Pick: Gian Villante +170

CLICK HERE NOW to place a bet on UFC 159 At Bovada!

UFC 158: St. Pierre vs. Diaz

Georges St. Pierre finally gets the fight he’s been seeking for a couple of years when he takes on the brash, obnoxious Nick Diaz at UFC 158 – assuming that Diaz doesn’t do something stupid between now and fight time.

Date: March 16, 2013
Time: 10pm ET/7pm PT
Location: Bell Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Broadcast: Pay-per-view
UFC Odds From Bovada

Main Event

Georges St. Pierre (23-2-0): -500
Nick Diaz (26-7-0): +350

Diaz is one of the toughest men on the planet – incredible boxing with a granite chin. He is no slouch on the ground either – he is a Gracie Black Belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu.

GSP has been known as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters on the planet for a reason. He is the best wrestler in the division, his top control is like no other, his ability to adapt and learn from every fight is a thing of legend and his smarts seems to be on a different level from every other MMA practitioner.

As mentioned GSP is a cerebral guy – he knows how to stay out of his opponents’ danger areas. While I expect Diaz to tag Georges on the feet a few times, I also think this fight will hit the mat quickly and it will remain there for the majority of the bout. Watch for Georges to draw Nick into his type of fight – not the other way around.

St. Pierre’s takedowns and top control will be the difference in a lopsided decision win for Georges St. Pierre. Will anyone else get pleasure out of seeing Nick Diaz get beaten down?

Pick: Georges St. Pierre -500

Main Card

Carlos Condit (28-6-0): +110
Johny Hendricks (14-1-0): -140

Johny Hendricks steps in for injured Rory MacDonald to take on one of the best strikers in the division – former interim champ Carlos Condit. Hendricks has that rare combination of top tier wrestling and serious one-punch knockout power.

Condit has terrific skills anywhere this fight happens to go – 13 submission victories and 13 (T)KOs in his career.

This could end up being the Fight of the Night. While I respect the current run that Hendricks is on, I love the all around game of Carlos Condit and his ability to defend any sort of MMA tactic to get it done Saturday. Condit is too crafty, too good on his feet, too proficient on the ground and too motivated (to get another shot at GSP) to be denied. I suppose Hendricks could land one of his incredible fight-ending strikes but Condit is aware of Hendricks’ power.

After all, Condit easily defeated one of the best strikers in the game – Nick Diaz only a few months ago.

Pick: Carlos Condit +110

Jake Ellenberger (28-6-0): -165
Nate Marquardt (32-11-2): +135

Welcome back to the UFC Nate Marquart! The former Strikeforce Middleweight champion was never supposed to be back in the organization but the stars have aligned and Nate finds himself on the main card of a good UFC event. His opponent – Jake Ellenberger whose aggression and superior striking skills will be anything but welcoming to Mr. Marquart.

Ellenberger also possesses top notch wrestling – takedowns should be a big part of Jake’s game Saturday.

Marquart brings experience, a solid ground game and a good power striking game into Saturday’s fight. But a look at his last fight reveals that Nate can be outstruck, outwrestled and outmaneuvered by elite grapplers like Ellenberger.

Ellenberger has some work to do in order to get back to the status he held three or four fights back – it all starts with a dominant win over Nate Marquart Saturday.

Pick: Jake Ellenberger -165

Chris Camozzi (18-5-0): -115
Nick Ring (13-1-0): -115

Two former TUF 11 alums forced out of the tournament by injury meet in what should be a very interesting striking battle Saturday – Camozzi being the Muay Thai practitioner and Ring being the more technical boxer.

Chris Camozzi won three fights with the organization in 2012 while Ring’s only professional loss came at the hands of Tim Boetsch last year.

Camozzi has been far more convincing in his victories – two of Ring’s wins with the UFC were controversial decisions to say the least. I like Camozzi to get it done Saturday – he enters as the hotter of the two fighters with a better all around skill set. Truth be told, Ring hasn’t been all that impressive in his UFC career.

Pick: Chris Camozzi -115

Mike Ricci (7-3-0): -280
Colin Fletcher (8-2-0): +210

Tall Lightweights square off Saturday to open the Pay-per-view card when Canadian Mike Ricci takes on Colin Fletcher. Both men have decent striking and both are coming off losses to fighters that manhandled them on the mat. Neither men would like to see this fight dragged to the mat but if this fight is taken to the ground, it favors Ricci who trains with some of the best mat magicians in the game – GSP being one.

That said I think the better striker will prevail in this one. That distinction belongs to Mike Ricci who will have to wade through the freaky reach of Fletcher but should be able to do enough damage with his technical know-how and his decent power.

Pick: Mike Ricci -280

FX Preliminary Card (8pm ET)

Patrick Cote (18-8-0): -170 vs. Bobby Voelker (24-8-0): +140
Pick: Bobby Voelker +140

Antonio Carvalho (15-5-0): +190 vs. Darren Elkins (15-2-0): -240
Pick: Antonio Carvalho +190

Dan Miller (14-6-0): +200 vs. Jordan Mein (26-8-0): -260
Pick: Jordan Mein -260

Daron Cruickshank (12-2-0): -190 vs. John Makdessi (10-2-0): +155
Pick: Daron Cruickshank -190

Facebook Preliminary Card (6:35pm ET)

Quinn Mulhern (18-2-0): +300 vs. Rick Story (14-6-0): -400
Pick: Rick Story -400

Issei Tamura (7-3-0): +375 vs. T.J. Dillashaw (6-1-0): -550
Pick: T.J. Dillashaw -550

Reuben Duran (8-4-1): -135 vs. George Roop (12-9-1): +115
Pick: George Roop +115

CLICK HERE NOW to place a bet on UFC 158 At Bovada!

UFC 157 Saturday

In the first ever women’s UFC fight, the poster girl of the sport Ronda Rousey will attempt to earn the belt that was given to her this summer. Her opponent – a very tough, strong and motivated Liz Carmouche.

UFC 157: Rousey vs. Carmouche
Date: February 23, 2013
Time: 10pm ET/7pm PT
Location: Honda Center, Anaheim, California
Broadcast: PPV, FX & Facebook prelims
Odds from Bovada

Main Event

UFC Women’s Bantamweight Championship

Ronda Rousey (6-0-0): -1400
Liz Carmouche (7-2-0): +700

We know what Rousey brings to the Octagon – unstoppable takedowns thanks to a judo background that saw her win Olympic Gold and an insane submission game (all 6 of her wins have come by 1st round arm bar). Rousey is as aggressive as they come, strong and extremely eager to prove on the biggest stage why the title was given to her.

Carmouche is a former Marine – now an employee of the gym she is trains at – she is there morning until night preparing for this fight. We know she’s tough – all Marines are! We know that her striking game is above average and we know that she can hold her own in the grappling department. The question is – can she hang with the best?

Rousey should win this fight but it is tempting to put a little down on Carmouche as well because of the insane odds. Nobody in the world has come close to stopping Rousey’s takedowns – once on the mat the fight will take a predictable turn!

Pick: I hate the price but you have to go with Ronda Rousey -1400

Main Card

Lyoto Machida (18-3-0): -230
Dan Henderson (29-8-0): +180

Two legends in the sport and former world champions duel in Light Heavyweight action with the winner likely getting the next title shot. Henderson last fought back in 2011 – a win against Shogun Rua in one of the best fights of that year. Machida is coming off a knockout of Ryan Bader in August.

Henderson is known as one of the toughest men in the sport – in 37 fights he has never been knocked out. His game is controlling opponents with elite level wrestling and finishing with a lightning quick lethal right hand. Machida’s game is judo – maintaining distance, staying out of harm’s way, timing his opponents and taking advantage of any little hole in his opponent’s game. Both have striking chops – Henderson is a power puncher, Machida is a vicious counter puncher.

Henderson has age and a little Octagon rust working against him ahead of this fight. Also wrestlers have traditionally had troubles with Machida’s unorthodox style – not many have been able to get close to the Dragon. I think the same happens here. Patience is the key when fighting Machida – I see Henderson getting frustrated into a mistake Saturday and Machida taking advantage.

Pick: Lyoto Machida -230

Ivan Menjivar (25-9-0): +300
Urijah Faber (26-6-0): -400

Two fighters looking to climb into the title picture at 135 pounds meet in a rematch of a 2006 fight – one that ended in a DQ loss for Menjivar. Menjivar is a tough guy but his experience against the absolute cream of the crop is nowhere near that of the California Kid. Faber’s athleticism, experience and desire to climb to the top of the ladder will be too much for Menjivar in this one – Faber is a notch or two above Menjivar in almost every aspect of this fight. Faber takes this one by decision.

Pick: Again, I hate the price but I have to go with Urijah Faber -400

Josh Neer (33-12-1): +220
Court McGee (14-3-0): -300

Saturday’s match between Josh Neer and Court McGee could reasonable be a “win or get cut” fight for the two struggling MMA practitioners.

It is a matchup of the veteran versus the youngster at 170 pounds – McGee drops a weight class for this fight. McGee will have the wrestling advantage in this one which could be the difference – his granite chin also helps against an opponent that will surely bring the pressure in this bout. He should be able to get the better of Neer in the clinch, take this fight to the ground and control the fight from there. I like McGee by submission in this one in what should be a very entertaining fight.

Pick: Once again, the price is not to my liking – Court McGee -300

Josh Koscheck (17-6-0): -500
Robbie Lawler (19-9-0): +350

In Welterweight action Josh Koschek returns to the Octagon to take on a very dangerous Robbie Lawlor. Koscheck must use his elite caliber wrestling in this fight against the powerful and accurate striking of Lawlor – and I think he does. Lawlor wants this fight to be a brawl while Koschek will be looking to get this fight to the mat. In the end it will be the athleticism of Koschek that dictates the pace as he grinds out a decision win.

Pick: Another poor payday – Josh Koschek -500

FX Preliminary Card (8pm ET)

Brendan Schaub (8-3-0): -140 vs. Lavar Johnson (17-6-0): +110
Pick: Brandon Schaub -140

Mike Chiesa (8-0-0): -230 vs. Anton Kuivanen (17-5-0): +180
Pick: Mike Chiesa -230

Sam Stout (18-8-1): +115 vs. Caros Fodor (7-2-0): -145
Pick: Caros Fodor -145

Dennis Bermudez (9-3-0): -450 vs. Matt Grice (15-4-0): +325
Pick: Dennis Bermudez -450

Kenny Robertson (11-2-0): +145 vs. Brock Jardine (9-2-0): -175
Pick: Brock Jardine -175

Neil Magny (7-1-0): -170 vs. Jon Manley (7-1-0): +140
Pick: Jon Manley +140

Nah-Shon Burrell (8-2-0): -120 vs. Yuri Villefort (6-1-0): -110
Pick: Nah-Shon Burrell -120

CLICK HERE NOW to place a bet on UFC 157 At Bovada! ]]> http://www.capperspicks.com/blog/fight-club/ufc-157-rousey-vs-carmouche-betting-odds/feed/ 0 http://www.capperspicks.com/blog/fight-club/ufc-156-aldo-vs-edgar-betting-odds/ http://www.capperspicks.com/blog/fight-club/ufc-156-aldo-vs-edgar-betting-odds/#comments Fri, 01 Feb 2013 16:42:07 +0000 DaveB http://www.capperspicks.com/blog/?p=59677 Superfight Headlines UFC 156 Saturday The UFC will commence with its second Pay-per-view card this Saturday from Las Vegas. The main event promises to be a classic with two Champions vying for the Featherweight strap. The card is littered with former champs, established contenders and a few names to keep your eyes on in the [...]]]>

Superfight Headlines UFC 156 Saturday

The UFC will commence with its second Pay-per-view card this Saturday from Las Vegas. The main event promises to be a classic with two Champions vying for the Featherweight strap. The card is littered with former champs, established contenders and a few names to keep your eyes on in the coming years.

Here is a Betting breakdown of all the fights on the packed card and what should play out in an exciting night of MMA action.

UFC 156: Aldo vs. Edgar
Date: February 2, 2013
Time: 10pm ET/7pm PT
Location: Mandalay Bay Events Center, Las Vegas, Nevada
Broadcast: Pay-per-view, FX & Facebook Prelims

MAIN CARD

Jose Aldo (21-1): -210
Frankie Edgar (14-3): +170

Former lightweight champion Frankie Edgar tries for another title in a different weight class when he takes on one of the most dominant UFC champions in the organization Jose Aldo for the featherweight strap in what is being billed as the first “Superfight” since BJ Penn/GSP II. Edgar’s boxing is terrific, his wrestling is world class and his toughness and grit are legendary. Aldo has some of the best Muay Thai in the sport, his low kicks are lethal and he also possesses a Black Belt in jiu jitsu.

Edgar’s advantages in the past have been his speed, his footwork and his striking – all aspects of the fight game that his opponent this week also credits with keeping him a notch above. Aldo will also be the most accurate striker that Edgar has ever faced.

Edgar will need to close the distance, hope for a takedown and hope to stay out of the way of Aldo’s lethal kicks – nobody has been able to do that so far. Aldo is just too dangerous to get near and all of Edgar’s quickness advantage will be neutralized by Aldo and his accurate, devastating kicks. Edgar is a game competitor but Aldo is simply on a different level.

Pick: Jose Aldo -210

Rashad Evans (17-2): -500
Antonio Rogerio Nogueira (20-5): +350

Rashad Evans will look to keep atop the Light Heavyweight contenders list when he takes on Antonio Rogerio Nogueira. Evans, if not for Jon Jones may be the Champ right now – he has been that good minus his bout against Jones. Evans has the striking and wrestling to give Nogueira fits in this one – Nogueira has had his issues recently with top not wrestlers. Just look at Nog’s last three fights against takedown artists Jason Brillz, Ryan Bader and Phil Davis.

Antonio Rogerio Nogueira may have the boxing and grappling advantage in this fight but when it comes down to the will to win, Evans gets the nod. While I am not expecting Evans to dominate, I am expecting him to come out with a decision win Saturday.

Pick: Rashad Evans -500

Alistair Overeem (36-11): -400
Antonio ‘Bigfoot’ Silva (17-4): +300

Alistair Overeem returns to the Octagon after serving a suspension for elevated testosterone levels – there’s a shock! He takes on another man that seems to have escaped the wrath of the Performance Enhancing Drug tests, Antonio Silva in Heavyweight action. Both men are huge, both are powerful and both have decent all around skills. But Overeem holds a distinct edge in two aspects of this fight – likely the determining factors – athleticism and POWER.

Overeem proved against Brock Lesnar that he can handle powerful men, that he can stuff takedowns and that he can dictate the pace of a fight. His takedown defense is good and his cardio is improving. Octagon rust may be a factor but I still like Overeem to use his aforementioned athleticism to KO Bigfoot Saturday.

Pick: Alistair Overeem -400

Jon Fitch (24-4): -190
Demian Maia (17-4): +155

If the UFC gave bonuses for “Boring Fight of the Night”, this would be an early candidate for the cash! Two fighters that rely on smothering their opponents will do battle when wrestler Jon Fitch takes on submission ace Demian Maia in Welterweight action.

Maia will have a slight striking advantage but this fight will almost certainly hit the mat where Fitch can use his top notch wrestling skills and immense top control to dictate the pace of this fight. Maia is one of the best Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioners on the planet but Fitch’s ability to dirty box, drag his opponent to the ground and grind will be the difference in this one.

Pick: Jon Fitch -190

Joseph Benavidez (16-3): -260
Ian McCall (11-3): +200

Flyweight contenders take to the Octagon in the first fight on the main card Saturday as former champion Joseph Benavidez takes on the very tough Ian McCall. Both of these fighters took on and lost to current Champ Demetrious Johnson in close, typically exciting Flyweight affairs. Benavidez will definitely have the wrestling advantage in this one but this fight figures stay on the feet. Who’s standup do I like better? It’s the underdog McCall who arguably has a better striking game than that of Mighty Mouse who gave Benavidez fits. McCall has better combinations and he is far more active in the kicking game.

It all adds up to a big upset here – McCall will outstrike Benavidez and earn a razor close decision victory.

Pick: Ian McCall +200

UFC PRELIMS LIVE ON FX

Evan Dunham (13-3): -110 vs. Gleison Tibau (26-8): -120
Pick: Evan Dunham -110

Jay Hieron (23-6): +115 vs. Tyron Woodley (10-1): -145
Pick: Tyron Woodley -145

Bobby Green (19-5): +285 vs. Jacob Volkmann (15-3): -375
Pick: Jacob Volkmann -375

Yves Edwards (42-18): -280 vs. Isaac Vallie-Flagg (13-3): +220
Pick: Yves Edwards -280

UFC PRELIMS LIVE STREAM ON FACEBOOK

Edwin Figueroa (9-1): +230 vs. Francisco Rivera (8-2): -300
Pick: Francisco Rivera -300

Chico Camus (12-3): -165 vs. Dustin Kimura (9-0): +135
Pick: Chico Camus -165

CLICK HERE NOW to place a bet on UFC 156 At Bovada!

]]> http://www.capperspicks.com/blog/fight-club/ufc-156-aldo-vs-edgar-betting-odds/feed/ 0 http://www.capperspicks.com/blog/fight-club/ufc-154-dos-santos-vs-velasquez-betting-odds/ http://www.capperspicks.com/blog/fight-club/ufc-154-dos-santos-vs-velasquez-betting-odds/#comments Fri, 28 Dec 2012 19:27:42 +0000 DaveB http://www.capperspicks.com/blog/?p=58784 The Rematch Headline: The Rematch – dos Santos defends Heavyweight Title Against Velasquez at UFC 155 It seems that it has been a long time since we saw any UFC action but the wait will certainly be worth it when the Dana White and Joe Silva put on their latest MMA event. UFC 155 comes [...]]]>

The Rematch

Headline: The Rematch – dos Santos defends Heavyweight Title Against Velasquez at UFC 155

It seems that it has been a long time since we saw any UFC action but the wait will certainly be worth it when the Dana White and Joe Silva put on their latest MMA event. UFC 155 comes our way this weekend from Las Vegas and it features a long awaited rematch between two of the young studs of the Heavyweight Division.

The fun doesn’t stop there however – the card is chalk full of terrific fights, many of which have Title implications. Lets’ break it down.

UFC 155: Dos Santos vs. Velasquez 2
Date/Time: December 29, 2012, 10pm ET/7pm PT
Location: MGM Grand Garden Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada
Broadcast: Pay-per-view, FX prelims

MAIN CARD

Junior Dos Santos (15-1): -190
Cain Velasquez (10-1): +155

In a rematch of one of the most anticipated Heavyweight fights of 2012 Junior dos Santos will look to employ a similar fight plan against Cain Velasquez and retain his Heavyweight belt. The first fight ended in 64 seconds! Striking was the difference in that fight and in all likelihood will be this weekend as well.

dos Santos has anointed himself as one of the best strikers the UFC has ever seen – his boxing is like no other in the Heavyweight division. He also has the ability to avoid getting hit himself and to snuff any sort of takedown attempts by his opponents. If and when a fight hits the ground, which has become increasingly unlikely as Junior’s career has gone on, dos Santos can use his strong grappling to maintain control or simply get back on his feet where he is the most dangerous man in the world.

Velasquez is a wrestler first and foremost. That’s not to say that he does not possess a good striking game. But for Cain to be successful the fight has to hit the mat and he has to employ his ground and pound game. As mentioned, getting Junior to the ground and keeping him there has proven nearly impossible for any Heavyweight he has faced including Velasquez a year ago.

The fact remains ahead of this fight that Junior’s strength play right into Cain’s weaknesses and vice versa. Dos Santos uses power punches and Velasquez has shown that his chin isn’t exactly in the upper echelon. On the flip side, Velasquez is a takedown artist – dos Santos has some of the best takedown defense on the planet. It all adds up to a similar fate for Velasquez – his game just doesn’t stack up against the Champ. In knockout fashion….

Pick: Junior dos Santos -190

Joe Lauzon (22-7): +180
Jim Miller (21-4): -230

Two of the more exciting Lightweights do battle in the second last fight on Saturday. Jim Miller, a former Title Contender will look to get back in the win column after a loss to Nate Diaz when he takes on the exciting finishing machine, Joe Lauzon. Both these fighter can finish a fight anywhere it happens to go but Miller is a notch or two above Lauzon in just about every aspect of MMA.

Look for Lauzon to come out quickly, establish his good overall striking game and try for a few slick submissions. But like a true professional, Miller should be able to weather the storm, wear Lauzon down, utilize his elite submission defense and pounce on an inevitable Lauzon mistake.

Miller himself is quite a submission fighter – I like him to get it done on Saturday against a fighter who is not as good as the UFC has built him up to be. Miller puts his name right back in the thick of the Lightweight Title conversation with a nice win.

Pick: Jim Miller -230

Tim Boetsch (16-4): -110
Costa Philippou (11-2): -120

Two fighters that have been streaking lately meet in Middleweight action at UFC 155. Both Tim Boetsch and Costa Philippou have been on nice runs lately but a closer look reveals the fact that both have barely won their last few fights. Boetsch has the wrestling and power edge along with the distinction of having the bigger heart while Philippou will have a slight boxing advantage and OK takedown defense.

In a battle of “C+ Level” fighters, I like the power to prevail in this one. Boetsch’s win against Yushin Okami in his last fight certainly opened my eyes enough to give him the edge in this one. While I think the fight goes the distance, I think the power shots of Boetsch and his “never say die” attitude wins out.

Pick: Tim Boetsch -110

Alan Belcher (18-6): -110
Yushin Okami (27-7): -120

Yushin Okami and Alan Belcher will try to get their names into the Middleweight Title conversation when they meet on Saturday night. Okami is terrific in almost all aspects of MMA – only a monumental comeback in his last fight against Tim Boetsch kept him from remaining in the top tier of UFC Middleweights. Belcher is a fairly well rounded fighter that has beaten the likes of Wilson Gouveia, Patrick Cote and Rousimar Palhares recently – he is on quite a roll.

The problem that I see with Belcher ahead of this fight is his lack of defense – he got tagged repeatedly against Gouveia and he nearly succumbed to a leg lock against Palhares. All told, Belcher appears to have some serious hole in his defense – not a good trait when facing a methodical, experienced Okami. Belcher’s previous three opponents failed to make him pay for his mistakes – against Okami he won’t be so lucky!

Pick: Yushin Okami -120

Chris Leben (22-8): -160
Derek Brunson (9-2): +130

Chris Leben brings his legendary toughness back to the Octagon on Saturday against Derek Brunson, a former Strikeforce Middleweight. While Brunson has his supporters, I am not one of them. He was KO’d in his last fight against Jacare Souza – a fighter that had not recorded a Knockout in his previous 18 fights. Leben is twice as powerful as Souza!

Leben is an absolute beast – he has proven that someone has to finish him in order to win – Brunson is not exactly a UFC caliber finisher just yet. Take the Crippler to foot stomp his way to victory!

Pick: Chris Leben -160

UFC PRELIMS LIVE ON FX

Jamie Varner (20-7-1): +100 vs. Melvin Guillard (30-11-2): -130
Pick: Melvin Guillard -130

Brad Pickett (22-6): -110 vs. Eddie Wineland (19-8): -120
Pick: Brad Pickett -120

Byron Bloodworth (6-2): +325 vs. Erik Perez (12-4): -450
Pick: Erik Perez -450

Michael Johnson (12-6): -240 vs. Myles Jury (10-0): +190
Pick: Myles Jury +190 in an upset

Leonard Garcia (15-9): +300 vs. Max Holloway (6-1): -400
Pick: Max Holloway -400

UFC PRELIMS LIVE STREAM ON FACEBOOK

Phil De Fries (9-1): +250 vs. Todd Duffee (7-2): -350
Pick: Todd Duffee -350

Chris Cariaso (14-3): +155 vs. John Moraga (11-1): -190
Pick: John Moraga -190

CLICK HERE NOW to place a bet on UFC 155 At Bovada!

]]> http://www.capperspicks.com/blog/fight-club/ufc-154-dos-santos-vs-velasquez-betting-odds/feed/ 0 http://www.capperspicks.com/blog/fight-club/ufc-154-st-pierre-vs-condit-betting-odds/ http://www.capperspicks.com/blog/fight-club/ufc-154-st-pierre-vs-condit-betting-odds/#comments Sat, 17 Nov 2012 01:08:21 +0000 DaveB http://www.capperspicks.com/blog/?p=57476 The Return of GSP The UFC heads north this Saturday for UFC 154 for the return from knee surgery of one of its biggest draws Georges St. Pierre. The fight card looks like one of the strongest in a while – for the first time in a very long time, injuries have not decimated the [...]]]>

The Return of GSP

The UFC heads north this Saturday for UFC 154 for the return from knee surgery of one of its biggest draws Georges St. Pierre. The fight card looks like one of the strongest in a while – for the first time in a very long time, injuries have not decimated the intrigue of an event.

Here is a look at all of the fights on the schedule and what should play out in one of the more eagerly anticipated UFC events in quite some time.

UFC 154: St. Pierre vs. Condit
Date: November 17, 2012
Time: 10pm ET/7pm PT
Location: Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Broadcast: PPV

Main Card

Georges St. Pierre (22-2): -320
Carlos Condit (28-5): +240

If you aren`t looking forward to this fight – you aren`t a fan! GSP makes his return to the Octagon after over a year away to take on the interim Welterweight champ – the young, hungry, tough Carlos Condit. Condit enters this fight off what many would deem a disappointing Interim Title win against Nick Diaz in a fight that he avoided and avoided and did enough to claim victory. He will have to be engaged in this one – GSP is coming and coming hard in front of his home town fans.

Carlos Condit is a nice fighter for sure, but he faces a monumental task here against one of the smartest, most cerebral fighters in the sport`s history. GSP is a fight planner and he executes to perfection nearly every time. When is the last time we saw GSP really challenged in a fight? With some added time off, some extra motivation to prove his doubters wrong, GSP will likely be a man possessed. He is still one of the Top 3 pound-for-pound fighters on the planet even though he hasn`t fought in over a year. He proves why on Saturday night with his first stoppage in a very, very long time.

Pick: Georges St. Pierre -320

Johny Hendricks (13-1): -150
Martin Kampmann (20-5): +120

Johny Hendricks and Martin Kampmann meet on Saturday night in a Welterweight Title Elimination fight with both riding high off win streaks against some of the best Welterweights out there. The winner of this fight gets at Title shot! Both fighters are notoriously tough to finish. Only Kampmann has been stopped in his MMA career – just once to Nate Marquart 4 years ago. Hendricks will have the power and a slight wrestling advantage, Kampmann will have the striking edge and the fighters seem equal when it comes to their ground games. I like Kampmann`s ability to absorb a ton of punishment, his experience and his overall better rounded fight game to prevail in a minor upset.

Pick: Martin Kampmann +120

Tom Lawlor (8-4, 1 NC): +200
Francis Carmont (19-7): -260

Francis Carmont brings a three fight UFC win streak into UFC 154 against the inconsistent TUF alum Tom Lawlor. Carmont has been very impressive and will be looking to set the stage for his training partner GSP. He will have the reach advantage, the height advantage, the striking and ground edge. Translation – this should be a relatively easy win for the Frenchman.

Pick: Francis Carmont -260

Mark Hominick (21-11): -300
Pablo Garza (11-3): +220

Canadian Mark Hominick will try to end a three fight losing streak on Saturday – a streak that started with a predictable loss to Jose Aldo. His opponent Pablo Garza is also riding a losing streak – two straight leading up to this fight. Both men have good standup and both are comfortable on the ground. Take the better technical striking of the Canadian to edge out a decision win in this one. Hominick’s skills are a half notch above those of Garza and in front of a home crowd, facing a virtual must-win, he won’t likely be denied.

Pick: Mark Hominick -300

Cyrille Diabate (18-8): -120
Chad Griggs (11-2): -110

Chad Griggs drops from Heavyweight to Light Heavyweight Saturday to take on the well-traveled veteran Frenchman Cyrille Diabate. This will be a striking battle – neither of the two is very proficient on the ground. Griggs will have an uncharacteristic size advantage in this fight but it won’t be as large as one would expect – Diabate’s reach is among the longest (other than Jon Jones) in the division. Griggs has the power; Diabate has the kickboxing, the Muay Thai and the technical edge. I’ll take the technical striker to prevail – his experience against top not fighters like Alexander Gustafson, Shogun and Michael Bisping doesn’t hurt either.

Pick: Cyrille Diabate -120

Preliminary Card

Patrick Cote (25-8): -260 vs. Alessio Sakara (15-9, 1 NC): +200
Pick: Patrick Cote -260

Nick Ring (13-1): +200 vs. Constantinos Philippou (11-2, 1 NC): -260
Pick: Constantinos Philippou -260

Rafael dos Anjos (17-6): -130 vs. Mark Bocek (11-4): +100
Pick: Rafael dos Anjos -130

Steven Siler (21-9): -105 vs. Darren Elkins (14-2): -125
Pick: Steven Siler -105

Antonio Carvalho (14-5): -260 vs. Rodrigo Damm (10-5): +200
Pick: Antonio Carvalho -260

Matt Riddle (6-1): -170 vs. Besam Yousef (6-1): +140
Pick: Matt Riddle -170

Sam Stout (18-7-1): -220 vs. John Makdessi (9-2): +175
Pick: John Makdessi +175

Ivan Menjivar (24-9): -350 vs. Azamat Gashimov (7-1): +250
Pick: Ivan Menjivar -350

CLICK HERE NOW to place a bet on UFC 154 At Bovada!

]]> http://www.capperspicks.com/blog/fight-club/ufc-154-st-pierre-vs-condit-betting-odds/feed/ 0 http://www.capperspicks.com/blog/fight-club/ufc-152-gambling-preview-free-picks-20912/ http://www.capperspicks.com/blog/fight-club/ufc-152-gambling-preview-free-picks-20912/#comments Thu, 20 Sep 2012 18:11:42 +0000 DaveB http://www.capperspicks.com/blog/?p=55128 UFC 152 Full Card Preview and Picks Jon Jones has had a crazy month hasn’t he? From UFC poster boy to Dana White whipping boy, Jones enters Saturday’s contest as one of the most feared fighters on the planet – tall, powerful, athletic, unpredictable and top notch anywhere a fight happens to go. Bet now [...]]]>

UFC 152 Full Card Preview and Picks

Jon Jones has had a crazy month hasn’t he? From UFC poster boy to Dana White whipping boy, Jones enters Saturday’s contest as one of the most feared fighters on the planet – tall, powerful, athletic, unpredictable and top notch anywhere a fight happens to go.

Bet now At Bovada!

UFC 152: Jones vs. Belfort
Date: September 22, 2012
Time: 10pm ET/7pm PT
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Broadcast: PPV, FX Prelims

Main Card:

Jon Jones (16-1): -800
Vitor Belfort (21-9): +500

His opponent Saturday – one of the most feared strikers that the world of MMA has ever seen – Vitor Belfort.

Look – Belfort is a nice fighter but he is a one trick pony at this point of his career. He could land that miracle shot and shock the world – anything can happen. But Jones has the height, the reach and the skills to minimize Belfort’s strength in this one.

Jones has too many tools and he has an added chip on his shoulder to make him that much more dangerous. Is it wrong for me to feel bad for Vitor?

Pick: Jon Jones -800

Joseph Benavidez (16-2): -300
Demetrious Johnson (15-2-1): +220

Flyweights mean constant, high paced action! And Saturday’s title fight between Joseph Benavidez and Demetrious Johnson should be no exception. On paper this fight appears to be a simple wrestler vs. wrestler matchup but both of these guys have some serious striking chops and speed to spare. Johnson has the speed advantage and Benavidez has the power edge. So who wins?

Overall, the wrestling abilities of these two basically cancel each other out so we have to look at the striking to determine a winner. Overall, Benavidez is the better of the two on the feet. Johnson will have to get this fight to the ground – Benavidez should be able to utilize his wrestling knowledge to keep this fight standing. In a close, five round war, take Benavidez to come out on top of this striking battle and take home the belt.

Pick: Joseph Benavidez -300

Michael Bisping (22-4): -180
Brian Stann (12-4): +150

In what could be Fight of the Night, a pair of Middleweight strikers, both coming off a loss to Chael Sonnen do battle. Bisping is the more technical striker of the two while Stann certainly has the power edge. I expect this fight to go to a decision which means that Bisping will have done his job – move around, use his quickness and stay out of Stann’s danger areas. Bisping knows that he may be just one fight away from a long awaited title shot – there is no way he is denied in this one. Quickness and elusiveness wins out in this one!

Pick: Michael Bisping -180

Matt Hamill (10-4): -400
Roger Hollett (13-3): +300

Vladimir Matyushenko tore his Achilles tendon in training leaving the on-gain, off-again bout between Matt Hamill and Roger Hollett to be on again. Hamill has been out of action since his decisive loss last year to Alexander Gustafsson. Hamill`s wrestling chops are well known but questions surround his desire after retiring only last year. Roger Hollett has won five straight fights fighting in the Bellator organization and is certainly no joke. Unfortunately for Hamill, ring rust may bite him in the butt. Hollett despite an earlier injury is obviously hungry to get inside the Octagon with Hamill – I will take the more motivated fighter anytime!

Pick: Roger Hollett +300

Charles Oliveira (16-2, 1 NC): -260
Cub Swanson (17-5): +200

A pair of Featherweights on two fight win streaks look to make a little noise within their division on Saturday night when Charles Oliviera takes on Cub Swanson. Swanson has looked terrific of late with two straight knockouts – Ross Pearson and George Roop while Charles Oliviera has looked equally as good since dropping a weight class with two incredible submission wins. This is a very tough fight to call – Swanson`s unpredictable style always results in a great scrap. But I like the slick submissions of Oliviera (nine of his 16 wins have been by sub) to prevail in this one. He knows not to get into a slugfest with Swanson and will do everything to get this fight to the mat where he has an immense advantage.

Pick: Charles Oliviera -260

Preliminary Card:

Marcus Brimage (5-1): +325 vs. Jim Hettes (10-0): -450
Pick: Jim Hettes -450

Igor Pokrajac (25-8): -200 vs. Vinny Magalhaes (9-5, 1 NC): +160
Pick: Vinny Magalhaes +160

Evan Dunham (13-2): -220 vs. T.J. Grant (18-5): +175
Pick: TJ Grant +175

Seth Baczynski (16-6): -155 vs. Simeon Thoresen (17-2-1): +125
Pick: Seth Baczynski -155

Lance Benoist (6-1): -160 vs. Sean Pierson (12-6): +130
Pick: Lance Benoist -160

Mitch Gagnon (8-2): +175 vs. Walel Watson (9-4): -220
Pick: Mitch Gagnon +175

Charlie Brenneman (15-4): -220 vs. Kyle Noke (19-6-1): +175
Pick: Charlie Brenneman -220

CLICK HERE NOW to place a bet on UFC 149 At Bovada!

]]> http://www.capperspicks.com/blog/fight-club/ufc-152-gambling-preview-free-picks-20912/feed/ 0 http://www.capperspicks.com/blog/fight-club/ufc-150-gambling-preview-free-picks-10812/ http://www.capperspicks.com/blog/fight-club/ufc-150-gambling-preview-free-picks-10812/#comments Fri, 10 Aug 2012 16:52:31 +0000 DaveB http://www.capperspicks.com/blog/?p=53628 UFC 150 Full Card Preview and Picks Don’t get me wrong – I think Edgar is a tough guy but some feel that he may not even deserve this rematch. I for one feel that Henderson beat him soundly in the first fight – decisively! Bet now At Bovada! UFC 150: Henderson vs. Edgar 2 [...]]]>

UFC 150 Full Card Preview and Picks

Don’t get me wrong – I think Edgar is a tough guy but some feel that he may not even deserve this rematch. I for one feel that Henderson beat him soundly in the first fight – decisively!

Bet now At Bovada!

UFC 150: Henderson vs. Edgar 2
Date: August 11, 2012
Time: 10pm ET/7pm PT
Location: Pepsi Center, Denver, Colorado
Broadcast: Pay-per-view, FX

Ben Henderson (16-2): -200
Frankie Edgar (14-2-1): +160

Not much has changed since the first fight – Henderson’s unorthodox striking power athleticism and size have been absolutely too much for the Lightweight Division. Edgar will be game but Henderson is just too good to be denied.

Pick: Benson Henderson -200

Donald Cerrone (18-4, 1 NC): -300
Melvin Guillard (30-10-2, 1 NC): +220

One thing that we are guaranteed – an exciting fight in the Lightweight Division. Many have this tabbed as Fight of the Night. Melvin Guillard bounced back in his last fight with a win over an inferior opponent – big deal. Guillard had lost two fights before that most recent unimpressive win. Donald Cerrone, Guillard’s former training partner is simply better in every aspect of MMA ahead of this fight. There is a possibility of Melvin landing one huge shot but it is more likely that Cerrone holds his own in the standup and once this fight hits the mat he will take over. Guillard must keep this fight standing to have absolutely any shot – Cerrone won’t let that happen.

Pick: Donald Cerrone -300

Yushin Okami (26-7): -600
Buddy Roberts (12-2): +400

Buddy Roberts was supposed to fight Chris Camozzi after an OK UFC debut. But now he steps in as an injury replacement for Rousimar Palhares. Poor Buddy Roberts. To say this is a huge step up in competition is an understatement. Okami totally dominates this fight – no doubt!

Pick: Yushin Okami -600

Ed Herman (20-8): +160
Jake Shields (27-6-1): -200

Jake Shields makes his Middleweight debut on Saturday after looking so-so at Welterweight – he lost twice last year to the elite of the division before winning his last match against Akiyama. His opponent is Ed Herman – 3-0 since returning from a recent injury. Saturday marks an enormous step up in competition for Herman. Both are great wrestlers but Shields is the far more seasoned, more dangerous fighter here. Shields has been in there with the best – that experience should carry him to victory on Saturday.

Pick: Jake Shields -200

Justin Lawrence (4-0): -120
Max Holloway (5-1): -110

Justin Lawrence winner of TUF 15 will look to keep his perfect record intact against Max Holloway. Holloway’s UFC experience includes a loss to the very tough Dustin Poirier. Lawrence may have decent all around skills but Holloway’s terrific boxing skills will be the difference in this one. The name of the game is offense and in this match Holloway has the better game.

Pick: Max Holloway -110

FX Preliminary Card

Dennis Bermudez (8-3): -350 vs. Tom Hayden (8-1): +250
Pick: Dennis Bermudez -350

Jared Hamman (13-4): -130 vs. Michael Kuiper (11-1): +100
Pick: Jared Hamman -130

Ken Stone (11-3): -125 vs. Erik Perez (11-4): -105
Pick: Erik Perez -105

Dustin Pague (11-7): -200 vs. Chico Camus (11-3): +160
Pick: Dustin Pague -200

Eiji Mitsuoka (18-8-2): +250 vs. Nik Lentz (21-5-2, 1 NC): -350
Pick: Nik Lentz -350

CLICK HERE NOW to place a bet on UFC 149 At Bovada!

]]> http://www.capperspicks.com/blog/fight-club/ufc-150-gambling-preview-free-picks-10812/feed/ 0 http://www.capperspicks.com/blog/fight-club/ufc-149-gambling-preview-free-picks-20712/ http://www.capperspicks.com/blog/fight-club/ufc-149-gambling-preview-free-picks-20712/#comments Fri, 20 Jul 2012 13:46:38 +0000 DaveB http://www.capperspicks.com/blog/?p=52867 UFC 149 Full Card Preview and Picks The UFC Interim Bantamweight title is on the line Saturday night when the California Kid Urijah Faber tries to end the incredible 28 fight win streak jiu-jitsu ace Renan Barao. Bet now At Bovada! UFC 149: Faber vs. Barao Date: July 21, 2012 Time: 10pm ET/7pm PT Location: [...]]]>

UFC 149 Full Card Preview and Picks

The UFC Interim Bantamweight title is on the line Saturday night when the California Kid Urijah Faber tries to end the incredible 28 fight win streak jiu-jitsu ace Renan Barao.

Bet now At Bovada!

UFC 149: Faber vs. Barao
Date: July 21, 2012
Time: 10pm ET/7pm PT
Location: Scotiabank Saddledome, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Broadcast: Pay-per-view

Renan Barao (28-1-0): -190
Urijah Faber (26-5-0): +155

Faber comes into the fight having a wealth of experience in Title fights both at Featherweight and Bantamweight while for Barao; this will be his first time fighting for a Title and his first time going beyond three rounds.

Faber will definitely have the wrestling advantage but Barao has the better overall grappling chops to minimize and force Faber to largely abandon any notion of bringing this fight to the mat. Faber will also have a slight advantage in hand speed, power but not by much. Barao is a beast – he, like Faber can win a fight anywhere that it happens to go. It is true that Barao has yet to fight anyone the caliber of Mr. Faber but his youth, athleticism and all around skills make him a deserving combatant in this most important bout.

For Faber, it will have to be his ability to vary his attack, remain unpredictable and to use his wrestling to keep this fight on its feet. For Barao, he will need to close the distance, try to bring the experienced Faber down to the ground where he can employ arguably the best jiu-jitsu game in the bantamweight division.

This is an interesting fight to call but I like the tenacity of Barao to prevail. Nobody has come close to defeating Barao during his incredible streak while Faber has shown holes in his game. All it takes is one small mistake for Barao to capitalize – I see that mistake coming in the championship rounds.

Pick: Renan Barao -190 by submission in the fourth round

Tim Boetsch (15-4-0): +250
Hector Lombard (31-2-1 1 NC): -350

Hector Lombard, another fighter riding an impressive win streak (24 fights dating back to 2006) makes his UFC debut on Saturday night when he takes on the very tough Tim Boetsch in Middleweight action. Lombard, a Cuban born fighter will be looking to use this fight as a stepping stone to an eventual fight with Anderson Silva – a fighter that Lombard has been calling out for years.

Lombard is a stud – a former Olympic judoka fighter and a Brazilian jiu-jitsu Black Belt with power and serious technique in the standup game. He has as much power in his hands as any Middleweight alive. Lombard is top notch anywhere this fight happens to go. Boetsch is a tough guy – remember his insane comeback in his last fight against Yushin Okami? He is well rounded, has a great chin and a very strong wrestling background. Boetsch is solid in every aspect of MMA but isn’t elite in any.

Let’s face it – Boetsch is in a different league than Lombard – heck maybe he is two leagues down. I admire Boetsch’s toughness but he is totally outclassed in this one. Lomard the bully will do his thing and like Barao will keep an impressive streak alive.

Pick: Hector Lombard -350

Shawn Jordan (13-3-0): -140
Cheick Kongo (17-7-2): +110

Not a whole lot is known about Shawn Jordan who takes on Cheick Kongo in Heavyweight action except for the fact that he has defeated names like Lavar Johnson and Oli Thompson. If there is one thing that we do know – it is that Kongo is coming to fight and that this battle likely won’t go the three rounds. Kongo is just too big, too experienced inside the Octagon and he has too good a chin to be denied in this one. With the Knockout of the Night take…

Pick: Cheick Kongo +110

Matthew Riddle (6-3-0): -155
Chris Clements (11-4): +125

Struggling Welterweights will try to right the ship on Saturday when Matthew Riddle takes on Chris Clements. Clements is largely one dimensional – 10 of his 11 wins have come by knockout. Clements will never be a contender but he puts on a show every time out. Because Riddle is slightly more well-rounded I like him to win this battle of “C level” fighters.

Pick: Matthew Riddle -155

James Head (8-2-0): +300
Brian Ebersole (50-14-1): -400

Veteran Brian Ebersole steps into the Octagon once again, this time to take on James Head who is coming off an upset win against Papy Abedi. Expect Head to come out strong but for the experience, craftiness and will of Ebersole to eke out a decision win.

Pick: Brian Ebersole -400

FX Preliminary Card

Francisco Rivera (7-2-0): -125 vs. Roland Delorme (8-1-0): -105
Pick: Francisco Rivera -125

Mitch Clarke (9-1-0): +140 vs. Anton Kuivanen (16-5-0): -170
Pick: Anton Kuivanen -170

Court McGee (14-2-0): -110 vs. Nick Ring (12-1-0): -120
Pick: Court McGee -110

Bryan Caraway (16-5-0): -210 vs. Mitch Gagnon (8-1-0): +165
Pick: Bryan Caraway -210

Antonio Carvalho (13-5-0): +180 vs. Daniel Pineda (17-8-0): -230
Pick: Antonio Carvalho +180

Anthony Perosh (13-6-0): +145 vs. Ryan Jimmo (16-1-0): -175
Pick: Anthony Perosh +145

CLICK HERE NOW to place a bet on UFC 149 At Bovada!

]]> http://www.capperspicks.com/blog/fight-club/ufc-149-gambling-preview-free-picks-20712/feed/ 0 http://www.capperspicks.com/blog/fight-club/ufc-148-gambling-preview-free-picks-6712/ http://www.capperspicks.com/blog/fight-club/ufc-148-gambling-preview-free-picks-6712/#comments Fri, 06 Jul 2012 19:56:13 +0000 DaveB http://www.capperspicks.com/blog/?p=52481 UFC 147 Full Card Preview and Picks UFC 148 comes our way this Saturday and one of the most eagerly anticipated rematches in UFC history tops the card. Anderson Silva will try to avenge a beating he took at the hands of Chael Sonnen while Sonnen will try to avenge a loss to Silva in [...]]]>

UFC 147 Full Card Preview and Picks

UFC 148 comes our way this Saturday and one of the most eagerly anticipated rematches in UFC history tops the card. Anderson Silva will try to avenge a beating he took at the hands of Chael Sonnen while Sonnen will try to avenge a loss to Silva in that same fight.

Bet now At Bovada!

UFC 148 – Rematch of the Century?

Sound complicated – it isn’t. Sound exciting – it most certainly is.

Here is a breakdown of the full card:

UFC 148: Silva vs. Sonnen 2
Date: July 7, 2012
Time: 10pm ET/7pm PT
Location: MGM Grand Garden Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada
Broadcast: PPV, FX (Prelims)

Anderson Silva (31-4-0): -300
Chael Sonnen (27-11-1): +220

Bad blood has spilled over in the leadup to the Middleweight Championship showdown between Chael Sonnen and Anderson Silva. Trash talking has always been the calling card of Sonnen but Silva has certainly got his licks in ahead of the clash. With absolutely no love lost this fight promises to be a classic.

The fight will pit Sonnen’s elite wrestling, relentless takedowns and unmatched cardio against Silva’s world class Muay Thai and Black Belt in jiu-jitsu. In the first fight Sonnen won both the ground and the stand up games – something that the champ hopes to avoid in this fight. Sonnen will have to avoid the submission (9 of his 11 losses have come by submission) and Silva will have to avoid the inevitable takedowns attempts of Sonnen – each of the opponents’ weaknesses in this fight play right into the hands of the strengths of their opponent!

Simply put, Silva seemed to be caught off guard in the last fight – there is no way it happens again. Silva is the most dominant champ in UFC history for a reason. We saw Chael at his absolute best in the first fight and saw the worst of the Spider. The tides turn Saturday!

Pick: Anderson Silva -300

Tito Ortiz (16-10-1): +250
Forrest Griffin (18-7-0): -350

A rubber-match between Tito Ortiz and Forrest Griffin is on tap as the co-main event on Saturday. Both of these fighters are legends in the world of MMA in the twilight of their careers – for Tito it will be his last fight inside the Octagon.

What this fight boils down to is a fighter imposing their will against the other. Tito has to get this fight to the ground – his recent fight has shown that his ability to win on his feet are sadly lacking. With Griffin’s elite boxing and insane will to do whatever it takes to win, Tito appears to be in a bit of trouble here. Also with Ortiz being inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame prior to the fight, expect Tito to be a tad distracted. Simply put, Griffin`s waning skills are better than those of Tito`s. Expect Griffin to employ his superior striking games and to stay out of Tito`s danger areas for the bulk of the match. In a decision victory, Griffin will out-point Ortiz!

Pick: Forrest Griffin -350

Cung Le (7-2-0): +200
Patrick Cote (17-7-0): -260

Patrick Cote steps in for injured Rich Franklin to take on the insane yet declining striking skills of Cung Le in Middleweight action. Cote makes his return to the UFC after getting dropped after a loss to Tom Lawlor – expect a triumphant return.

Cote`s durability, his conditioning and his ability to hang with elite strikers will be the difference in this one. Le was a frightening opponent at one point in his career but it is clear that he is not the same fighter he was years ago. Le`s conditioning and his chin have eluded him in his last few fights.

Take the Canadian to prevail – he`s hungrier, fresher and at this point in his career a better fighter.

Pick: Patrick Cote -260

Demian Maia (15-4-0): +120
Dong Hyun Kim (15-1-1): -150

Demian Maia makes his debut at welterweight on Saturday against another world class grappler Dong Hyun Kim. Maia’s only chance, like in all of his fights is to get this fight to the ground, assume top control and submit his opponent. But the solid wrestling of Kim should minimize Maia’s effectiveness and Kim’s striking should score him much needed points during the fight. Maia clearly has the jiu-jitsu edge but it won’t matter in this fight. I see a somewhat boring decision win here for…

Pick: Dong Hyun Kim -150

Cody McKenzie (13-2-0): lines not available
Chad Mendes (11-1-0): lines not available

Arguably the best Featherweight in the world outside Jose Aldo will look to climb the ladder once again when he takes on guillotine choke machine Cody McKenzie. McKenzie unfortunately hasn’t shown a whole lot outside that ability to choke his opponent out. Against an uber-well rounded Mendez that spells trouble. Mendes is clearly on a different level and should take this lopsided affair.

Pick: Chad Mendes

Ivan Menjivar (24-8-0): +100
Mike Easton (12-1-0): -130

In Bantamweight action a possible title shot is on the line on Saturday when Ivan Menjivar takes on Mike Easton. Both have crisp striking although Menjivar has the slight edge in that department while Easton’s takedowns are top notch. Both men have solid credentials – Easton is a Black Belt in BJJ and he also has good wrestling chops. But it will be the explosive hands, the all around game and the experience of Menjivar that should be the difference. With a title shot on the horizon, I can’t see Menjivar being denied.

Pick: Ivan Menjivar +100

FX Preliminary Card

Khabib Nurmagomedov (17-0-0): +175 vs. Gleison Tibau (25-7-0): -220
Pick: Gleison Tibau -220

Fabricio Camoes (14-6-1): +220 vs. Melvin Guillard (29-10-2): -300
Pick: Melvin Guillard -300

Costantinos Philippou (10-2-0): -200 vs. Riki Fukada (18-5-0): +160
Pick: Costantinos Philippou -200

John Alessio (34-15-0): +165 vs. Shane Roller (10-6-0): -210
Pick: John Alessio +165

Yoislandy Izquierdo (6-1-0): -180 vs. Rafaello Oliveira (14-5-0): +150
Pick: Yoislandy Izquierdo -180

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