UFC 142: Aldo vs. Mendes
Jose Aldo makes his 5th Featherweight Title defense on Saturday against up-and-coming wrestling prospect Chad Mendez.
Category: Fight Club
Articles by Cappers Picks related to boxing betting online, as well as UFC gambling tips, and MMA wagering opinion.
UFC 141: Lesnar vs. Overeem
Are you excited about this one? Me too! Two of the biggest, baddest Heavyweights on the planet do battle in what should be a beauty!
UFC 140: Jones vs. Machida
In one of the more intriguing Light Heavyweight Title Bouts in quite some time, two of the most elusive fighters in the sport battle for the Top Prize.
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UFC 139 Predictions and gambling Picks
UFC 139 Preview and Picks
In a match for the ages, Shogun Rua takes on Dan Henderson in a battle of MMA legends. Rua is the complete package – Muay Thai and very good jiu-jitsu while Henderson is a wrestler by trade who loves to utilize his insane right hand to end fights.
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Velasquez vs. Dos Santos UFC on FOX
UFC on FOX 1: Velasquez vs. Dos Santos
Date/Time: November 12, 2011, 9pm ET/6pm PT
Location: Honda Center, Anaheim, California
Broadcast: FOX
Cain Velasquez (9-0-0): -165
Junior dos Santos (13-1-0): +145
What a way to usher in a new era of MMA! The Heavyweight Title is on the line on Saturday night and the fight will be broadcast on FOX for the whole world to see. Junior Dos Santos brings his elite level striking to the Octagon to take on the top notch wrestling ability of Champion Cain Velasquez. For the Challenger, his take down defense will be challenged and for the Champion, his chin will certainly be tested.
Cain Velasquez is a dominant wrestler with heavy hands and some of the best cardio in the Heavyweight division. His takedowns and ground control are some of the best that the Heavyweight division has ever seen. Although he is not scared to stand and trade, Velasquez will try to get this fight to the ground. The fact is that Cain has never faced anyone with the striking ability of Junior Dos Santos.
Junior Dos Santos is another fighter that possesses amazing conditioning. He is one of the most feared strikers in the Heavyweight division. Dos Santos has that rare combination of technical and powerful striking that is nearly impossible to defend. He has won eight straight fights, six by strikes against top notch competition. What’s lost in Junior’s striking prowess is the fact that he owns a Brown Belt in jiu-jitsu under Antonio Rodrigo Noguiera. Dos Santos is a handful anywhere this fight happens to go.
Betting Prediction: Cain Velasquez will have to get this fight to the ground – there is no way that he wants to enter into a striking battle with Junior Dos Santos. The danger with that plan is the fact that Dos Santos is one of the most accurate strikers in the game. Junior will know that Velasquez is coming and should be able to keep him at bay with a strong jab. Dos Santos has worked his takedown defense extensively with one of the best camps on the planet – Team Black House that features Anderson Silva, José Aldo, Lyoto Machida, Antônio Rogério Nogueira, Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, and former Chute Boxe Academy fighter Antonio “Nino” Schembri. There is no way that Velasquez could have improved his ability to get hit by a truck in his training camp! Punching prowess wins over grappling prowess in this one!
Pick: Junior Dos Santos +145
Clay Guida (28-11-0): +210 vs. Benson Henderson (14-2-0): -250
How does this Lightweight fight not make it on National Television? Clay Guida, winner of four straight fights takes on Ben Henderson, the former WEC standout who has been knocking on the door of the UFC Lightweight title since his arrival with the organization. Guida is quick, tough and as relentless as they come. The problem is that Henderson is better in all of those aspects of MMA. Henderson has the speed, the strength and heart to give the unflappable Guida fits. In a tremendous fight, Henderson will prove that he is indeed the next challenger for the UFC Lightweight title. [ad-3573245]
Pick: Ben Henderson -250
Norifumi ‘KID’ Yamamoto (18-4-0): -360 vs. Darren Uyenoyama (6-3-0): +300
Darren Uyenoyama makes his UFC debut against a legend in the sport and former top pound for pound fighter on the planet, Norifumi ‘KID’ Yamamoto. Yamamoto may be long in the tooth and the fact remains that he has only won once in 4 plus years. But he should be able to defeat the inexperienced Uyenoyama on Saturday – if he doesn’t; it is time to hang up the boots!
Pick: Norifumi ‘KID’ Yamamoto -360
Cub Swanson (15-4-0): +130 vs. Ricardo Lamas (10-2-0): -150
Cub Swanson hasn’t been all that impressive lately losing two of his last four fights. But Swanson’s experience and superior ground game will be too much for Lamas to handle.
Pick: Cub Swanson +130
Pablo Garza (11-1-0): +255 vs. Dustin Poirier (10-1-0): -305
A very good Featherweight bout comes our way on Saturday. Both Pablo Garza and Dustin Poirier have lost just once in their MMA careers. Poirier is a handful and could elevate himself to the elite class of Featherweight fighters before too long. Poirier’s ground game will be the difference in this one in a very good fight.
Pick: Dustin Poirier -305
Clay Harvison (9-3-0): +230 vs. DaMarques Johnson (12-9-0): -275
Two former The Ultimate Fighter alums do battle on Saturday. I have never been a fan of Johnson and his 12-9 record. Harvison is in a good position to pull the upset in this one. Take the underdog!
Pick: Clay Harvison +230
Mackens Semerzier (6-3-0): -115 vs. Robert Peralta (15-3-0): -105
In Featherweight action, Robert Peralta puts an eight fight win streak on the line against a rather inexperienced Mackens Semerzier. Peralta makes it nine in a row on Saturday!
Pick: Robert Peralta -105
Mike Pierce (12-4-0): -320 vs. Paul Bradley (18-3-0): +270
These two fighters have fought once before with Pierce winning. Pierce is simply the better fighter and should be able to duplicate his previous success against Bradley.
Pick: Mike Pierce -320
Aaron Rosa (16-4-0): -145 vs. Matt Lucas (14-2-0): +125
Matt Lucas makes his UFC debut in Heavyweight action. Lucas is a beast and should be able to handle Rosa in this one.
Pick: Matt Lucas +125
Alex “Bruce Leroy” Caceres (5-4-0): +215 vs. Cole Escovedo (17-8-0): -255
In Bantamweight action, The Ultimate Fighter alum Alex Caceres moves down a weight class to try to save his employment in the UFC. Don’t bet on it happening against a decent all around fighter, Cole Escovedo.
Pick: Cole Escovedo -255
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UFC 138 Predictions and gambling Picks
UFC 138 Preview and Picks
UFC 138 comes our way this weekend and despite the lack of obvious star power, there are some fights with some serious implications on the card. The winners of Leben/Munoz and Pickett/Barao could be in line for title shots in their divisions.
UFC 137 Preview and Picks
UFC 137 takes place this weekend in Vegas and before it even starts there is a certain amount of disappointment. Georges St. Pierre was forced out of his title fight this weekend with a knee injury. Carlos Condit will reportedly get his shot at GSP somewhere down the line.
The UFC 137 Fight card is still littered with quality bouts – every one of which is broken down below with updated odds and picks.
UFC 137: St. Pierre vs. Condit
Date/Time: October 29, 2011, 9pm ET/6pm PT
Location: Manadalay Bay Events Center, Las Vegas, Nevada
Broadcast: Pay-per-view
Main Card
Welterweight (170lbs)
BJ Penn (16-7-2): -135
Nick Diaz (25-7-0): +105
Two very well rounded fighters meet in the main event of the evening when BJ Penn takes on Nick Diaz. Both men are terrific boxers and both own Black Belts in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Penn is a legend but is a bit of a fading star that will have all sorts of trouble with the height and reach of Diaz. I like the unorthodox striking and rugged nature of Diaz’s style to prevail in this one. Diaz will reclaim his place in line at his shot at GSP.
Pick: Nick Diaz +105
Heavyweight (265lbs)
Cheick Kongo (15-7-2): +110
Matt Mitrione (5-0-0): -140
In what is the most intriguing fight of the evening, rising star Matt Mitrione will look to use his superior athleticism against the huge and powerful Cheick Kongo. Kongo has all the tools for success but Mitrione has one enormous advantage in this fight – speed. I think Mitrione`s vastly improved footwork will be too much for Kongo. Quickness will open things up for Mitrione’s powerful hands and emerging kicks. It will be a battle with Mitrione extending his unbeaten streak.
Pick: Matt Mitrione -140
Heavyweight (265lbs)
Mirko ‘Cro Cop’ Filipovic (27-9-2): +225
Roy Nelson (15-6-0): -300
This is perhaps the easiest fight of the night to call. Cro Cop has lost all of the luster that made him the most feared striker in MMA – he is slower, less powerful and can’t take a punch anymore. Nelson isn’t great but he is proficient enough in every aspect of MMA to get it done on Saturday.
Pick: Roy Nelson -300
Bantamweight (135lbs)
Scott Jorgensen (12-4-0): -450
Jeff Curran (33-13-1): +325
Jeff Curran returns to the Octagon after some time away to take on Scott Jorgensen, a fighter that has been close in the past but can`t seem to get over the hurdle. Curran brings experience decent boxing and a tremendous ability to fight off his back while Jorgensen has wrestling, insane conditioning, and tremendous ground control on his side. Expect Jorgensen to grind out a win in typical style and to put his name in the hat once again as a challenger to Dominick Cruz.
Pick: Scott Jorgensen -450
Featherweight (145lbs)
Hatsu Hioki (24-4-2): -350
George Roop (11-6-1): +250
Hioki is extremely well respected – a former Shooto and Sengoku champion. He makes his UFC debut against George Roop who is 2-3 in his last five fights. We have seen it before, over and over – Japanese fighters have a very difficult time in their UFC debuts – I think the same happens again. Roop will be wary of Hioki’s superb submission game (14 subs) and will use his height to keep this fight standing. Roop is exciting and unpredictable – I like the upset in this one! [ad-3573245]
Pick: George Roop +250
Preliminary Card
Lightweight (155lbs)
Bart Palaszewski (34-14-0): +250
Tyson Griffin (15-5-0): -350
Bart Palaszewski makes his UFC debut on Saturday and brings a good all around game with him. However, Palaszewski has shown in the past that he has trouble with high level grapplers. Enter Tyson Griffin who will not only outclass Palaszewski when the fight hit the mat but also in the standup as well. Griffin gets it done!
Pick: Tyson Griffin -350
Lightweight (155lbs)
Dennis Siver (19-7-0): +200
Donald Cerrone (15-3-0): -260
Dennis Siver was supposed to face Sam Stout but now has the tough task of facing the very well rounded Donald Cerrone. Siver is a tremendous striker that has won four straight fights but Cerrone will have a distinct size and reach advantage in this one. Once this fight goes to the ground (and it will), Cerrone will dominate.
Pick: Donald Cerrone -260
Light Heavyweight (205lbs)
Eliot Marshall (9-2-0): +375
Brandon Vera (11-6-0): -550
The Ultimate Fighter alum Elliot Marshall will be fighting for his UFC career on Saturday when he takes on a fighter that once was a prodigy but hasn’t quite lived up to expectation – Brandon Vera. After 3 straight losses (1 was overturned with the positive drug test of Thiago Silva), Brandon Vera is due. He should get it done against the underwhelming Marshall.
Pick: Brandon Vera -550
Middleweight (185lbs)
Clifford Starks (7-0-0): -110
Dustin Jacoby (12-4-0): -120
Dustin Jacoby is riding a six fight win streak but in far lesser organizations – Clifford Starks is undefeated and has fought in decent organizations like Rage in the Cage and Shark Fights. . Look for the youth, aggression and energy and 6 inch height advantage of Jacoby to show up in this fight and to win the battle of the debuts.
Pick: Dustin Jacoby -120
Lightweight (155lbs)
Danny Downes (7-2-0): +180
Ramsey Nijem (4-2-0): -230
Ramsey Nijem, a TUF 13 contestant hits the Octagon with decent wrestling and boxing experience but with limited MMA experience. Danny Downes doesn`t have much more experience in the Octagon but he does have some rounds under his belt against some top tier MMA talent – Chris Horodecki and Jeremy Stephens). Downes is simply the better fighter and brings more experience – that`s good enough for me!
Pick: Danny Downes +180
Middleweight (185lbs)
Francis Carmont (16-7-0): -120
Chris Camozzi (15-4-0):-110
Chris Camozzi is simply one of the more overrated fighters in the UFC – he was cut and brought back for some reason. On Saturday he takes on French fighter and GSP training partner Francis Carmont. Carmont destroyed a very tough Jason Day in his last fight – I expect the same will ring true with Camozzi.
Pick: Francis Carmont -120
Event: UFC 136: Edgar vs. Maynard 3
In the third installment of the Edgar/Maynard war, Frankie Edgar will once again try to avenge the only loss of his career.
UFC 136 Edgar vs Maynard III Preview & Picks
Even if you’re a casual MMA fan, you won’t want to miss UFC 136 this Saturday night. One of the most stacked cards in while features two title fights, including the rematch between Frankie Edgar and Gray Maynard following their draw last January.
UFC Live: Cruz vs Johnson Preview & Picks
Behold, the beauty of the UFC’s seven-division format! A week after the light heavyweight title fight between Jon Jones and Rampage Jackson, another belt goes on the line in a free-TV event this Saturday. Time to make some picks.
UFC 135 – Jones vs. Rampage
Date/Time: September 24, 2011, 9pm ET/6pm PT
Venue: Pepsi Center, Denver, Colorado, United States
Broadcast: Pay-per-view
Betting: Bet on UFC 135 at BetOnline.com
Main card:
Jon Jones (13-1): -550
Quinton “Rampage” Jackson (32-8): +400
What a main event! Jon Jones is an absolute nightmare matchup for Rampage in this one. Jones is big, athletic, long, quick, powerful and dynamic while Rampage is the same old one dimensional standup fighter. Expect Jones to easily dodge any of the telegraphed strikes thrown by Rampage and for the youngster to school the veteran in this one. Jones has too many tools and is too young and hungry for Rampage to have a chance. It will be exciting and it will end with a KO.
Pick: Jon Jones -550
Matt Hughes (45-8): +380
Josh Koscheck (17-5): -480
In a battle of legend vs. “wannabe legend“, Matt Hughes will attempt to slow Josh Koschek’s reassertion up the Welterweight ladder. Both men are very well versed, well rounded and can end this fight anywhere, anytime. I like the experience of Hughes and his relentless takedown game to overpower Kos. Hughes`s legacy is on the line here – something that he takes very seriously. In a close fight, take the veteran to prevail in a huge upset.
Pick: Matt Hughes +380
Rob Broughton (15-5-1): +300
Travis Browne (11-0-1): -400
In a Heavyweight clash of heavy handed strikers, one undefeated streak will end. Rob Broughton has won five straight fights while Travis Browne has never tasted defeat. I like Browne as the better technical striker in this one – a KO is almost certain!
Pick: Travis Browne -400
Nate Diaz (13-7): -260
Takanori Gomi (32-7, 1 NC): +200
A classic `clash of styles’ is featured in the Diaz/Gomi bout. Diaz is a submission fighter while Gomi prefers to keep the fight standing. With a lack of striking prowess, Diaz will have a difficult time closing the ground on the heavy handed Gomi. I like Gomi to catch Diaz in the second round ending the fight with a highlight reel KO.
Pick: Takanori Gomi +200
Mark Hunt (6-7): +275
Ben Rothwell (31-7): -350
Ben Rothwell returns to the Octagon after a stint of relative inactivity against kick boxer Mark Hunt. Octagon Rust and the fact that Rothwell has had his issues in the past defending kicks will be the difference in this fight. In an exciting brawl, expect the kick boxer to come out on top.
Pick: Mark Hunt +275
Preliminary card:
Aaron Riley (30-12-1): +240
Tony Ferguson (11-2): -300
A once highly touted prospect Aaron Riley will try to get his career back in order when he takes on dangerous striker Tony Ferguson at UFC 135. Riley has been susceptible to heavy hands recently – Riley has lost 2 of his last 4 fights by KO. That plays into the devastating striking game of Ferguson unfortunately for Riley. [ad-3573245]
Pick: Tony Ferguson -300
Tim Boetsch (13-4): -170
Nick Ring (12-0): +140
Nick Ring puts a perfect record on the line against Tim Boetsch who is coming off a huge win over Kendall Grove. Expect Boetsch`s size (a natural Light Heavyweight fighting at Middleweight) to be too much in this one. In this fight, size does matter.
Pick: Time Boetsch -170
Ricardo Romero (11-2): +130
James Te Huna (12-5): -160
Both of these fighters will be looking to rebound after losses in their last fights. Te Huna has an awful time defending against submissions – 4 of his 5 losses have come by way of submission. Romero on the other hand is very well versed in submissions – 5 of his last 6 wins have come via tapout. Romero wins this fight easily by, you guessed it, submission.
Pick: Ricardo Romero +130
Cole Escovedo (17-7): +160
Takeya Mizugaki (14-6-2): -200
In Bantamweight action, two fighters in desperate need of a win do battle. Mizugaki is known as a bit of a grinder – not scared to go the distance in his fights. Expect much of the same in this one with Cole Escovedo`s serious lack of takedown defense being his Achilles heel once again.
Pick: Takeya Mizugaki -200
Junior Assuncao (13-4-0): -125
Eddie Yagin (15-4-1) -105
Junior Assuncao returns to the Octagon after four years away when he takes on highly touted Eddie Yagin in Featherweight action. Assuncao is a Black Belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu but he will have a hard time with Octagon rust and with the all around prowess of a confident and recently impressive Yagin. Yagin recently submitted former Bellator champion Joe Soto – that’s enough for me.
Pick: Eddie Yagin -105
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UFC 135 Preview & Picks
Jonny “Bones” Jones defends his UFC light heavyweight title for the first time this Saturday at UFC 135. In Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, he faces the toughest, meanest, most experienced opponent of his career.
UFC Live: Shields vs Ellenberger Preview & Pick
The UFC has bigger plans ahead with its massive FOX TV deal but still has to play out its remaining free-TV schedule first. UFC Live: Shields vs Ellenberger will air Saturday, September 17 on Spike.
UFC 134 Silva vs Okami Preview & Picks
What better way to round out the summer than with a stacked UFC card in Brazil? UFC 134 should be something special.
UFC 133 Hardy vs Lytle Preview & Picks
It’s a free TV event but make sure you catch UFC Live: Hardy vs Lytle this Sunday night. Its main two bouts are just as good as what UFC 133 had to offer on pay-per-view last weekend. One of Sunday’s fights has major title implications in the lightweight division.
How to Bet on UFC/Mixed Martial Arts
The general consensus in sports betting is that NFL is the toughest of the major sports because the betting public and oddsmakers’ knowledge is so strong and the lines are so sharp. By the reverse logic, I believe UFC/MMA betting is one of the best places to make money in sports betting today.
