UFC 123: Rampage vs. Machida
Quinton Jackson is back in action on Saturday night, this time against one of the two or three best Light Heavyweights in the world. Looking to bet on UFC matchups?
UFC 123 has two Amazing tilts on the card, and a slew of other great matchups…
Event: UFC 123: Rampage vs. Machida
Date: November 20, 2010
Time: 10PM ET/7PM PT
Location: The Palace of Auburn Hills, Auburn Hills, Michigan
Broadcast: Pay-per-view
Betting: Bet on UFC 123 at Sportsbook.com
Quinton “Rampage” Jackson (30-8): +200
vs. Lyoto Machida (16-1): -260
Jackson has been known as a one dimensional fighter throughout his career and he has done nothing in recent years to improve upon that claim. He is still a brawler, who has tremendous power but little or no wrestling or grappling.
Lyoto Machida has one loss on his record – his last fight against Shogun Rua. Machida is one of the most complete fighters on the planet and he trains at one on the best gyms in the world – Team Black House. His awkward style, jiu-jitsu-game, and world class counterpunching style will be a nightmare for the ultra-aggressive Jackson to handle.
This fight is matchup hell for Rampage. Pick: Lyoto Machida -260
Matt Hughes (45-7): +145
vs. B.J. Penn (15-7-1): -175
This fight will either act as the beginning of the end or the beginning of another potential Title Shot for either combatant. Hughes and Penn have fought twice before, splitting their meetings.
BJ Penn is the better fighter in this matchup in all aspects of the fight. The only question that could derail him is the question of his heart and desire. Hughes has won three straight fights and Penn has lost two. But there is no arguing that one fighter’s skills have diminished over the years. In their prime, these fighters made for good battles but on Saturday only one fighter will display the skills necessary to remain a player in the UFC. Pick: BJ Penn -175
Gerald Harris (17-2): -280
vs. Maiquel Falcao (25-3): +210
Gerald Harris, a major prospect in the UFC takes on a UFC virgin, Maiquel Falcao, a Brazilian striking machine. Falcao will definitely look to push the pace with his strong conditioning and striking prowess, but a seasoned wrestler and all around sensation stands in his way. Harris has the style to defeat an ultra aggressive fighter – patience and a great take down game. Harris will fight for the title very soon and will prove just why on Saturday night. Pick: Gerald Harris -280
Phil Davis (7-0): -600
vs. Tim Boetsch (12-3): +400
Tom Boetsch is being set up for a major fall in this fight. Although he possesses freakish strength and an ability to bully his opponent, Boetsch will find tough sledding against arguably the most athletic prospects in his division. Davis has been very impressive in this three wins in the organization and his take down ability followed by an incredible Top Game will be too much to handle for the veteran Boetsch. Pick: Phil Davis -600
George Sotiropoulos (13-2): -230
vs. Joe Lauzon (18-5): +180
Two of the more exciting fighters in the Lightweight division meet on Saturday with the winner certainly climbing the UFC ladder. George Satiropoulos will be looking to extend his six fight win streak and will try to prove that he is worthy of a Title shot down the line. Joe Lauzon hopes to use his length to outstrike the prospect Satiropoulos who does his best work on the ground. I like the striker over the grappler in this one. Pick: Joe Lauzon +180
Spike TV Card:
Matt Brown (11-9): +125
vs. Brian Foster (14-5): -155
Two heavy hitters with incredible chins are featured on the Spike TV Card on Saturday night. Make no mistake about it, there will be some bombs thrown! I like Foster’s power just a little bit more than Brown’s and I also like the fact that Foster can and will use his take downs when he feels the need. There will be blood guaranteed! Pick: Brian Foster -155
Aaron Simpson (7-1): +135
vs. Mark Munoz (8-2): -165
In a battle of wrestler vs., wrestler, one fighter will avenge a loss in their last fight. Simpson is an accurate powerful striker as well as an All-American collegiate wrestler while Munoz has some strikes of his own. Munoz owns a Purple Belt in jiu-jitsu but Simpson may have the wrestling edge in this fight. A fight between two wrestlers often becomes a stand up war and with Munoz training with some of the best strikers on the planet (Team Black House); I like him to emerge victorious on Saturday. Pick: Mark Munoz -165
Preliminary card:
Karo Parisyan (19-5): -165
vs. Dennis Hallman (45-13-2): +135
Veteran grappler Dennis Hallman welcomes Karo Parisyan back to the UFC in a fight that will go a long way in determining both fighters’ future in the UFC. Parisyan was a major player during his prime but those days are long gone. Dennis Hallman should win this fight easily by yet another submission. Pick: Dennis Hallman +135
Mike Lullo (8-1): +375
vs. Edson Barboza (6-0): -550
UFC newcomer Mike Lullo has the daunting task of facing highly touted Edson Barboza in his UFC debut. Lullo is said to be a well rounded fighter who is well versed on the ground (6 of 8 wins by submission). Unfortunately for Lullo, he is facing a fighter whose Muay Thai is the envy of his division and whose take down defense has shown tremendous improvement. Barboza will unleash his lethal hands and feet on his way to a 1st round TKO. Pick: Edson Barboza -550
Paul Kelly (10-3): -165
vs. T.J. O’Brien (16-3): +135
One of the more popular UFC fighters, brawler Paul Kelley welcomes UFC newcomer TJ O’Brien to the Octagon in the second fight of the evening. Kelly is certainly battle tested, having fought some of the best that the Lightweight division has to offer. O’Brien, however, presents a new type of challenge. O’Brien is a submission specialist whose 16 wins have all come by submission. Kelly will win this fight if he can keep it standing – IF! Pick: TJ O’Brien +135
Tyson Griffin (14-4): -200
vs. Nik Lentz (21-3-2): +160
Does anyone really like Nik Lentz? His fighting style is undoubtedly the most boring in the UFC. It is no coincidence that he is matched up with a fighter that owns five “Fight of the Night” honors in his career. Both combatants are high level wrestlers but I have to go with the more experienced better trained fighter in this one. Lentz will finally get his! Pick: Tyson Griffin -200
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