UFC 105 Couture vs. Vera Preview: Betting Odds
Youth vs. Experience will be on glorious display in this week’s UFC 105 event. Randy “The Natural” Couture is 46 years old, 14 years older than his opponent, Brandon “The Truth” Vera is 32.
Online sportsbook has the set the MMA odds on this one and have Couture as a -120 favorite, with Vera set at -110. You have to give Couture the respect he deserves, as despite his age, he is still pegged as the favorite when the odds were posted. He’s been on the professional fighting scene for 12 years, many of those as the “face” of this sport. He’s had his ups and downs, retiring twice and coming back to fight another day. Sometimes it’s hard to retire. Randy is very strong on the ground because of his wrestling background and lately the extensive Jiu-Jitsu training, but he is also adept on his feet due to his knowledge of Muay Thai. While he has obviously lost some speed, this has been replaced by calculation and experience.
Brandon “The Truth” Vera also has a wrestling background (not as extensive as Couture) and is well-versed in Muay Thai. This is a fighter with tons of potential, but he has had to deal with some significant injuries, notably torn elbow ligaments and a broken left hand (vs. Silva in 2006). He is quick with his kicks to the body and legs and while he doesn’t gameplan to go the ground, he can acquit himself thanks to his wrestling experience.
Couture has better chances if he ends this fight fast. It’s hard to find any significant edge when handicapping the matchup, but I think “experience” will run out of steam and Vera can gain an advantage. As mentioned above, the betting line at online sports betting sites is basically even, slightly favoring Couture.
Should be a great fight. Good luck
