UFC 130 Rampage vs Hamill Preview & Pick
It’s disappointing that UFC 130’s main event, Edgar vs Maynard III, was postponed after both fighters suffered training injuries. But that doesn’t mean Saturday’s card doesn’t have some exciting fights to bet on. Let’s have a look.
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Promotion – Ultimate Fighting Championship
Event – UFC 130: Rampage vs Hamill
Date – May 28, 2011
Time – 10PM ET/7PM PT
Venue – MGM Grand Garden Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada
Broadcast – Pay-per-view
Bet on UFC 130
Quinton “Rampage” Jackson (31-8) vs. Matt Hamill (10-2)
UFC 130 odds: Jackson -300, Hamill +250
Rampage Jackson has a lot to lose in the main event against Matt Hamill. If he wins, he could get the next shot against UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones. A defeat to Matt Hamill would knock him down into the second tier at 205 pounds.
Hamill has a few noteworthy wins over Mark Munoz, Keith Jardine and Tito Ortiz (I don’t count his DQ “win” over Jon Jones) – but he’s also taken some major beatings against stiffer competition. Rich Franklin had his way with Hamill and so did Jones before he landed an illegal elbow. In theory, Rampage should to the same. He can match Hamill’s strength in the grappling game and he has the heavier hands. He does the same things Hamill does well – but better. I don’t think Rampage will underestimate Hamill. Pick: Jackson -300
Frank Mir (14-5) vs. Roy Nelson (15-5)
UFC 130 odds: Mir -130, Nelson +110
If it was up to me, this fight would be the main event. Both guys are hungry to stay in the heavyweight title picture. Both guys have outstanding Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Both guys have heavy hands. Nelson may be the harder puncher but Mir probably has the slide edge on the ground, so this is an even matchup.
I think Mir’s size could make the difference. Nelson is portly, yes, but he has a small frame. Mir ways roughly the same as Nelson but is three inches taller (6’3”) and has a six-inch reach advantage. I know Nelson beat Mir in a grappling contest a few years ago but Mir has changed. He’s bulked up and developed his striking to make himself more competitive in the “super heavyweight” era. I think he’ll use his strength advantage to control Nelson. This should be a good battle, though. Pick: Mir -130
Stefan Struve (21-4) vs. Travis Browne (10-0-1)
UFC 130 odds: Struve +120, Browne -140
It’ll be interesting to see how high the winner of this heavyweight bout climbs in the rankings. Browne still hasn’t lost as a pro; if Struve wins, it will be his sixth victory in seven bouts.
I have to be honest: I’m not impressed with Browne. He lumbered through his bout with Cheick Kongo and was lucky to get a draw after Kongo grabbed his shorts repeatedly. The lanky, 6’11” Struve may not look it but he’s a tough customer. He can finish guys on the ground or with his strikes. I think he’ll continue to heat up by handing Browne his first defeat. Pick: Struve +120
UFC 130: OFFICIAL FIGHT CARD
Main card
Light Heavyweight bout: Quinton Jackson vs. Matt Hamill
Heavyweight bout: Frank Mir vs. Roy Nelson
Heavyweight bout: Stefan Struve vs. Travis Browne
Welterweight bout: Thiago Alves vs. Rick Story
Middleweight bout: Brian Stann vs. Jorge Santiago
Preliminary card (Spike TV)
Bantamweight bout: Miguel Torres vs. Demetrious Johnson
Middleweight bout: Kendall Grove vs. Tim Boetsch
Preliminary card (Facebook)
Lightweight bout: Gleison Tibau vs. Rafaello Oliveira
Bantamweight bout: Michael McDonald vs. Chris Cariaso
Bantamweight bout: Renan Barão vs. Cole Escovedo
