UFC 97 Preview/Picks
Excitement-wise, UFC betting has been a bit of a roller coaster in 2009. After starting the year with some massive events, it’s been in a bit of a lull, with no title fights since early February. Well, starting with Saturday’s UFC 97 odds, UFC betting will be on fire again until the end of the summer.With the middleweight title on the line (sorry – “on the line”) and a legend ‘s career hanging in the balance, UFC 97 betting gives sportsbook players plenty to get excited about. Let’s make some picks for the most important fights.
ANDERSON SILVA (23-4) VS THALES LEITES (14-1) – UFC MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
Silva odds: -600
Leites odds: +400
In what looks like one of the biggest title-fight mismatches in UFC betting history, virtual unknown Thales Leites somehow has a title shot against, arguably, the greatest pound-for-pound fighter in the world. How Leites got here is a mystery. We can’t really say it was on merit; his one real noteworthy “victory” came via split decision against Nate Marquardt in a fight Leites would’ve lost had Marquardt not been deducted points for unsafe blows.
Leites’ forte is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, so how can he find an advantage against a superb Jiu-Jitsu fighter like Silva? Standing up, this online betting matchup is no contest, as Silva’s Muay Thai and evasion skills are off the charts.
Sure, Leites offers serious value at +400, but betting on him would still be throwing your money away.
Online betting pick: Silva -600
CHUCK LIDDELL (21-6) VS MAURICIO RUA (17-3)
Liddell odds: -175
Rua odds: +145
Some MMA betting fans consider the Liddell vs Rua fight the real main event in the UFC 97 odds, as it should be a much closer contest. Both light heavyweights have plenty on the line in this bout. At 39, the legendary Liddell is one loss away from retirement according to UFC commissioner Dana White. Rua, meanwhile, is just 27 but still on the chopping block; after his dedication to the sport was questioned when he labored through his last fight out of shape, he needs a strong showing to prove he still belongs in UFC betting.
Liddell may be the sportsbook favorite, but oddsmakers are being too kind to him based on his name value and illustrious career. Having lost three of his last four fights – two of them in vicious knockouts – the Iceman has truly lost a step. Given that “Shogun” Rua is reportedly back in shape for this fight, his phenomenal striking and combinations should overwhelm Liddell. Remember, Rua is just a couple years removed from being labeled the best pound-for-pound fighter in his weight class. Pounce on his solid sportsbook value.
Online betting pick: Rua +145
OTHER FIGHTS IN UFC BETTING
Nate Quarry and Jason McDonald meet in battle of athletic middleweights with strong ground games and fantastic cardio. McDonald, a Canadian, will be fired up in front of his home crowd, and he does have serious submission skills, but Quarry is more versatile and should win this one standing up.
Cheick Kongo has gone from overrated to underrated. The massive French kickboxer takes on massive Dutch kickboxer Antoni Hardonk in what should be a slugfest. If Kongo can avoid Hardonk’s deadly kicks, he should overpower him and pull off another ground-and-pound victory in the UFC 97 odds.
