Venue: Mandalay Bay Events Center, Las Vegas, Nevada
Chuck "The Iceman" LIDDELL (18-3) vs. Renato "Babalu" SOBRAL (27-5)
Chuck "The Iceman" Liddell reigns as the 205-pound light heavyweight champion, having solidified his status by dethroning the legendary Randy "the Natural" Couture. Chuck may have the UFC's best takedown defense, and we know his fists are full of dynamite. The Iceman's game is putting you to sleep with his KO power. His weakness may be to a master submission artist. And, Renato "Babalu" Sobral may just be the one to find the chink in Chuck's armor. Babalu has won 10 straight MMA fights, and comes into the Octagon with a strong record of 27-5. He has only been KO'd once -- By Chuck.
Liddell defeated Babalu four years ago with a sweep kick to the head that put the Brazilian on the mat, becoming easy prey for Chuck's reigning flurry of fists. But, that's the only time Sobral has been KO'd. And, he is not the same fighter today. I believe that Babalu will find the way to wrap Chuck into his boa constrictor grasp, and after a few rounds of Chuck's frustration in failing to land the big punch, Sobral will drop the champ to the mat with a rear naked choke that puts the Iceman to sleep. La-La land.
Now, don't get me wrong. I love Chuck. But, I love cashing winning sports bets on 3:1 underdogs better! Tonight, the Brazilian art of jiu-jitsu shines. TAKE SOBRAL (+295) over Liddell in the featured fight. You will be glad you did!
UFC Monster with Forrest GriffinThis is the highly anticipated re-match of one of the UFC's most heralded and action-packed fights ever! These prodigies from Spike TV's TUF (The Ultimate Fighter) show put on a toe-to-toe bloody battle of fists and kicks that made all MMA fans weak from watching two years ago. Tonight is the rematch.
Forrest is a pounder who rallied against Tito Ortiz to lose a close decision. Bonnar has shown promise, but is coming off a decision loss to former Michigan State wrestler Rashad Evans. None of that matters tonight. These two buddies will put on a show. How could they not? But, revenge is sweet in sports, and I like the underdog's chances here. This fight will be for those who like blood. TAKE BONNAR (+225) to get his revenge with a close decision over Forrest GRIFFIN.
Nick DIAZ (11-6) vs. Josh "The Dentist" NEER (17-4-1)
Nick Diaz is a late replacement for Thiego Alves, who got sick and had to go to the hospital. Nicki is one of my favorite UFC fighters, despite losing three straight close decisions in the sport. He is lucky to get another chance here. Another loss and he will join Tank Abbott's school of hard knocks. Josh "The Dentist" Neer is from the Militich camp of stallions. He is well-rounded with both stand-up and taking it to the mat. He's dangerous and determined, but a Diaz is a fighter trying to stay in the UFC. And, even more telling may be the fact that the oddsmakers have installed him as the favorite here! Rarely, does a late substitute go off as a favorite. There must be a reason. TAKE DIAZ (-155) over Josh NEER in this welterweight fight.
Cheick KONGO (18-2-1) vs. Christian "The Hungarian Nightmare" WELLISCH (7-1).
Out of nowhere surfaces a French fighter, chiseled like a slab of granite, into the UFC. That's Cheik Kongo. He will be fighting a man known for his kickboxing style. Kongo's past opponents may be in question, but his fighting abilities in the octagon are not. He made quick work of Gilbert Aldana in the first round of UFC 61. I think experience comes into play here and the betting public has been backing Kongo. Me, too. TAKE KONGO (-190) over Wellisch.
Hermes FRANCA (15-5) vs. Jamie "The Worm" Varner (9-0).
Varner is a former NCAA wrestler and an undefeated MMA fighter. Yet he is a 5:1 underdog to beat Franca! Why? Because, Franca takes your game away and is a master of submissions. He loves going to the mat, and that's just what a wrestler will do. This one will be a clinic in jiu-jitsu. Franca will take the young Varner to school. TAKE FRANCA (-550) over Jamie Varner, if you are into bridge jumping (betting on big favorites).
In other non-televised fights on the card I see:
Wes "The Soldier" COMBS (+105) beating Wilson Gouveia by decision.
Cory "Hard Cor" WALMSLEY (+200) beating David Heath by TKO.
Alan "The Talent" BELCHER (+165) beating Yushin Okami by KO.
Rob "Maximus" MacDonald (-155) beating Eric Schafer by decision.
That's five underdogs and four favorites for your betting entertainment.
Enjoy the fights! More later.
The UFC Monster
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