Finishing Fedor – Champion Henderson Looks to Topple Once ‘Unbeatable’ Fedor

Not very long ago, MMA legend Fedor "The Last Emperor" Emelianenko was viewed as ‘unbeatable’ and the unequivocal best heavyweight fighter on the planet. Of course, winning 26 times in 27 fights, (with one No Contest) will make even the most cynical MMA critic a believer.

However, nothing stays the same forever in life or sports and now, fast forward from two years ago and Fedor’s career is teetering on the brink of an unexpected – and embarrassing retirement.

That’s right BetOnline MMA fight fanatics, when Emelianenko and Strikeforce light heavyweight champion Dan Henderson step in the cage on Saturday July 30th at the Sears Center Arena in Chicago for their Strikeforce and M-1 Global: Fedor vs. Henderson showdown, the hard-hitting Russian former champ will be will be in the fight of his life to avoid a third consecutive loss – and one that could very well end what his Hall of Fame caliber MMA career.

What: Strikeforce and M-1 Global Present: Fedor vs. Henderson
When: Saturday, July 30, Live from Sears Centre Arena in Chicago, IL
TV: Live on Showtime at 10:00 PM ET, Live in the UK on Primetime, Live in Canada on Super Channel

Strikeforce Betting Odds
Dan Henderson +175
Fedor Emelianenko -220

Thanks to my expert MMA betting analysis and prediction, BetOnline MMA gamblers everywhere will get an excellent chance to cash in with a winning wager on what looks like one of the most intriguing fights of the year, even if it doesn’t quite have the ‘star power’ that Fedor and Henderson once routinely commanded.

Fedor Emelianenko
Record: 31-3-1
Age: 34
Height: 6 ft 0 in
Weight: 230 lb
Fighting out of: Stary Oskol, Belgorod, Russia
Style: Sambo, Judo, Boxing

The Breakdown: Fedor has dropped two straight fights and was stopped by Antonio ‘Big Foot’ Silva (doctor stoppage) at 5:00 of the second round on Feb. 2 in his last fight. The respected Sambo, Judo and Boxing specialist also fell in his previous fight when he was submitted by Fabricio Werdum (triangle armbar) at 1:09 of the first round. Prior to his last two bouts, Fedor easily handled hard-punching Brett Rogers on November, 7, 2009 by knocking out the heavy hitter (punches) in the second round.

Dan Henderson
Record: 27-8
Age: 40
Height: 6’1"
Weight: 205 lbs
Fighting out of: Temecula, California
Style: Mixed Martial Arts/Greco-Roman Wrestling

The Breakdown: Dan Henderson hasn’t slowed down at all despite turning 41-years-old less than a month after facing Fedor in this headline bout. Henderson stopped Rafael Cavalcante on March 5, in Columbus, Ohio via strikes at 50 seconds of the third round to win the Strikeforce light heavyweight championship. 

Prior to his last fight, Henderson knocked out Renato Sobral at 1:53 of the first round in the Strikeforce Light Heavyweight title eliminator on Dec, 4, 2010. Henderson also lost a five-round unanimous decision middleweight title bout against Jake Shields in Nashville on April 7, 2010.

The Scoop: With an identical 35 fights in their respective MMA careers, both fighters in this matchup have a plethora of experience, though the edge here in ‘prime time’ fights undoubtedly has to go to Fedor Emelianenko who won his first heavyweight title way back in 2003.

Nevertheless, Dan Henderson is no slouch and certainly won’t go down easily in this bout. Henderson has looked really good in winning two straight fights and five of his last six overall.

While Fedor is generally recognized for his power punching ability, it is Dan Henderson that has recorded more career KOs (13-8), not to mention the fact that he has knocked out two consecutive quality opponents and three of his last four overall. Fedor clearly has the upper hand in submission skills in this bout and holds a 16-2 career edge in submissions.

One telling fact that BetOnline mixed martial arts gamblers need to know about is the fact that Fedor has not gone more than two rounds since beating Mirko ‘Cro Cop’ Filipovic via unanimous decision in August 2005.

Dan Henderson has been stopped just once in the first round in his career, so the longer this fight goes, the more I believe the edge goes to Henderson.

MMA Prediction: At this point of their respective careers, I have to believe that Dan Henderson is a better fighter than Fedor Emelianenko and I see a variety of ways in which he can win this fight.

‘Hendo’ could land a big ‘H-Bomb’ and floor Fedor and his diminishing skills early or he could possibly get the big Russian on his back with a takedown. One has to wonder how much gas Fedor has left in his tank after his two losses – or if he still has the desire to remain one of the elite heavyweights on the planet.

Fedor is the naturally bigger and stronger fighter in this bout and I suspect the fact that he’s in all-out ‘desperation mode’ will spur him on to a very solid performance against Henderson in this matchup.

I am going to back Fedor Emelianenko to remain a relevant figure in the Strikeforce heavyweight division by securing the submission win in the second round.

However, I also want to advise BetOnline MMA betting enthusiasts that if this fight goes past the second third round at most, I think Dan Henderson gets a big advantage because of his ability to hang around in fights.

MMA Pick: Fedor Emelianenko via Second Round Submission

UFC On Versus 5 Hardy vs. Lytle

In what has been an exciting summer full of thrilling mixed martial arts events, BetOnline MMA betting enthusiasts will get another chance to cash in on a value-packed MMA event when UFC Live 5: Hardy vs. Lytle gets underway on Sunday, Aug. 14, live from the Bradley Center in Milwaukee, WI, beginning at 9:00 PM ET, live on Versus.

When: Sunday, Aug. 14
Where: Bradley Center in Milwaukee, WI
Time: 9:00 PM ET
TV: Versus, Rogers Sportsnet

Often referred to as UFC 5 On Versus, the main card of UFC Live 5 features four fights, including the headline welterweight showdown between UFC veterans Dan Hardy (23-9) and Chris Lytle (30-18-5).

Two lightweight bouts also take place on the main card with Jim Miller (20-2) and Ben Henderson (13-2) going at it and Donald Cerrone (15-3) and Charles Oliveira (14-1) also set for battle. Last but not least, another welterweight battle will take place in the cage when Amir Sadollah (5-2) and Duane Ludwig (20-11) try to improve on their respective records.

Okay BetOnline MMA gamblers, I’ve got the scoop on the top three UFC Live 5 fights, followed by a trio of expert, value-packed picks.

UFC Live 5 Odds
Dan Hardy -110
Chris Lytle -120

Name: Dan Hardy
Age: 29
Nickname: The Outlaw
Record: 23 - 9 - 0
Height: 6’0" (183cm)
Weight: 171lbs (78kg)
City: Nottingham, East Midlands
Country: England

Name: Chris Lytle
Age: 36
Nickname: Lights Out
Record: 30 - 18 - 5
Height: 5’11" (181cm)
Weight: 169lbs (77kg)
City: Indianapolis, Indiana
Country: United States

The Scoop: Dan Hardy has lost three consecutive fights and could be in trouble of getting the boot if he loses this bout to Lytle. Hardy lost to Anthony Johnson at UFC Fight Night in March just one fight after getting knocked out by Carlos Condit at UFC 120 in October.

Chris Lytle had his four-fight winning streak snapped in losing to Brian Ebersol via decision at UFC 127 in February in what turned out to be the fight of the night.

UFC Live 5 Pick: I really like Chris Lytle coming into this bout and I believe he is going to win this fight in a thriller between two very evenly matched fighters.

While both BJJ-based fighters are excellent grapplers, I fully believe that Dan Hardy is the better stand-up fighter – and will win this bout because of it. If both fighters are equal on the ground, (which they are) then the fighter with the better stand up skills is the guy to go with – and for this bout – that would be Dan Hardy.

Besides, BetOnline sports gamblers that have cashed in with me at a high rate over the years, know that I love fighters – and teams – that are in what I like to call ‘desperation mode’.

England’s in the midst of a history-making riot, but I’m fully expecting Dan Hardy to bring some good news to his countrymen by getting the big – and career-saving – win over Chris Lytle.
The Winner: Dan Hardy

UFC Live 5 Odds
Ben Henderson +120
Jim Miller -150

Name: Benson Henderson
Age: 27
Nickname: Smooth
Record: 13 - 2 - 0 
Height: 5’9" (176cm)
Weight: 155lbs (71kg)
City: Glendale, Arizona
Country: United States

Name: Jim Miller
Age: 27
Record: 20 - 2 - 0
Height: 5’8" (173cm)
Weight: 155lbs (71kg)
Style: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
City: Sparta, New Jersey
Country: United States

The Scoop: Ben Henderson bounced back from a loss in his previous fight to beat Mark Bocek via unanimous decision at UFC 129 in April but he’s going to have his hands full with red-hot lightweight Jim Miller, winner of seven consecutive fights.

I’m going on record right now to inform BetOnline betting buffs and MMA fanatics everywhere that I believe this matchup will produce the ‘Fight of the Night’ for UFC Live 5.

Henderson, a former WEC lightweight champ, is very well-rounded with solid skills in wrestling, Tae Kwon Do, BJJ and Muay Thai, but I’m going to advise mixed martial arts bettors to back the unheralded little brother of UFC veteran Dan Miller.

I like the fact that the younger Miller has picked up his seven straight wins in a variety of ways, with two TKO’s, two submissions wins and three decision victories and I believe he is going to find a way to beat the talented Henderson. As an aside, Miller has never been beaten by anything other than a unanimous decision.
The Winner: Jim Miller

UFC Live 5 Odds
Charles Oliveira -160
Donald Cerrone +130

Name: Charles Oliveira
Age: 21
Nickname: do Bronx
Record: 14 - 1 - 0 
Height: 5’10" (178cm)
Weight: 153lbs (70kg)
City: Sao Paulo
Country: Brazil

Name: Donald Cerrone
Age: 28
Nickname: Cowboy
Record: 15 - 3 - 0 
Height: 5’11" (181cm)
Weight: 155lbs (71kg)
Style: Muay Thai
City: Broomfield, Colorado
Country: United States

The Scoop: Brazilian Charles Oliveira will be looking to bounce back and pick up a big win here against a quality fighter after getting tagged with a No Contest after initially being awarded a submission win at UFC Live 17 just two months ago.

Oliveira also took his first career loss (kneebar) to Jim Miller in his fight prior to his last one, losing to Jim Miller at UFC 124 in December and will have to find a way to stop a red-hot Donald Cerrone in this bout.

The ‘Cowboy’ has won four consecutive fights, including a unanimous decision win over Vagner Rocha at UFC 131 on June 11, but I’m going to keep my pick for this bout short and sweet by simply saying that I like the younger Oliveira here with both of these fighters having fought just about two months ago.

The recuperation period for an MMA bout is generally few months apart and with these two having such a short turnaround time, I think the younger Oliveira will have a lot more gas in the tank than the aggressive Cerrone.

Go with Charles Oliveira and his superior BJJ skills to prevail.
The Winner: Charles Oliveira

UFC Live 5 Cards
 
Main Card (Versus)
Dan Hardy (23-9) vs. Chris Lytle (30-18-5)
Jim Miller (20-2) vs. Ben Henderson (13-2)
Donald Cerrone (15-3) vs. Charles Oliveira (14-1)
Amir Sadollah (5-2) vs. Duane Ludwig (20-11)

Preliminary Card (Facebook)
C.B. Dollaway (11-3) vs. Jared Hamman (11-3)
Joseph Benavidez (14-2) vs. Eddie Wineland (18-7-1)
Karlos Vemola (8-1) vs. Ronny Markes (11-1)
Ed Herman (20-7) vs. Kyle Noke (19-4-1)
Alex Caceres (5-3) vs. Jim Hettes (8-0)
Jacob Volkmann (12-2) vs. Danny Castillo (11-3)
Cole Miller (17-5) vs. T.J. O’Brien (16-4)
Edwin Figueroa (7-1) vs. Jason Reinhardt (20-2)

Marquardt vs Story in Main Event on UFC Live this Sunday

Proof that UFC is indeed on the cutting edge of sports broadcasting comes once again this Sunday with UFC Live:  Marquardt vs Story.

No amount of tough news, including scheduled fighter Anthony Johnson pulling out from his battle with Nate Marquardt in the main event, has derailed the buzz that has been built up regarding this Sunday’s fights.  Six preliminary bouts will once again be streamed live through Facebook.  Versus will broadcast the five remaining fights in the U.S. and Rogers Sportsnet will broadcast the five fights in Canada.  The model, showing prelim fights on Facebook and then broadcasting live on Versus and Rogers Sportsnet, has worked well for UFC in recent events. 

As far as the fights are concerned, Rick Story takes the place of the injured Anthony Johnson in the main event.  Story, 13 and 3 overall, hasn’t lost a bout since 2009.  He steps into the fray against the veteran Marquardt who is tailor-made for the city of Pittsburgh with its steel mills and tough, hard-working, heritage.  Story figures to give the vet all he can handle.

For Marquardt, Sunday’s main event is a drop to 170 pounds from 185.  The 15 pound difference could actually work against the veteran in this bout as he figures to lose some of the energy he displayed at 185 and faces a quick, almost always well-conditioned fighter in Rick Story.

The entire UFC Live card is listed below.

UFC Live:  Marquardt vs Story

Sunday, June 26

9 pm EST

Main Card – Versus (U.S.), Rogers Sportsnet (Canada)

Rick Story -130 vs Nate Marquardt +100

Pat Barry +160 vs Cheick Kongo -200

Matt Brown +200 vs John Howard -260

Christian Morecraft +210 vs Matt Mitrione -280

 

Undercard – Facebook

Tyson Griffin vs Manvel Gamburyan

Joe Stevenson vs Javier Vasquez

Joe Lauzon vs Curt Warburton

Daniel Roberts vs Rich Attonito

Nick Lentz vs Charles Oliveira

Ricardo Lamas vs Matt Grice

Michael Johnson vs Edward Faaloto

Dos Santos, Carwin Heavyweight Matchup Highlights UFC 131 Card

On Saturday, June 11 at 9:00 PM ET, the UFC will be back in Canada when its "UFC 131: Dos Santos vs. Carwin" card gets underway live from Rogers Arena in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

Originally scheduled to feature Dos Santos versus popular heavyweight Brock Lesnar, a second bout of diverticulitis knocked Lesnar out of the UFC 131 pay-per-view event. Fortunately for MMA gamblers and fans everywhere, Lesnar was replaced with the talented Shane Carwin, which could potentially make for an even more exciting fight.

Before I offer up my thoughts and expert mixed martial arts betting selections on the UFC 131 card, let’s take a look at the lineup, which also features a few other high-profile matchups on the card.

Main Card (pay-per-view)
Junior Dos Santos vs. Shane Carwin
Kenny Florian vs. Diego Nunes
Jon Olav Einemo vs. Dave Herman
Demian Maia vs. Mark Munoz
Donald Cerrone vs. Vagner Rocha

Preliminary Card (Spike TV)
Yves Edwards vs. Sam Stout
Jesse Bongfeldt vs. Chris Weidman

Preliminary Card (Facebook)
Mike Massenzio vs. Krzysztof Soszynski
James Head vs. Nick Ring
Dustin Poirier vs. Jason Young
Joey Beltran vs. Aaron Rosa
Darren Elkins vs. Michihiro Omigawa

Heavyweight 3 Rounds
Junior Dos Santos -165
Shane Carwin +135

Analysis: Junior Dos Santos has won seven consecutive fights coming into this bout and is undoubtedly one of the best heavyweights in all of mixed martial arts today.

Dos Santos (12-1) is a great striker with big-time power and has won all six of his fights in the UFC to date, including his unanimous decision win over Roy Nelson at UFC 117 in August. Dos Santos had won five straight bouts by KO prior to his last bout.

Shane Carwin (12-1) had won a dozen consecutive MMA bouts to start his career, but was cut down by Lesnar at UFC 116 by an arm triangle choke last July. The powerful Carwin is also a solid striker that has recorded seven of his career wins by KO and five via submission.

The Pick: I’ve got to roll with Junior Dos Santos in this bout. Not only can he match – and surpass – Shane Carwin’s power punches, but he’s also the bigger – and better-rounded fighter.

Back Junior Dos Santos to win via second round KO!

Lightweight 3 Rounds
Yves Edwards +130
Sam Stout -160

Analysis: I really like this fight and think it’s one of the best ‘lock’ selections on the board for UFC 131.

My guy for this lightweight bout, Canadian born and bred Sam Stout, bounced back from his loss to Jeremy Stephens at UFC 113 in May to pound Paul Taylor into submission at UFC 121 in October and I believe he will do the same to Yves Edwards in this bout as he attempts to move back into title contention.

Incredibly, Stout was involved in three consecutive Fight of the Night matchups prior to beating Taylor the last time out and I believe the stellar Muay Thai and kickboxing specialist is going to do a job on Edwards in this bout.

Speaking of the Bahamian MMA banger, Edwards has won three straight fights coming into this bout, including his rear naked choke win over Cody McKenzie at UFC Fight for the Troops 2 on January 22, that earned him both, Fight of the Night and Submission of the Night honors.

Still, this bout will be a big step up in competition – and I am almost certain that Stout will overwhelm him with his cerebral MMA style.

The Pick: Back Sam Stout in this matchup to boost the annual MMA betting bankroll.  

$750,000 Arlington Million at Arlington Park

The brilliant, yet somehow still underrated Gio Ponti, will once again enter the starting gate for the Arlington Million.  The Cristophe Clement trainee took home top honors in the Million in 2009.  In 2010, the son of Tale of the Cat finished second to European runner Debussy.  It’s tough not to get excited about the likely favorite’s chances in the 2011 Arlington Million. 

Although Clement has confirmed that the Million is a prep for Gio Ponti in his quest to take down Goldikova in the Breeders Cup Mile in the fall, Clement’s charge finished second to Goldikova in the 2010 BC Mile, the race appears to be for Gio Ponti’s taking.

The horse that appears to have the best shot of beating Gio Ponti in the Arlington Million is the same horse that beat the likely fave in the Grade I Man O’War Stakes on July 9th, Cape Blanco.  Trained by the best horseman in the world, by more than just my account, Aidan O’Brien, Cape Blanco won the Group 1 Irish Champion over Rip Van Winkle and Twice Over last September.  The horse finished fourth in the Dubai World Cup, the world’s richest horse race, and then fourth in the Prix Ganay before finishing 6th to Canford Cliffs, Goldikova finished second, in the Group 1 Queen Anne.  Blanco appears to be rounding into top form after the victory over Gio Ponti.  Any move forward will lead to a victory.

Mission Approved, who won the Grade I Manhattan and finished 4th to Cape Blanco, Gio Ponti and Boisterous in the Man O’War, figures to go off as the third choice on the board.  Owner/trainer Naipul Chatterpaul has really done an excellent job with the With Approval sired equine, but taking down both Cape Blanco and Gio Ponti in the same race might be asking too much. 

Rahystrada, Dean’s Kitten, and Tajaaweed will all get looks from horseplayers.  Rahystrada goes into the Arlington Million off of a victory in the Colonial Turf Cup.  Dean’s Kitten, although not showing a victory since March of 2010, has finished second in two Grade III races in a row while Tajaaweed won the Grade III Arlington Handicap, the prep race for the Arlington Million.

Below are the likely entrants for the Race of the Week, the Arlington Million.

Rahystrada  12-1   

Tajaaweed  12-1

Dean’s Kitten  25-1

Zack Hall  10-1

Gio Ponti  2-1

Proceed Bee  40/1

Cape Blanco  9/5

Mission Approved  5/1

Wigmore Hall  8/1

General Perfect  35/1

UFC Bantamweight Champion Cruz defends his title against former WEC Featherweight champ Faber

If you haven’t gotten your fill of mixed martial arts action with June’s UFC 131, UFC Live and the Strikeforce Grand Prix Tournament, then you’re in for a huge treat BetOnline MMA betting fanatics as the UFC kicks off the July 4th holiday with its first-ever bantamweight title fight.

UFC 132 – Faber vs. Dominick will take place on Saturday, June 2, 2011 live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada with the Spike TV card beginning at 8 PM ET and the pay-per-view card starting at 9 PM ET.

Where: MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada
When: Saturday, July 2nd
TV: Spike 8:00 PM ET, Pay-Per-View starts at 9:00 PM ET.

Now, for UFC lovers that don’t know, the UFC 132 card is full of value-packed pairings, starting with its fantastic headline bout between two of the best pound-for-pound fighters on the planet.

That’s right BetOnline MMA lovers, Urijah ‘The California Kid’ Faber and Dominick Cruz may be ‘little guys’ in the sense that each man stands under 5’9” and weighs just 135 pounds, but these two veteran fighters take a back seat to no one when it comes to their respective skill sets – and star power.

Thanks to my expert MMA analysis on the card’s top three fights, mixed martial arts gamblers everywhere will get the insight they’ll need in order to cash in early and often on the value-packed UFC 132 event.

Okay, UFC grapplers, let’s get started.

UFC 132 Odds
Urijah Faber +130  
Dominick Cruz -160

Urijah Faber      
Record: 25-4-0                                         
Height: 5’6”
Weight: 135lbs

Dominick Cruz
Record: 17-1-0
Height: 5’8”              
Weight: 134lbs

Analysis: Urijah Faber has won two straight fights but just four of his last seven bouts overall while Dominick Cruz has looked impressive in wining seven consecutive fights dating back to his WEC 26 loss to – Faber in 2007.

Both fighters are capable of beating their opponents in a variety of ways, but the simple fact of the matter is that Cruz would prefer to stand and box more often than not while Faber is far more of a grappler.

When the pair met four years ago, Faber managed to slap a rear naked choke on Cruz to hand the young fighter his only career MMA loss and retain his WEC Featherweight title.

Now, maybe it’s me, but I jus don’t see that happening this time around with the 25-year-old Cruz being far more experienced and confident coming into this bout than he did in the pair’s first meeting.

More importantly, Faber didn’t look good at all in taking two losses to Mike Brown and his most recent loss to Jose Aldo just over a year ago.

I like the younger Cruz to ward off the 32-year-old Urijah Faber with a flurry of well-aimed punches while extracting some major revenge against the man that handed him his first and only career loss. This fight is going to be all-out war that Dominick Cruz wins in absolutely stunning KO fashion.

Four years is a long time BetOnline MMA junkies and I believe that Cruz has improved greatly since he last fought Faber and is now the better and more focused fighter. I like the favored Cruz as a respectable -160 favorite, to win this matchup by knocking Urijah Faber out cold in the third round.
The Pick: Dominick Cruz

UFC 132 Odds
Wanderlei Silva -190
Chris Leben +155

Wanderlei Silva
Record: 33-10-1
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 199lbs

Chris Leben
Record: 25-7-0
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 186lbs

Analysis: Wanderlei ‘The Axe Murderer’ Silva snapped a two-fight losing streak the last time out by beating Michael Bisping at UFC 110, but has not fought since that February 2010 win, making the BJJ and Muay Thai specialist extremely rusty.

Chris ‘The Crippler’ Leben was stopped by Brian Stann at UFC 125 on New Year’s Day to snap a three-fight winning streak. Leben has recorded an uninspiring 3-3 record over his last six fights which is one of the main reasons I like Silva here.

I genuinely believe BetOnline MMA gamblers could be in for a ‘Fight of the Night’ candidate with this pairing even though the exciting Leben isn’t very technical in his approach (throw constant haymakers).

Leben’s wild fighting style plays directly into the strengths of the veteran Silva and should be the difference in this fight.

Sure, he’s clearly not the fighter he was just a few years ago, but I like the textbook tactics of Wanderlei Silva and I believe he will finish off Leben in a matchup that may look more like an all-out street fight than a professional MMA matchup.

Don’t expect this fight to go farther than the second or third round at best as Silva picks up the KO win just as he’s done in two of his last three victories.
The Pick: Wanderlei Silva

UFC 132 Odds
Carlos Condit +100
Dong Hyun Kim -130

Carlos Condit
Record: 26-5-0
Height: 6’1”
Weight: 170lbs

Dong Hyun Kim
Record: 14-0-1
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 171lbs

Analysis: I’ll keep this pick short and sweet by saying that I like "The Stun Gun" Dong Hyun Kim when he and "The Natural Born Killer" Carlos Condit hook up in this’ under the radar’ matchup featuring two of the top-ranked welterweights in the world.

Carlos Condit has won three straight fights and looked phenomenal in knocking out Rory MacDonald and Dan Hardy in each of his last two fights, but the Japanese veteran, Dong Hyun Kim is a different kind of fighter that doesn’t open himself up to such KO’s.

Kim has never lost a fight in six UFC contests and I think he’ll keep that streak intact by getting the big win here as a respectable -130 favorite.

While Condit is the much more aggressive fighter, I’m going to go with Kim’s multi-faceted skills (Judo, BJJ, Sambo, kickboxing, wrestling) to get the win over the fiery 170-pounder as a very nice +100 underdog.
The Pick: Dong Hyun Kim

In other UFC 132 action, these interesting fights are also on tap for BetOnline MMA gamblers everywhere.

UFC 132 Odds
Tito Ortiz +350
Ryan Bader -500

UFC 132 Odds
Dennis Siver -130
Matt Wiman +100

MMA Odds
George Sotiropoulos -260
Rafael Dos Anjos +200

Strikeforce Grand Prix Heavyweight Tourney Continues

Mixed martial arts will be back in the spotlight in a big way this weekend, thanks to the continuation of the innovative Strikeforce World Grand Prix Heavyweight Tournament.

That’s right MMA gamblers, thanks to Saturday’s quickly approaching Heavyweight Tournament, which gets underway on Saturday, June 18 live from American Airlines Center in Dallas, TX., mixed martial arts fanatics everywhere will get several opportunities to cash in with a winning wager on the value-packed, star-studded event.

The Strikeforce World Grand Prix Heavyweight Tournament continues with two more two quarterfinal matchups as Heavyweight World Champion Alistair “The Demolition Man” Overeem (34-11, 1 NC) faces Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu specialist Fabricio Werdum (14-4-1), the only man to tap out Fedor Emelianenko, while the and hard-hitting Brett “The Grim” Rogers (11-2) meets former UFC champion Josh Barnett (29-5).

The grand prix tourney will air live on Showtime at 10:00 PM ET – and thanks to my always original, fun-filled betting breakdown, devoted BetOnline MMA betting enthusiasts will get the insight they’ll need in order to cash in with at least two potentially-winning wagers.

Okay MMA betting buffs, let me get started with the breakdown on the top two fights and their value-packed MMA betting odds at BetOnline.

Strikeforce Odds
Fabricio Werdum +250
Alistair Overeem -350

Name: Fabricio Werdum
Age: 34
Nickname: Vai Cavalo
Record: 14 – 4 – 1
Association: Werdum Combat Team / Kings MMA
Height: 6’4" (194cm)
Weight: 238lbs (108kg)
Birth Date: 1977-07-30
City: Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul
Country: Brazil

Analysis: Fabricio Werdum has won three straight fights coming into this bout, including his shocking first round submission (triangle armbar) win over Fedor Emelianenko at their Strikeforce/M-1 Global bout on June 26.

The well-rounded Werdum has recorded four of his 14 career wins via knockout, eight via submission and two more by way of decision. Werdum has also suffered one KO loss and three decision losses in his career.

By the way, Werdum beat a young Overeem by way of second round submission (kimura) way back on May 5, 2006 at Pride Total Elimination Absolute.

Name: Alistair Overeem
Age: 31
Nickname: Demolition Man
Record: 34 – 11 – 0
Association: Golden Glory / Tatsujin Dojo
Height: 6’5" (196cm)
Weight: 253lbs (115kg)
Birth Date: 1980-05-17
City: Amsterdam
Country: Netherlands

Analysis: Alistair Overeem has won six straight fights and nine of his L/10 not counting a ‘no contest’ bout against Mirko Filipovic in 2008 and is clearly not the fighter that has suffered a whopping 11 losses in what has quickly turned into a stellar career. The kickboxing, Muay Thai and submission grappling specialist has recorded 14 wins via KO, 19 by way of submission and just one via decision. Overeem has also suffered six KO losses, two via submission and three by way of decision.

Fight Analysis: Not only is Alistair Overeem a better fighter than Fabricio Werdum at this point of their respective careers, but he’s also going to come into this fight with some serious revenge on his mind after losing to Werdum five years ago in their only meeting.

Overeem is a more than capable striker with excellent power who can throw a variety of punches from a multitude of angles – and unmatchable knee-kicking skills.

Of course, Fabricio Werdum isn’t exactly chopped liver and will not go down easily. However, Werdum also struggles against top-notch strikers with solid takedown skills and I believe that is exactly what will happen in this bout against Overeem.

I know it’s a possibility that Werdum could score a shocking KO win, but I don’t see that happening now as Overeem is just too good, both offensively and defensively.
 
I’m going to urge BetOnline MMA betting buffs to keep it simple and back Alistair Overeem to get the KO or submission win in the second round.

The Pick: Alistair Overeem via Second Round KO

Strikeforce Odds
Brett Rogers +300
Josh Barnett -400

Name: Brett Rogers
Age: 30
Nickname: The Grim
Record: 11 – 2 – 0
Association: Ambition MMA
Height: 6’5" (196cm)
Weight: 264lbs (120kg)
Birth Date: 1981-02-17
City: St. Paul, Minnesota

Name: Josh Barnett
Age: 34
Nickname: The Babyfaced Assassin
Record: 29 – 5 – 0
Association: CSW
Height: 6’3" (191cm)
Weight: 252lbs (115kg)
Birth Date: 1977-11-10
City: Seattle, Washington

Fight Analysis: Brett Rogers bounced back to beat Ruben Villareal via unanimous decision in October following consecutive losses to Fedor Emelianenko and Alistair Overeem.

Rogers isn’t overly well-rounded as he specializes simply in boxing and Muay Thai, but his KO power may be unmatched in the heavyweight division as his nine KO wins in 13 career MMA bouts attests. Of course, Rogers also suffered KO losses in his only two defeats, so his chin could be a bit suspect.

Josh Barnett has won a half-dozen consecutive fights coming into this battle and has shown he is capable of winning in a variety of ways by racking up three submission wins, two KO victories and one unanimous decision win during the six-fight stretch.

Barnett specializes in catch wrestling and boxing and will look to take this fight to the ground against the hard-hitting Rogers.

Brett Rogers will be lacking in the experience department in this bout, but I believe his recent experiences against Fedor and Overeem will allow him to narrowly beat Barnett in this bout.

Rogers may not have the ground game of Barnett, but he proved to be at least capable in giving Fedor a tough way to go in their bout – and his one-punch KO ability will be the difference in this bout.

This matchup could very well turn out to be a Fight of the Night candidate,  but in the end, I like Brett Rogers very narrowly.

The Pick: Brett Rogers via Second Round KO

Here’s a look at the rest of the Strikeforce Grand Prix card.

Undercard
Daniel Cormier vs. Jeff Monson 3 Rounds heavyweights
Valentijn Overeem vs. Chad Griggs 3 rounds, heavyweights
Jorge Masvidal vs. K.J. Noons 3 rounds, lightweights;

Preliminary Card
Gesias Cavalcante vs. Justin Wilcox, 3 rounds, lightweights
Conor Heun vs. Magno Almeida, 3 rounds, lightweights
Nah-Shon Burrell vs. Joe Ray, 3 rounds, welterweights
Mike Bronzoulis vs. Todd Moore, 3 rounds, welterweights
Brian Melancon vs. Isaac Vallie-Flagg, 3 rounds, lightweights

UFC 130 Pits Popular Rampage Against Tough Hamill

UFC 130, this Saturday, May 28 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, sends one of Mixed Martial Arts most popular fighters, Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, to the Octagon to face-off against the tough Matt Hamill.  Jackson is a solid -350 favorite to take down Hamill.

Before Rampage hits the mat against Hamill, veteran Frank Mir takes on the underrated Roy “Big Country” Nelson in the main prelim bout.  Keep reading for previews of both fights.

UFC 130:  Rampage vs. Hamill

Where:  MGM Grand Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada

When:  May 28, 2011 at 9 pm EST

Quinton “Rampage” Jackson vs. Matt Hamill – - Q will be the first to admit that his split decision victory over Lyoto Machida last November at UFC 123 was due to luck.  Machida out struck Rampage 33 to 16 in that fight, yet he lost to the more popular Jackson.  At least Rampage is playing nice with the UFC brass, nowadays.  Maybe, the film career, Q starred as B.A. Baracus in the movie version of The A-Team, hasn’t taken off the way that he thought it would. 

In any case, Rampage faces a tough opponent in Matt Hamill who, although lacking true marketing appeal, has an 11 and 2 record, better than Rampage’s 31 and 8 record, depending on what point-of-view you’ve got.  Hamill might actually provide “Q” Jackson with a tough fight.  Save for a ridiculous victory over Jon Jones in 2009 via a Bones Jones disqualification, Hamill has been terrific in the Octagon in his recent battles.  He beat Keith Jardine by out striking the well-regarded fighter 77 to 65 in 2010.  Then, he took out Tito Ortiz last October at UFC 121.  In that fight, Hamill out struck Ortiz 41 to 37 and took Tito down 3 times.

Rampage is a deserving favorite in the fight, but if he isn’t revved up for it, Hamill could make the main event interesting.

Frank Mir vs. Roy Nelson – - Mir’s work ethic is what makes him one of the most popular fighters at UFC.  It’s certainly not his fighting style which, as opposed to the more popular battlers in the sport (see Jon Jones, Cain Velasquez, Anderson Silva, etc.), Mir’s mostly a take it to the mat dude.  His skill breakdown lists striking as making up only 16% of his overall skill set.  The terrific grappling/submission ability has led to a 14 and 5 record.

So far, bettors aren’t impressed.  Mir and Nelson are battling it out for favoritism at -115 for both guys in the sportsbook.  Nelson’s 16 and 5 record is legit.  He’s won 2 out of his last 3 fights and lasted 3 rounds with Junior Dos Santos at UFC 117 last August.  Nelson gives up 3 inches to Frank, Mir is 6’ 3” and Nelson is 6’ 0”, but Big Country’s got a serious shot to beat the popular Mir because of his heavy hands.  Nelson’s skill breakdown lists striking at 73%.  He’s also listed as having terrific grappling skills meaning that Frank can’t just go to the mat with the big dude.

Big Country’s issue, what’s always been his issue, is the fact that, unlike Frank Mir, the man doesn’t have the greatest work ethic.  Check out the lively paunch he’ll bring into the ring on Saturday night, the one that escapes no eyes in almost every picture of him without his shirt, in order to get what I mean.  If Big Country is too big out of shape, if the pancakes he’s been eating for breakfast actually appear to be seeping out of his belly, then figure Frank Mir to out work him on the ground.

Online UFC Betting – Machida to Push ‘Old-Head’ Couture Closer to Retirement with UFC 129 Win

While no athlete has ever been able to outrun ‘Father Time’ many have tried – and failed – with varying levels of success as they fade into the twilight of their respective careers.

Having said that, let me also say that there is nothing more upsetting to fight fans than seeing a once-great fighter turn into a shell of his former self while trying to hold on well past the point of when he should have retired.

With that thought in mind, MMA fans and BetOnline online UFC betting enthusiasts everywhere are now seeing that scenario play out with legendary fighter Randy Couture just as I mentioned.

Couture will look to add to his already-cemented legend when he steps inside the Octagon at UFC 129 on Saturday night, live from the Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario.

UFC 129 St. Pierre vs. Shields

Rogers Centre

Toronto, Ontario 9:00 PM ET

UFC 129 Odds

Randy Couture +250

Lyoto Machida -350

Name: Randy Couture

Age: 47

Nickname: The Natural

Record: 19-10  

Association: Xtreme Couture

Height: 6’1" (186cm)

Weight: 220lbs (100kg)

City: Corvallis, Oregon

Analysis: Randy Couture specializes in Greco-Roman Wrestling, Boxing, Submission Wrestling, Catch Wrestling and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

The 47-year-old Hall of Fame inductee has won three consecutive fights for BetOnline online MMA betting backers coming into this bout while racking up seven of his career 19 wins via KO or TKO, four more by way of submission and eight wins via decision.

Couture has also suffered five KO losses, four submission defeats and one decision loss in a career that has helped make mixed martial arts a mainstream sport.

Name: Lyoto Machida

Age: 33

Nickname: The Dragon

Record: 16-2

Association: Team Machida

Height: 6’1" (186cm)

Weight: 205lbs (93kg)

Birth Date: 1978-05-30

City: Belem, Para

Country: Brazil

Analysis: Lyoto Machida specializes in his own unique brand of Shotokan Karate as well as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Sumo Wrestling. BetOnline online MMA betting enthusiasts should know that Machida has lost two consecutive fights coming into this bout, including a split decision loss to Quinton Rampage Jackson at UFC 123 in November.

In his career, Machida has racked up five of his 16 career wins via O or TKO. Two by way of submission and another nine wins via decision. Machida has also suffered one KO loss in his career to Mauricio Rua at UFC 113 in May.

Fight Analysis: Randy Couture may be the only athlete in UFC history to win a championship after becoming a Hall of Fame member as well as the oldest title holder in UFC history.

Unfortunately, Couture is getting far too old to keep getting in the Octagon nearly two decades younger that he is.

While Couture has won three straight fights for UFC online MMA betting backers coming into this matchup, but all three of thise wins came against mediocre opponents (Brando Vera, Mark Coleman and James Toney) that were all facing a huge deficit in experience against the grizzled veteran.

Couture is still an expert strategist and one that could pull off the big upset ehere is he can get Machida to fall into his traps.

However, I’ve got to say that Lyoto Machida certainly isn’t chopped liver nor is he an inexperienced young guy that will be overwhelmed by Couture’s overwhelming presence.

Lyoto Machida is the right pick here for BetOnline online MMA betting fanatics that are looking to cash in against the value-packed UFC betting odds.

Machida is far more desperate than Randy Couture coming into this bout – and I think that desperation will only serve to help him even more in this fight.

If Machida can beat elite MMA fighters like Tito Ortiz, Thiago Silva, Rashad Evans and Mauricio Rua, as well as keeping it close against Quinton Jackson, then he should be able to beat even the widely-beloved Randy Couture while cashing in against the UFC online MMA betting odds as a significant favorite.

UFC Prediction: Lyoto Machida by Third Round TKO

MMA Betting – Bellator 43 Pits Two UFC Veterans against Up-And-Comer

For the second weekend in a row the MMA Betting fan will get a chance to enjoy what promises to be a very intriguing fight card – this time from Oklahoma and broadcast on MTV2. Two former UFC castoffs will headline the Bellator 43 event with Jay Heiron battling Rick Hawn in Welterweight action and Je Riggs taking part in a Middleweight scrap against Bryan Baker.

Bellator 43

Saturday, May 7th, 2011

First Council Casino, Newkirk, OK

Broadcast: MTV2

Rick Hawn (11-0-0): +140

Jay Hieron (21-4-0):  -170

The MMA Betting Bellator Welterweight tournament Season 4 winner will be determined on Saturday night when Judo Olympian Rick Hawn takes on uber-seasoned grappler Jay Heiron. The winner of this fight will get a future shot at Bellator Welterweight Champ Ben Askern down the road – a lot is on the line!

Rick Hawn is a judo Black Belt who has made a life out of fighting. He has adapted his immense judo skills and has become a very good Mixed Martial Artist. He has tremendous balance, great throws and an emerging Muay Thai game that has been responsible for seven TKO wins among his 11 overall. Gotta love a slick judo practitioner with power!

Former UFC fighter Jay Heiron is currently riding a nine fight win streak that has lasted for nearly four years. He has experience, a dangerous ground game, tremendous wrestling and solid striking game. Heiron is on a mission to prove that his all around skill are world class and that he perhaps deserves another shot on the Big Stage.

MMA Betting Prediction:

Heiron’s grappling and ring experience should be a huge advantage in this fight but against a fighter’s whose game is predicated on good defense, Heiron could be in some trouble. I think this is a stylistic nightmare for Heiron – Hawn should be able to do some damage from the outside and should be able to go to work in the clinch. Hawn already beat Lyman Good in the tournament (many’s pick to win the whole thing) and Good may be better than Heiron. Watch as Rick Hawn officially bursts onto the scene!

MMA Betting Pick: Rick Hawn +140

Joe Riggs (34-11-0): +200

Bryan Baker (14-2-0): -260

In the second to last MMA Betting bout of the evening another former UFC fighter Joe Riggs takes on the inspirational Bryan Baker in Middleweight action. Both fighters are battling for something much larger than their opponents – for Riggs it is MMA relevance and for Baker, he is fighting to prove that with the right mindset, diseases like Leukemia are not tough enough to keep him down.

Joe Riggs is certainly experienced and has been at or near the top of every organization that he has been a part of and he is only 28 years old! He will be making his organizational debut on Saturday night with the hopes of proving that his career hiccup was just that – a hiccup. Riggs is a well rounded fighter who is coming off a TKO loss in his last fight.

Bryan Baker’s story is Hallmark Card potential. He battled Leukemia on the Second Season Middleweight tournament and only illness and an uber-tough Alexander Schemenko kept him from reaching his tournament goal. Now Baker gets another chance to make a name for himself, this time against a seasoned Joe Riggs. Baker has already proven that he is not intimidated by experience – he is coming off an impressive win over Jeremy Horn in his last fight.

MMA Betting Outlook:

Both of these fighters appear equally matched on paper but the X-factor in this fight will be Baker’s motivation. Riggs has been around the block, seen it all but appears to be on the downside of his career. Riggs was completely underwhelming in his last fight while Baker (three weeks after Leukemia remission) stopped a very tough Jeremy Horn. In a classic experience vs. hunger matchup, I’ll take the hunger.

MMA Betting Pick: Bryan Baker -260

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