Ufc 78

[Raji]

No headliner? No problem.

This Saturday night’s UFC 78: Validation lacks the big-name draw of the upcoming UFC 79: Nemesis, but that doesn’t mean mixed martial arts fans can’t enjoy wagering on some of the best talent in the sport.

The nine-bout card is highlighted by two light heavyweight fights with major implications in the UFC’s deepest division. The main event features two former Ultimate Fighter champions, Michael Bisping and Rashad Evans.

The other notable fight is between Brazilian Thiago Silva and knockout sensation Houston Alexander.

Michael Bisping (+260) vs. Rashad Evans (-330)

This makeshift main event came together when Tito Ortiz injured himself and had to pull out of the card. Evans, who had drawn with the MMA star at UFC 73 in May, was without an opponent and that’s when Michael Bisping stepped in.

Bisping is coming off a controversial win over Matt Hamill this past September at UFC 75. He was offered the spot in the main event and jumped at the chance to fight Evans despite having only two months to prepare.

Renowned MMA linesmaker Joey Oddessa doesn’t believe the short break between fights should have any impact on Bisping’s performance this weekend. Oddessa says the 14-0 British brawler is out of his league against Evans, who is a big -330 favorite on Saturday.

Oddessa says strikers like Bisping historically don’t match up well against wrestlers like Evans.

“Evans has shown a solid chin while facing heavyweight opponents in his TUF run and early UFC bouts while Bisping’s opponents were all light heavyweights,” says Oddessa. “Bisping’s performance against the one dimensional wrestler in Matt Hamill can only boost Evans confidence coming into the bout and sway bettors towards the favorite.”

Books expect some late European action on Bisping but believe Evans’ fight against Ortiz will sway more of the money his way. They don’t expect to see the former Michigan State Spartan drop below -260.

Houston Alexander (-165) vs. Thiago Silva (+135)

People remember knockouts and two of the most memorable in recent MMA history have come courtesy of Houston Alexander. The Nebraskan Assassin is 2-0 since joining the UFC this past spring with huge KO victories over Keith Jardine and Alessio Sakara.

Some credit Alexander’s success to the fact that both opponents knew very little about the former hip-hop performer and were overwhelmed by his relentless pursuit and strength. He was a big underdog versus Jardine and a slight fave against Sakara, cashing in at +300 and -180.

“Alexander has been one of the most productive UFC fighters for the sportsbooks,” says Oddessa. “Houston Alexander is going to get bet in this bout, but unlike his first two matchups, Silva presents a much more serious threat to the hard hitting Alexander.”

The Brazilian Silva has trained with many MMA greats at the famed Chute Boxe Academy. He has a black belt in Brazilian Jiujitsu and good striking ability. Oddessa says if he gets caught in Alexander’s flurries he will take the fight to the ground, a place Alexander has yet to prove himself.

“The majority of bettors missed the boat on Alexander’s first two bouts in the UFC at great prices and the money on him now as a favorite may be too late,” says Oddessa. “I think Silva poses a serious threat here and bettors may get caught speeding trying to play catch-up on the missed opportunities of Alexander's early UFC success.”

Fight fans can watch these two fights and many more live on pay per view. UFC 78 begins at 10 p.m. ET at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.


Raji