Stu Furay's UFC 148 Betting Blog
I will be giving you the run down on upcoming UFC and Strikeforce events (basically the only MMA events you are able to bet on), with a little preview of the fights available and my own personal opinion on what's a good bet. And please remember, if you take my word for gospel, and expect to win money, you're almost as foolish as me!
July 8th 2012 - UFC 148 Silva Vs Sonnen II:
Anderson Silva vs Chael Sonnen
Quite possibly the most anticipated rematch in UFC history, as Chael Sonnen attempts to grab the UFC Middleweight crown that he came within a whisker of winning in their previous meeting, before snatching defeat from the jaws of victory and getting submitted in the final round after dominating Silva from the opening bell.
Both men have fought twice since they met first time round, Silva demolishing Vitor Belfort and Yushin Okami, whilst Sonnen steamrolled Brian Stann, then won a controversial points victory over Michael Bisping.
I cannot for the life of me see Anderson Silva being as poor as he was in their first meeting. He apparently fought with injured ribs which no doubt hindered his performance, but I also think he took Sonnen's stand up lightly which he will not do again.
I have no doubt Silva will win this one again, and in a lot easier fashion than their previous meeting. Silva is a clear favourite at 2/5 (Put down £50 to win £70), and best value comes from Silva by KO at 7/5 with Paddy Power, meaning a £50 bet will win you £120, provided he wins by KO of course!
Forrest Griffin vs Tito Ortiz
These two meet for the third time, with the previous meetings tied at one win a piece, with Griffin taking the most recent on a narrow split decision. This is Tito's final UFC fight before retiring and will look to be going out with a bang, but I just can't see it happening. He's lost five of the last six, and has been TKO'd in his last two bouts.
Griffin is looking to bounce back from a first round TKO at the hands of Shogun Rua in his last outing, he could well also be in the twilight of his career, but a predicted victory over Ortiz may give him the motivation he needs to carry on for another year or two yet.
Griffin is a huge favourite for this at 2/7 (put down £70 to get back £90) and doesn't really represent good value as no markets are available other than win/win. Keep an eye on the market as I would back Griffin to win on points if it comes up.
Demian Maia vs Dong Hyun Kim
After looking at the stats, for me there's only one way this is going to go. Five of Kim's six UFC victories have been by unanimous decision, whilst Maia's last seven fights have gone the distance (4W 3L). So this means, yep you guessed it, first round KO!
In all seriousness I can't see this going any other way than the full three rounds, and unfortunately again PP & Ladbrokes are just offering the win/win market, which I would pick Kim at best priced 8/11 with Paddy Power(Put down £110 to get back £190).
If they do offer other markets, fill your boots with this one going all the way to the final bell and Kim taking the decision.
These three are currently the only Main Card fights with markets available at the moment. The other fights on the main card are Cung Le vs Patrick Cote (Cote by KO), Chad Mendes vs Cody McKenzie (Mendes Decision) and Ivan Menjivar vs Mike Easton (Menjivar Decision).
By UK Heavyweight Stu Furay.
**Obviously AddictedMMA doesn't actively encourage gambling and if you follow Stu's tips then it's at your own risk!
Photo: Stu Furay victorious at Staydown MMA XI: Sparta
By Renee-Lea Thackham (Combat Athletics Academy).
Published by Steve Wickett - Tue, 3 Jul 2012 20:16
