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UFC 89 Betting Odds and Predictions
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UFC 89 Betting Odds and Predictions
Written by Vytas   
Wednesday, 15 October 2008

Sports Betting at Sportsbook.com

Betting Odds and Predictions for upcoming UFC 89 event

Michael Bisping vs. Chris Leben

The main event features two Ultimate Fighter alumni in also-ran Chris Leben and winner Michael Bisping (-215 Bisping/+175 Leben). If nothing else, Bisping will have the energy of the crowd behind him, as he is easily the most popular British fighter in the world.

Chris Leben, still mostly remembered for peeing in people’s beds, punching out doors, getting drunk, and crying, is nevertheless a formidable opponent at 185 pounds. A puncher with an iron chin and one punch knockout power in his hands, Leben has carved out a niche for himself in the Middleweight division despite his utter lack of a ground game. Leben’s gameplan in this fight will be predictable, for sure: taking the fight to Bisping, getting up in his face and, in Leben’s words, “throwing some bolos”.

Unfortunately for Leben, Bisping is a fairly formidable striker himself. While he lacks Leben’s explosive power, he is definitely the quicker and more technical of the two fighters on his feet. Originally a light heavyweight, Bisping dropped to 185, a much more natural weight for him, after a controversial split decision loss to current Light Heavyweight #1 contender Rashad Evans. No longer giving up a substantial amount of weight and power to his opponents, Bisping is poised to make a serious run at title contention in the Middleweight division.

To me, while both men are competent strikers, their ground games will be the determining factor in this fight. Leben is not a total submission novice, but is not a huge threat to score a submission from his guard. Bisping probably has a better bottom game than Leben does, but more importantly, he has a massive advantage in wrestling.

I see that being the deciding factor in this fight. While it’s possible Bisping could win a stand up war with Leben, it is a risky proposition, and Bisping would be better served to take Leben down and attempt to control the fight from the top.
  That’s how I see the fight playing out, with Bisping on top of Leben doling out punishment on his way to a lopsided unanimous decision.

Brandon Vera vs. Keith Jardine

Pats PredictionJardine is definitely the better wrestler of the two, but Vera has vastly superior jiu jitsu and is a legitimate threat to submit off his back. Once again, I would give the slight advantage to Vera, who should be able to capitalize on these small advantages to score a unanimous decision win

Marcus Davis vs. Paul Kelly

Pats PredictionThe problem here is Kelly will try to stand with Davis and exchange shots over a much higher caliber striker. Davis never lets the crowd down and will bring the fight right to Kelly. Davis will be looking to deliver a devastating KO and will be successful with a second round knock out.

Predictions from MMABettingblog.com

  • Michael Bisping -220
  • Brandon Vera -170
  • Rameau Sokoudjou -120
  • Chris Lytle -350
  • Marcus Davis -295
  • Chris Leben +180
  • Keith Jardine +140
  • Luis Cane -110
  • Paul Taylor +280
  • Paul Kelly +235
Preliminary Bouts:
  • Akihiro Gono -355
  • Shane Carwin -700
  • David Bielkheden -155
  • Sam Stout -300
  • Jim Miller -195
  • Per Eklund -205
  • Dan Hardy +285
  • Neil Wain +500
  • Jess Liaudin +125
  • Terry Etim +240
  • David Baron +155
  • Samy Schiavo +165

 

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