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 Prediction: Jardine 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 Prediction: The 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
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- Chris Leben +180
- Keith Jardine +140
- Luis Cane -110
- Paul Taylor +280
- Paul Kelly +235
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Preliminary Bouts:
- Akihiro Gono -355
- Shane Carwin -700
- David Bielkheden -155
- Sam Stout -300
- Jim Miller -195
- Per Eklund -205
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- Dan Hardy +285
- Neil Wain +500
- Jess Liaudin +125
- Terry Etim +240
- David Baron +155
- Samy Schiavo +165
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