Upcoming November 15 UFC 91 "Couture vs Lesnar" Betting Odds, Predictions and full fight card

Event: UFC 91: Couture vs. Lesnar

Date: Saturday, November 15, 2008

Venue: MGM Grand Garden Arena, Nevada

Broadcast: PPV Live 10:00 p.m. E.T.

Main Event

	VS.
Brock Lesnar -145		Randy Couture +105

Co-Main Event

More Fights

Randy Couture vs. Brock Lesnar

Pats’ Prediction:  I see Lesnar landing a huge right hand that sends Randy down near the beginning of the fight, and then pouncing on him to finish him off with vicious ground and pound. Lesnar by TKO in a shocking upset, round 1.

In his much-anticipated return to the Octagon, UFC Heavyweight Champion Randy “The Natural” Couture faces a literally massive test, in the form of man-beast Brock Lesnar (+105 Couture / -130 Lesnar odds at Sportsbook.com). One half of a heavyweight “tournament” in which the winner will face the winner of Antonio Rodrigo Noguiera vs. Frank Mir for the undisputed Heavyweight Title, this fight promises fireworks, with a UFC legend facing off a physical specimen the likes of which the sport has never seen.

Brock Lesnar, despite his relatively young career, is probably the most recognizable fighter on UFC’s roster. A former WWF champion pro wrestler, Lesnar’s worldwide fame is matched only by his astonishing physical gifts. Lesnar is, put simply, a monster, who has to cut a substantial amount of weight to make the Nevada State Athletic Commission’s 265 pound Heavyweight limit. Despite his gargantuan proportions, though, Lesnar is surprisingly agile.

A former Division I NCAA Wrestling national champion, Lesnar has a firm base on which to build MMA success. Despite his wrestling background, Lesnar has already proven that his punching is also a force to be reckoned with by sending both Frank Mir and Heath Herring crashing to the mat with a single punch each.

Clearly, Lesnar’s one achilles heel is his lack of experience and subsequent lack of technique. He lost to Frank Mir in a fight he was totally dominating because his submission defense was not up to snuff. It’s definitely safe to assume that he has been working his submission defense at his camp, Minnesota Martial Arts.

Lesnar’s opponent, prodigal son Randy “The Natural” Couture, is probably UFC’s foremost legend and Hall of Famer. After entering the game very late, Couture continually amazed fans, duking out with the best in the world at both Heavyweight and Light Heavyweight, capturing both titles and seemingly defying the human aging progress. Astonishingly, Couture’s amateur wrestling credentials outstrip even Lesnar’s.

He is a world class greco roman specialist, and over the years has added solid boxing and submissions to his repertoire, making him a truly formidable force. After a recent layoff during his contentious contract dispute with the UFC, Randy will have to overcome ring rust as well as Lesnar if he hopes to remain a champion.

In all honesty, I don’t see a way for Couture to win this fight. His wrestling may be slightly better than Lesnar’s, but that is rendered moot by Lesnar’s titanic advantage in both size and strength. In the standup game, Randy’s size disadvantage hurts him, as does the fact that Lesnar’s fists pack destructive power and are the size of watermelons.

Kenny Florian vs. Joe Stevenson

In an extremely competitive Lightweight title eliminator, Ultimate Fighter alums Kenny Florian and Joe Stevenson will both attempt to reassert themselves into the championship scene, which both were removed from fairly recently. This is a must win fight for both men, as Florian’s brutal loss to Sean Sherk and Stevenson’s mauling at the hands of BJ Penn set back their title hopes considerably.

Pats Prediction:

Florian in a carefully fought unanimous decision. Considering how close this fight promises to be, Stevenson is a good candidate for a bet, as he is surprisingly a substantial underdog.

Amir Sadollah vs. Nick Catone

In a battle of promising rookies, recent Ultimate Fighter winner Amir Sadollah, 1-0 in his young professional career, will face another up and coming fighter, Ring of Combat veteran Nick Catone, who also has an undefeated professional record on the line at 5-0.

Pats Prediction:

That said, his superior physique, wrestling, and experience should allow him to secure the takedown and control the inexperienced Sadollah from the top. Catone by unanimous decision

Gabriel Gonzaga vs. Josh Hendricks

In another bout featuring a world class Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt, Gabriel “Napao” Gonzaga will attempt to secure his second consecutive win in UFC. Standing in his way is UFC newcomer, but MMA veteran, Josh Hendricks.

Pats Prediction:  

Hendricks’ best work comes on the ground, but that is exactly where Gonzaga wants him. I expect an easy submission win for Gonzaga in the first frame.

Nate Quarry vs. Demian Maia 

Middleweight gatekeeper Nathan “Rock” Quarry is set to face off against Brazilian Jiu Jitsu phenom Demian Maia in an interesting clash of styles. Quarry will be looking to continue his recent run of success, while Maia will be fighting to maintain his unblemished professional record

Pats Prediction: 

Unfortunately for Quarry, his punches are much more powerful than they are accurate, and eventually Maia should be able to close the gap and keep his unbeaten streak alive with a second round rear naked choke

Dustin Hazelett vs. Tamdan McCrory

With Amir Sadollah’s withdrawal from the event due to a leg infection, the main card sees the addition of Tamdan “The Barn Cat” McCrory vs. Dustin “McLovin” Hazelett in a battle for bad nickname supremacy. Both men are largely lost in the shuffle of UFC’s crowded 170 pound division, so a win here could go a long way toward advancing their position and possibly moving them into title contention.

Pats Prediction:

After a few rounds of frustrating and tiring out his opponent, look for Hazelett to wrap the fight up, literally, with a third round rear naked choke.

Predictions from: MMAbettingblog.com

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