After a weekend full of hurricane alerts and power outages, UFC 88 will be a welcome distraction. The first card in Atlanta has some great match-ups, but bettors beware, the lines on these fights are really tough, and I don’t see this card as a prime betting opportunity.
As always me and Golden Joe will be breaking down the card and giving you our betting plays. Fight time is less than 5 hours away, so I’ll dispense with the drab commentary, and get to the picks.
Liddell (-260) vs. Evans (+200)
BadVibes: Joe and I might disagree a lot on this card, but here we are on the same page. Evans is just outmatched in the main event. Liddell is hungry and experienced, and I see him giving Evans trouble early and often. Liddell by KO round 1
Golden Joe: This is an easy pick. Rashad has matured a lot as a fighter, but with Liddell, he has bitten off a little more than he can chew. He’ll get dominated in this fight by the more experienced Liddell. Liddel by KO round 1
Franklin (-230) vs. Hamill (+180)
BadVibes: This is a lot closer of a fight than the sports books predict. No doubt Hamill is tough as nails, but can he hang with the more experienced Franklin. I really like Hamill as a betting play because the line should be closer to a coin flip, but I have to say its more likely that Franklin wins this one. He has more big fight experience than Hamill, and is just generally a more well-rounded fighter. Franklin by split decision
Golden Joe: These fighter’s careers are like a hooker’s bedroom, somebody’s going in right as the other is going out. Hamill is on his way up in the UFC and Franklin who has had an excellent career and is a grade A fighter might be on his way out. Hamill by TKO round 1
Henderson (-185) vs. Palhares (+145)
BadVibes: Henderson is a legend of the sport, one of the last true gladiators. While Palhares is a formidable opponent, I think he’s going to be on the losing end of this one. He’s outreached by a fighter who is a better striker and wrestler, with his only chance of victory coming on the ground. Henderson by TKO round 2
Golden Joe: Palhares, who surprisingly isn’t a bigger underdog on the card, has the chance to be remembered as a surprising winner of UFC 88. His Brazilian jujitsu may be the deciding factor in this fight. Palhares by submission round 3
Kampman (+125) vs. Marquardt (-155)
BadVibes: This will be the most exciting fight of the night. Both fighters are tough and game, but I give the edge to Marquardt. Kampman is giving a lot of size to “Nate the great,” and I don’t think he’ll be able to stop Marquardt from taking him down. Kampman will show glimpses of hope, but ultimately he’ll be overpowered by the bigger more physical fighter. Marquardt by unanimous decision
Golden Joe: Great card for UFC 88, this fight promises to be a slug fest. I believe Kampman with his Thai boxing and ability to finish with the submission will win this fight. Kampman by strikes leading to the submission in round 2
That does it for the main card. With the Yosida vs. Parisian fight scratched, who knows which other compelling match-up will make the televised portion of UFC 88. Here are the quick picks for the undercard:
Tavares (-280) vs. Pellegrino (+210)
BadVibes: Pellegrino. Great underdog pick here.
Golden Joe: Tavares.
Boetch (-500) vs. Patt (+300)
BadVibes: Boetch
Golden Joe: Betch
Kim (-400) vs. Brown (+275)
BadVibes: Brown
Golde Joe: Kim
Lambert (+130) vs. MacDonald (-170)
BadVibes: Lambert. Another good dog play here.
Golden Joe: Lambert. I concur.
Carniero (-110) vs. Chonan (-130)
BadVibes: Chonan.
Golden Joe: Carniero
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2 comments:
I got to thinking about our phone conversation the other day. In regards to all the guys that brought us into the sport becoming highlight reels and so on. Well, I guess it's a shedding of the skin of sorts. The UFC is the greatest MMA organization in the world and, must eventually shed its skin to keep it so. Unfortunately, unlike baseball, of football, in MMA, you can either make, or be made into, a highlight reel. I find no shame in a fighter deciding to retire after a loss suffered while fighting in the UFC, or, against a rising star and frankly, when the smoke clears, I don't think Chuck, Rich, Coutre or any of the crafty vets would have it any other way. I think they can look back and be proud of what they have built. Besides that, they are the reason that they are fighting that guy. Without them, there would be no interest in the sport today, and so many would have chosen other paths in life. MMA isn't going anywhere but up!
Agreed. It's just a shame to see fighters hold onto to it too long. When youou see what has happened recently in Ken Shamrock's career, it makes you cringe. That guy beat Bas Rutten twice! Now he's a stepping stone for Elitexc up-and-comers. It'a just a shame that some fighters tarnish thier memories by fighting long past thier prime.
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