Affliction Banned Predictions and Betting Picks

J.D Driscoll - July 19th, 2008 .

Affliction makes its debut on Saturday with one of the most impressive MMA cards ever assembled, J.D Driscoll brings you his expert Affliction: Banned predictions and picks.

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The card is stacked with several of the worlds best ranked heavyweights. In the main event we have the man that essentially tops every list, Fedor Emelianenko taking on UFC champion Tim Sylvia in one of the most anticipated fights of the year. Josh Barnett makes return to the US when he faces Brazilian striker Pedro Rizzo. Another former UFC champion Andrei Arlovski takes on IFL stand out Ben Rothwell. Along side the heavyweights, Affliction hosts a long list of MMA biggest stars including Alexander Emelianenko, Renato Babalu Sobral, Vitor Belfort and Matt Lindland . Check out J.D’s complete Affliction Banned predictions below, for betting lines for the card make sure visit our the Affliction: Banned odds page .

Fedor Emelianenko vs. Tim Sylvia

Over the past two years Fedor Emelianenko has become one of the most controversial figures in the sport. Once the undisputed in king of Pride and perhaps the best pound for pound fighter in the world, his status now is in dispute. Some like UFC president Dana White have questioned his ranking as the number one heavyweight. The last two years of his career have been less than ideal.  He has been relatively inactive only fighting two opponents, both un-ranked in the heavyweight division.

Silva on the other hand has at the time faced Randy Couture,Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira and Brandon Vera.

Continue to read my complete Fedor vs Silva prediction and picks here.

Andrei Arlovski vs. Ben Rothwell

After falling out of favor with Dana White and not receiving a promised title shot Andrei Arlovski looks to make his mark else where. The former UFC champion is on a three fight win streak, recoding victories over  Marcio Cruz, Jake O’Brien and UFC title contender Fabricio Werdum.

Ben Rothwell made is name in the IFL, he is on a 13 fight win streak however his competition has been less than stellar. He is yet to record a victory over a top ten heavyweight and could struggle in his debut on the big stage. He is Miletich Fight and will benefit from Tim Sylvia’s  experience with “The Pit bull” however I have yet to see anything to suggest that he could possibly upset the Belarusian. Prediction: Arlovski Round 1 TKO

Josh Barnett (-350) vs. Pedro Rizzo (+300)

Josh “The Babyfaced Assassin” Barnett is a superstar in Japan however is less known here in the US. He is a former UFC champion and has faced the absolute best during his time in Pride. His record is one of the most impressive in the heavyweight division, his loses coming to only three men Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic, Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira and Pedro Rizzo. After the collapse of Pride Barnett joined the new Japanese MMA promotion, Sengoku, defeating Hidehiko Yoshida and Jeff Monson in convincing fashion.

These two fighters have seen their career go in opposite directions since their match in 2001. Barnett went on to capture the UFC title and has become a legend in Japan. While Rizzo has failed to live up to expectations after showing a lot of promise early on in his career. Since that victory over Barnett, “The Rock” has amassed a 5-6 record. This will be the first time in a long while we’ll see Rizzo back on a big stage, ring rust will be factor he has not fought for over 10 months.

Barnett stand-up has looked much improved in recent times and should be more than enough to negate the Rizzo’s Muay Thai this time around. He’ll look to take this fight to the ground and once there can control the match. I cant see Rizzo troubling Barnett in the least . Barnett TKO Round 2.  Bet 1 Unit on Barnett .

Renato Sobral (-260) vs. Mike Whitehead (+215)

This looks like one of the more competitive bouts on the card. Almost a year has passed since Babalu’s infamous anaconda choke which resulted in his release from his UFC contract. He’ll be very motivated to get his career back in the right direction and remind fight fans why he still one o of the best light heavyweights in the world. Mike Whitehead is a former UFC fighter and The Ultimate Fighter 2 contestant with a solid 21-5 record.  He is on a 12 fight win streak however is yet to face any competition outside the UFC. This will be his first big test outside his short stint in the octagon.

Sobral is the superior submission fighter, with the slight stand-up advantage going to Whitehead.  Again I like the more experienced Sobral but Whitehead is in with a chance. The value is on the underdog. Prediction Sobral Decision.

Aleksander Emelianenko (-320) vs. Paul Buentello (+275)

Aleksander Emelianenko is the younger brother of Fedor. Another former Pride fighter, he has faced several of the toughest heavyweights in world. He has notable wins over Sergei Kharitonov and James Thompson and is currently on a three fight win streak. Unlike is older brother, he is quite one dimensional and has the most difficulty with submission fighters. His hands are one of the best in the division, recording numerous knock out victories in his career.

The “The Headhunter” Paul Buentello is tailor made opponent for Aleksander. The odds makers have this one spot on, I don’t see any value on either side. Aleksander KO Round 2.

Other Predictions

Antonio Rogerio Nogueira vs. Edwin Dewees

Vitor Belfort vs. Terry Martin

Savant Young  vs. Mark Hominick

Mike Pyle vs. JJ Ambrose

Justin Levens vs. Ray Lizam

 

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