UFC 87 Predictions Part 2: The Preliminary Card

J.D Driscoll - August 9th, 2008 .

This is the second part of our UFC 87 predictions and picks post. For further UFC 87 coverage make sure to check out our detailed analysis of the heavyweight battle between Brock Lesnar vs Heath Herring and our preview of the UFC 87 odds. For the latest MMA fight lines bookmark our dedicated UFC odds page.

The under card of UFC 87 looks a little light on in talent but will prove a lot more competitive than main card which means plenty of value picks for bettors. The selected fight lines come from our friends at Bookmaker sports book. The very best place to bet on MMA underdogs. If you don’t have way to bet on our picks, we stronly recommended opening an account there.

Betting odds for the preliminary card hit the board a couple of days ago. They are accurate at the time of publishing. Onto our under card tips and predictions for UFC 87.

Dan Evenson vs Cheick Kongo

Cheick “Kongo” made his mark in the UFC when he beat a very sub par Mirko Cro Cop. What was most memorable about that bout was the number of illegal groin shots by Kongo which were missed by referee Big John McCarthy. Kongo returned to action at UFC 82 and was heavily favored to overcome Heath Herring. A out of the ordinary game plan was mainly to blame for the split decison loss.

Now he finds himself back on the preliminary card, this time fighting for his UFC carreer. He is on the last fight of his current contract and thus getting the ‘Arlovski treatment‘. Upsets are rare in these scenarios as the fighters usually come in fully motivated however this could be exception. Dan Evensen makes his UFC debut, he holds a 10-2 professional MMA record. There is only little info and fight footage available however from what I’ve seen and heard he has the size and the gas tank pull off an upset. Take the underdog in this one.

Ben Saunders vs Ryan Thomas

Ben Saunders is one of the more underrated guys ever to come of the Ultimate Fighter. Even though he lost to Tommy Spears in the quarter finals, he is one of the three from the season six cast that impressed on the show. Thomas is not so someone I’m overly familiar with, he has a grappling and wrestling background and holds a 9-1 record.  Saunders by decision.

Luke Cummo vs Tamdan McCrory

Luke Cummo is another TUF alumni and has become a UFC cult figure. He holds a 6-5 record with 3-3 in the UFC. Tamdan “The Barn Cat” McCroy holds a 10-1 MMA record with one loss and one win the UFC.  He is very tall and surprisingly well rounded. He had the better of Japense star Akihiro Gono for a round or two before being submitted.  This is a toss up but I’m going with Cummo via decision.

Andre Gusmao vs Jon Jones

Andre Gusmao holds a perfect 5-0 records, with 3 wins by knockout/tko, 1 submission and 1 decision. He will make his UFC debut after making his name in the IFL.  Jon Jones is 21 years of age and also hold a perfect 5-0 professional record. It’s a match-up between to unknown UFC debutantes, anything could happen. With the better resume behind him, Gusmao is the deserving favorite.

That is all for now. More MMA predictions and previews are always around the corner. Let us know what your UFC 87 betting tips are in the comments box below.

 

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