UFC 88 Predictions and Preview
J.D Driscoll - September 6th, 2008 .Our expert MMA handicapper J.D Driscoll brings you his UFC 88 predictions and preview. All lines listed below are courtesy of our recommended MMA sportsbook BetUS. For the latest lines visit our UFC odds page or the official BetUS website via the link above.
The UFC returns to action for UFC 88 “Breakthrough” in Atlanta, Georgia. The fight card is full of match-ups pitting some the UFC rising stars against its established big name veterans. In the main event TUF 2 winner Rashad Evans looks to make his mark on the light heavyweight division when faces former champion and UFC superstar Chuck Liddell. Young gun Matt Hamill takes on another UFC poster boy in Rich Frankin while UFC newcomer Rousimar Palhares faces MMA veteran Dan Henderson . Rounding out the main card is the battle between middleweights Nate Marquardt and Martin Kampmann. Below are my UFC 88 predictions and best bets.
Chuck Liddell vs Rashad Evans
Liddell is coming off a vital victory over long time rival Wanderlei Silva. A hamstring injury has kept him out of action for longer then expected however he makes his comeback at the perfect time. The man that stripped Liddell of his championship, Rampage Jackson, had a meltdown in and out of the Octagon losing his belt and his mind only days later which leaves the door wide open for Liddell if he can get past Rashad Evans.
After the controversial draw with Tito Oritz, this will be Rashad Evans true validation fight. If he if he can avoid Liddell heavy hands for all three rounds we’ll know that he’s more than just a one dimensional middle of the road light heavyweight. His competition to date remains a big question mark. As it stands his biggest win is a split decision over Michael Bisping. Of his 14 professional fights 7 have gone the distance. He was failed to finish Hector Ramirez, Jaime Jara, Brad Imes, Sam Hoger and Stephan Bonnar.
Continue to read J.D’s predictions and picks for Chuck Liddell vs Rashad Evans here. Our other MMA handicapper Jim at Talkbets offer his thoughts on the main event below.
Rashad Evans is a durable fighter but he has more show than actual fight in him. His talent is still untapped. Liddell has been a proven fighter willing to strike but without any real takedowns and non threatening attacks on the ground. I think this fight will go three rounds and if Rashad can do more damage than showboating, he’ll take the win. I do believe at some point, Rashad will take Liddell to the ground. However, I’m not sure if he can maintain top position for long. Otherwise Liddell wins another fight bringing him closer to the title.
If you are a betting man take Rashad at +230 to +240.
Rich Franklin vs. Matt Hamill
Matt “The Hammer” Hamill holds a 4-1 professional MMA record with his one and only a very controversial split decision to Michael Bisbing. Hamill became a instant UFC star via the “The Ultimate Fighter” show Season 3. He is a accomplished wrestler with some decent striking ability. He is a raw talent with a lot of potential however this is major step up for him. Frankin is by far the best stricter he has faced. At the same time Hamill is the best wrestler Frankin has faced. Frankin while being technically sound stricter is not very explosive and at light heavyweight may not pose the same problems as he did at middleweight. I can see Hamill taking to decision if he can push the pace and not let Franklin settle in to his usual rhythm. At current odds Hamill is the value bet. Prediction: Matt Hamill via Decision. Bet on Hamill +180 at BetUS.
Dan Henderson vs. Rousimar Palhares
This is another newcomer vs veteran battle. Dan Handerson is 38 and fought some of the best and toughest guys in MMA today. He holds a 22-7 professional MMA record and has recorded victories over Wanderlei Silva and Murilo Rua. His primarily a wrestler but has a very decent striking ability. Look for him to keep this fight standing as he tries to knock out the Brazilian. Rousimar Palhares is one of the top BJJ fighters in the world today. He trains with the world famous Brazilian Top Team. He is very solid prosect however at this stage there are still to many questions marks hanging over his head. Henderson’s favoritism is justified. Prediction Henderson Via TKO Round 3.
Nate Marquardt vs. Martin Kampmann
Two well rounded but middle of the road middleweights round out the main card. Martin Kampmann 15-1 in MMA and 4-0 in the UFC is a all round threat with a decent striking ability and a emerging submission arsenal. Of hist 17 wins 6 have come via knockout and 10 via submission. He holds notable victories over Andrew McFedries, Jorge Rivera and Thales Leites. Nate Marquardt currently trains with Jackson’s Submission Fighting alongside guys like Georges St. Pierre and Keith Jardine. He holds impressive wins over Dean Lister and Jeremy Horn. He is the more experienced of the two and has a better resume however overall I give a small edge to Kampmann due superior stand-up.
Karo Parisyan vs Yoshiyuki Yoshida
Definitely a fight I was very interested in seeing , Karo Parisyan vs Yoshiyuki Yoshida, has been cancelled after veteran Welterweight Karo Parisian had to pull out due to back injury. The undercard fight between Matt Brown and Dong Hyun Kim has been moved to main card.
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