UFC 91 Predictions: JD’s Plays
J.D Driscoll - November 15th, 2008 .UFC 91 has finally arrived and so have our last UFC 91 predictions. If you haven’t already done so make sure to check out Roberts thoughts on UFC 91. His picks records on MMA events is second to none and well worth a read. As always head over to our recommended UFC 91 sportsbook BetUs.com to bet on any of these fights.
With the PPV just hours away here are my final thoughts. First to the main event.
Main Event Brock Lesnar vs Randy Couture
Randy Couture has built this reputation of the ultimate underdog. He has had so many victories as an underdog people are almost scared to bet against him. The MMA blogosphereand the UFC hype machine offcourse only perpetuate this reputation. The reality is Randy record far from earth shattering. His biggest victories have come over Gabriel Gonzaga, Tim Sylvia, Chuck Liddell and Tito Ortiz. What do these men have in common. All of them have been exposed over the last 12-24 months, big time in fact. Randy runs of upsets of well and truly come to end. Odds of run around +130 are extremely generous for the 45 year old veteran.
Kenny Florian vs. Joe Stevenson
This is a pickem fight and so I’m going with the underdog as the value play. Kenny Florian has been on a ultra impressive run that has the public massively overvaluing him here. Stevenson has at least a 50-50 chance of getting a decision.
Nate Quarry vs. Demian Maia
Nate Quarry is a technically sound striker, solid on the ground but his overall game isn’t anywhere near the top ten level. He’ll be exposed a exceptional talent like Maia who’s one of the UFC’s rising stars.
Gabriel Gonzaga vs. Josh Hendricks
Gabriel Gonzaga is the man best known for knocking feared striker Croatian Mirko Cro Cop. The Gonzaga hype has well and truly worn off for MMA fans after two very poor performances at UFC 74 and UFC 80. The biggest question hanging over his head after those two loses is his heart. When the pressure is really on he seems to fold. I doubt UFC debutant will be able to drag out this fight into 2nd or 3rd round to really expose the Brazilian.
Dustin Hazelett vs. Tamdan McCrory
This bout has been moved to the televised part of the PPV after Amir Sadollah’s injury. It looks like a very entertaining few minutes but Hazelett is the deserving favourite. I cant see this one going beyond the first round.
Aaron Riley vs. Jorge Gurgel
TUF 1 cast member has had a very long UFC career without ever breaking trough to the top echelon of the lightweight division. Non the less I expect him to submit MMA veteran Ryan Thomas.
