UFC 100 picks and predictions
J.D Driscoll - July 8th, 2009 .Our head UFC handicapper J.D Discoll gives you his expert predictions for one the biggest fight cards of 2009. Its UFC 100: Making History featuring three epic battles. Cash in with our his best bets below.
First head over to Bigoddsmike.com for the most up to date UFC 100 odds. I’m a regular contributor there so make sure to show them some love. A quick reminder if you’re looking for the best place to bet on this weeks fight action sign up with the good people at Sportsbook. Now onto my UFC 100 predictions.
UFC 100 Picks: Brock Lesnar vs. Frank Mir
Its a classic tale of skill vs. strength, David vs. Goliath if you will. The odds makers have made up their mind, its Lesnar’s fight to loose if the guys over at Betus or 5Dimes are to be trusted. At hefty -220 he’ll be hard to beat but there little value at those odds. Go with Mir if you’re a betting man. Sure Lesnar has come a long since their last bout but in my opinion Mir is the one that transformed his game. For the first time in a long time, Mir is looking hungry again.
Georges St-Pierre vs. Thiago Alves
St-Pierre has looked flawless since his loss to Matt Serra in 2007. He has overcome all challengers and has quickly become one the UFC’s favourite sons. However he’ll face a dangerous Thiago Alves this Saturday. Its a tough match-up the Canadian, however one he should be able to overcome. It’ll be a close fight but my money is on St-Pierre.
Dan Henderson vs. Michael Bisping
Michael Bisping takes on Dan Henderson in what will most likely be a title fight elimination bout. The former Pride champion is on a mission to avenge his 2008 loss to Anderson Silva. Henderson has the edge in most areas, his experience however will be the deciding factor. Bisping wont be a pushover however Henderson should outlast the TUF 2 winner in a three round war.
Mark Coleman vs. Stephan Bonnar
This is must win bout for both of these guys. Coleman looked sluggish against a underdone Shogun while Bonnar is coming off an upset loss to Jon Jones. Despite his age and less than stellar recent performances I’m sticking with “The Hammer”.
Well the next huge event everyone’s talking about is Affliction Trilogy. I’ll have a full write-up for this speculator card in due time but its looking really solid so far. Maybe its just me but I think they’ll have a much hard time marketing Fedor vs. Barnett to US fans. Emelianenko vs. Arlovski & Tim Sylvia sold themselves but the fight Barnett is one for the hardcore fans. Barnett represents a bigger challenge of course, like Fedor’s coach once said he is a thinking man fighter, a great tactician. I cant see Barnett being knocked out or submitted in the first or second. It will most likely turn into a five round war like Nogueira vs. Barnett 1 and 2 did.
Fedor’s name is well and truly skyrocketing but they’re running out of creditable opponents for him. Fedor vs. Overeem would make sense but I doubt it could take place in the US. A fight with Tito Ortiz would be huge but I don’t think the “Huntington Beach Bad Boy” is too keen to move to the heavyweight division at this stage of his career. Whatever the case may be it will be an uphill battle for Afflictions fourth show.
