If UFC 100 was like NFL betting on the Super Bowl, maybe UFC 101 is like college football's BCS Championship. In other words, it may not be the biggest event out there, but it's still pretty big. The UFC 101 fight card features some marquee main events. Let's make some picks.
LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
BJ Penn (13-5-1) vs Kenny Florian (13-3)
UFC 101 fight card odds: Penn -230, Florian +190
Back in lightweight form, BJ "The Prodigy" Penn defends his title against Kenny "Ken-Flo" Florian in what should be one of the best title fights in recent memory. The last several UFC championship bouts went as predicted, but here we have a truly even match. Penn is a Jiu-Jitsu master, more flexible than any other fighter, and amazing at creating leverage on the ground to set up submissions. Florian is a well-rounded technician; his boxing is improved, his Muay Thai knees and elbows are vicious, and he also excels in Jiu-Jitsu. You can't be blamed for picking either guy, but Penn is probably the better choice in the end. The usual questions about his fitness and work ethic don't apply when he fights at lightweight, as he has to train hard to make 155 pounds. He has a slight ground edge on Florian and will weather the storm standing up. Bet on Penn, but know that this match could truly go either way.
Best betting management pick: Penn -230
LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT
Anderson Silva (24-4) vs Forrest Griffin (16-5)
UFC 101 fight cards odds: Silva -370, Griffin +295
You'll be hard-pressed to find a UFC main event with online wagering odds this one-sided, but that's how much bettors respect Anderson Silva. He's riding a UFC-record nine-fight win streak and should extend it to 10 despite his jump to 205 pounds. Contrary to what some fans believe, Silva has a major power advantage over Griffin. His Muay Thai strikes are devastating and lightning-quick. Griffin is a brawler but doesn't actually have knockout power, as just two of 16 wins are KOs. Griffin is fairly fast and smart enough to arrive in the Octagon with a game plan (leg kicks?), but it won't be enough. Silva will outclass him and probably put on a show.
Best betting management pick: Silva -370
--BetOnline.com
LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
BJ Penn (13-5-1) vs Kenny Florian (13-3)
UFC 101 fight card odds: Penn -230, Florian +190
Back in lightweight form, BJ "The Prodigy" Penn defends his title against Kenny "Ken-Flo" Florian in what should be one of the best title fights in recent memory. The last several UFC championship bouts went as predicted, but here we have a truly even match. Penn is a Jiu-Jitsu master, more flexible than any other fighter, and amazing at creating leverage on the ground to set up submissions. Florian is a well-rounded technician; his boxing is improved, his Muay Thai knees and elbows are vicious, and he also excels in Jiu-Jitsu. You can't be blamed for picking either guy, but Penn is probably the better choice in the end. The usual questions about his fitness and work ethic don't apply when he fights at lightweight, as he has to train hard to make 155 pounds. He has a slight ground edge on Florian and will weather the storm standing up. Bet on Penn, but know that this match could truly go either way.
Best betting management pick: Penn -230
LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT
Anderson Silva (24-4) vs Forrest Griffin (16-5)
UFC 101 fight cards odds: Silva -370, Griffin +295
You'll be hard-pressed to find a UFC main event with online wagering odds this one-sided, but that's how much bettors respect Anderson Silva. He's riding a UFC-record nine-fight win streak and should extend it to 10 despite his jump to 205 pounds. Contrary to what some fans believe, Silva has a major power advantage over Griffin. His Muay Thai strikes are devastating and lightning-quick. Griffin is a brawler but doesn't actually have knockout power, as just two of 16 wins are KOs. Griffin is fairly fast and smart enough to arrive in the Octagon with a game plan (leg kicks?), but it won't be enough. Silva will outclass him and probably put on a show.
Best betting management pick: Silva -370
--BetOnline.com
