NFL betting has the Steelers and Vikings ready to butt heads this Sunday in a war of smashmouth teams. At UFC 104, we can think of Cain Velasquez and Ben Rothwell similarly; they're two big fellas who enjoy tossing people around the Octagon. Let's make a pick for this heavyweight battle, one that could shake up the contender ladder.
Cain Velasquez (6-0)
Notable victories: Cheick Kongo
UFC 104 betting odds: -300
Brock Lesnar, Shane Carwin and Minotauro Nogueira are at the top of the UFC's heavyweight heap, but Cain Velasquez is nipping at their heels. The phenom comes from a collegiate wrestling background (Arizona State) and uses those skills to manhandle opponents -- even guys bigger than him like Cheick Kongo. Velasquez can kickbox too, as he showed in blowing through his first five opponents via knockout, but he hasn't shown one-punch knockout power. He's a student of the sport, a tireless worker who trains hard and always wants to improve.
Ben Rothwell (30-6)
Notable victories: Krzysztof Soszynski, Roy Nelson
UFC 104 odds: +240
Making his UFC debut, Ben Rothwell probably isn't a household name, but that doesn't mean he's inexperienced. Outside the Octagon, he's tangled with former UFC champs Andrei Arlovski and Tim Sylvia. He's one of the more versatile heavyweights out there, as he can use his 265-pound frame to outwrestle opponents, club them with his big paws in standup or even get submissions on the ground. Whereas Velasquez almost certainly has to win with his wrestling, Rothwell can win in multiple ways.
Pick: Velasquez -300. Ben Rothwell is a significant challenge for Velasquez indeed, but Cain isn't the type to overlook anyone. Like the World Series betting champion Philadelphia Phillies, he always has a game plan. Don't be surprised if his striking is improved and he uses it to soften Rothwell up before shooting for the takedown. I like Velasquez as much as I like the Phillies' World Series odds.
--BetOnline.com
Cain Velasquez (6-0)
Notable victories: Cheick Kongo
UFC 104 betting odds: -300
Brock Lesnar, Shane Carwin and Minotauro Nogueira are at the top of the UFC's heavyweight heap, but Cain Velasquez is nipping at their heels. The phenom comes from a collegiate wrestling background (Arizona State) and uses those skills to manhandle opponents -- even guys bigger than him like Cheick Kongo. Velasquez can kickbox too, as he showed in blowing through his first five opponents via knockout, but he hasn't shown one-punch knockout power. He's a student of the sport, a tireless worker who trains hard and always wants to improve.
Ben Rothwell (30-6)
Notable victories: Krzysztof Soszynski, Roy Nelson
UFC 104 odds: +240
Making his UFC debut, Ben Rothwell probably isn't a household name, but that doesn't mean he's inexperienced. Outside the Octagon, he's tangled with former UFC champs Andrei Arlovski and Tim Sylvia. He's one of the more versatile heavyweights out there, as he can use his 265-pound frame to outwrestle opponents, club them with his big paws in standup or even get submissions on the ground. Whereas Velasquez almost certainly has to win with his wrestling, Rothwell can win in multiple ways.
Pick: Velasquez -300. Ben Rothwell is a significant challenge for Velasquez indeed, but Cain isn't the type to overlook anyone. Like the World Series betting champion Philadelphia Phillies, he always has a game plan. Don't be surprised if his striking is improved and he uses it to soften Rothwell up before shooting for the takedown. I like Velasquez as much as I like the Phillies' World Series odds.
--BetOnline.com
