Every so often, the MMA world gets an infusion of quality events within a few days, and this weekend is a perfect example. From Bellator on Saturday night to the UFC on Sunday night, there are plenty of options.
Looking up and down the main card for Bellator, we see the return of Fedor Emelianenko (+105) vs. Matt Mitrione (-115). I’m getting a sense that this one will not end early, so two fun bets to consider are Fedor by decision (+825) or Mitrione by decision (+570).
In the co-main event, Josh Thomson (-205) is the favorite over Patricky Freire (+188) and while this one could easily go the distance, I do like Thomson’s relentless pace and how he’s always looking to finish. I would seriously consider Thomson to win inside the distance at +253.
Also on the card is Josh Koscheck (-305) who is a sizeable favorite vs. Mauricio Alonso (+275). Josh is on a five fight losing streak and has been finished in his last four fights. Now all of those opponents were in the UFC and of a higher caliber than Alonso, but this one screams upset. I don’t believe picking Alonso to win is a bad idea.
Then there’s the UFC Halifax card on Sunday night, headlined by the heavyweight tilt between Derek Lewis (-115) and Travis Browne (-105). There isn’t much value in picking either fighter with those odds but seeing as they are heavyweights and it’s a 25 minute fight, odds are in your favor that this one could end with a bang. If you like Lewis, consider the +123 via T/KO. On the flipside, if you like Browne, you can get the win via T/KO for +190.
In the co-main event Johnny Hendricks (+115) is making his middleweight debut vs. Hector Lombard (-125). It definitely feels like a pick-em fight but I sense a resurgence here by “The Big Rigg”. Consider him via T/KO at +520 or perhaps via decision at +220.
Then there’s my Tuesday Fightful MMA Podcast co-host Elias Theodorou (+110) who is taking on Cezar Ferreira (-120). ‘The Spartan’ is adamant he will break his opponent, and if he can do so, he will likely win via T/KO and not via submission. If he can pull it off, you can get him at +340. But if he can’t, and he can survive, he will likely grind his way to a victory. If you buy that theory, then you get Elias via decision at +305.
There are plenty of fights to make a buck or three on this weekend but these ones stand out for me. If you have any of your own that you believe are solid options, be sure to hit me up on social media ( @ShowdownJoe ) as I’d be more than happy to read your thoughts.
