Sunday, April 21, 2013

UFC on Fox 7 Top Plays and Parlays Total: 5-2

Benson Henderson (-270) vs. Gilbert Melendez (+250) 5 Rds Lightweight Title
Benson Henderson is the most complete LW on the planet today.  Melendez is very well rounded himself and has strong boxing and wrestling.  Benson is probably slightly better than Melenedez in nearly every aspect of MMA and is more athletic.  I think Melendez could give Henderson some problems if Henderson chooses to stand at a boxing range and exchange.  I really think Henderson will dictate the pace of this fight with his quickness and ability to mix up it up in the striking department and takedowns.  Benson Henderson takes this one by UD say (49-46 x3).  Take Benson Henderson Prop bet by Decision (-115).

Top Play:  2 Star Benson Henderson Prop bet by Decision (-115)

Top Plays:
1 Star Josh Thomson (+155)- Thomson is looking great this stage in his career.  His wrestling and grappling are his strengths.  Nate Diaz struggles with wrestlers and his weakness is his takedown defense.  This is not the best matchup for Nate Diaz even though he could possibly finish Thomson with a flurry of punches.  

1 Star Matt Brown (+290)- Matt Brown is a dangerous fighter.  He has powerful strikes and his grappling keeps improving.  Mein is a very slick striker and has some power.  I am very surprised this like is so juicy for Brown. I know Mein is confident in his striking but he has to be careful,  if Brown lands a heavy combo it could be lights out for Mein.

1 Star Francis Carmont (-145)- Carmont has some pretty explosive strikes, long reach and solid grappling.  Larkin is a very crafty striker who uses footwork and angles to confuse fighters.  This is an interesting fight but Carmont has more ways to win this.  Carmont probably will get a takedown sometime and lock in a submission.  I just don’t think Larkin’s grappling is that great.

1 Star Ramsey Nijem (+230)- Nijem is a solid grappler and pretty decent all around.  Jury steps in the octagon undefeated tonight.  He had a smart gameplan and took down Michael Johnson multiple times in his last fight.  Johnson has terrible takedown D.  Nijem should be able to stuff takedowns and possibly get a takedown or two of his own.  The standup is pretty even in this one Jury has the length advantage but Nijem has more power in his strikes. This line should be closer to even. 

1 Star Clifford Starks (+145)- Starks has a solid wrestling background and improving standup.  He should be able to stay away from Romero’s power and land a takedown.  Clifford Starks takes this one by UD.

Top Parlay
Njokuani; Benavidez; Mendes (+115)

Forced Action Plays (FAPs) For Action Junkies
+350 Frank Mir
+120 Tim Means

Predictions:
Henderson UD
Cormier 2nd Rd TKO
Thomson UD
Brown 2nd Rd TKO
Mendes UD
Carmont 2nd Rd Sub
Nijem UD
Benavidez UD
Means UD
Dillashaw 2nd Rd Sub
Njokuani UD
Starks UD

TUF 17

Urijah Faber(-450) vs. Scott Jorgensen (+410) 5 Rds
Faber is one of the best 135lbs fighters on the planet.  Jorgensen has solid wrestling and average standup.  This is one of those fights where the favorite is just better than the dog in every aspect of MMA.  The ONLY way Jorgensen might win this fight is to get a lucky KO punch or hurt Faber and finish him by TKO.  But good luck trying to knock out Faber and that Jay Leno chin.  Lets pull our nuts out and show the bookie we got some and cash on this big favorite.  I usually say don’t throw big on heavy favorites, but this is one where I say lock load and pull the trigger.  

Top Play: 5 Star Urijah Faber(-450)  

Top Plays:
1 Star Cat Zingano (-115)- Cat has solid grappling and powerful aggressive standup.  Look for Zingano to bring the fight to Tate.  Tate’s standup is her weakness and she will have to get this fight to the ground.  I say Zingano wins this by 2nd or 3rd Rd TKO. 

1 Star Bart Palaszewski (-160)- Bart is a solid striker, look for Bart to keep this fight standing and pick apart Cole Miller possible getting a TKO stoppage in the later stages of the fight.

1 Star Sam Sicilia (+190)- Sicilia has solid standup with power in his hands.  This fight seems like it should be near a coin flip.  

Forced Action Plays (For Action Junkies):
Travis Browne Inside the Distance (-140)
Urijah Faber Inside the Distance (-140) (5 Rd. Fight)
Bristol Marunde (+140)

Predictions:
Faber 3rd Rd Sub
Hall 2nd Rd TKO
Zingano 2nd Rd TKO
Palaszewski 3rd Rd TKO
Pineda UD
Sicilia 2nd Rd TKO
Browne 2nd Rd TKO
Marunde 1st Rd Sub