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UFC Odds – Jake Shields vs. Georges St. Pierre for the Welterweight Belt

Posted by Combat Fight Gear
at April 30, 2011

The Main Event of UFC 129 this weekend is headlined by a fight that has been years in the making and UFC Odds are that it certainly will not disappoint. Jake Shields puts a 15 fight win streak on the line when he takes on the Canadian GSP who is widely regarded as the best fighter on the planet.

UFC 129: St. Pierre vs. Shields

April 30, 2011, 10PM ET/7PM PT

Rogers Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Broadcast: Pay-per-view

UFC Welterweight Championship

Georges St. Pierre (20-2-0): -450

Jake Shields (25-4-1): +325

If you don’t know who Georges St. Pierre is by now, UFC Odds are that you have been living under a rock. GSP has absolutely owned the Welterweight division for six years and has dominated everyone that has set foot with him inside the Octagon. He is simply the most athletic and cerebral fighter in the game today – willing to adapt and reinvent himself for the goal of becoming the best of all time.

So what does Georges St. Pierre bring to the table? He is a Black Belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, he is arguably the best wrestler in the Welterweight division, he has incredible take downs and take down defense, his ground game is second to none, he has unmatched technical striking, cardio, power, humility and intelligence. He is known as possibly the most athletic fighter in the sport and has zero holes in his game.

GSP is a nightmare for anyone to handle – he can beat you anywhere that the fight happens to go. Against Jake Shields, Georges takedown defense will be key – going to the ground with Jake Shields may be a bit of a problem. However, GSP has fared well in grappling battles with the likes of Jon Fitch and BJ Penn. But standing is where he has an immense advantage in this fight. He should easily be able to pick Shields apart – Jake is nowhere close to Georges when it comes to standup.

UFC Odds are that Jake Shields is one of the most skilled and feared fighters on the planet, in any weight class. Shields has been on quite a streak to say the least – he has been money in the bank. He has won 15 straight fights and hasn’t tasted defeat in over five years. Shields is a former Strikeforce Middleweight champion and a former Elite XC Welterweight champion and he has beaten names like Dan Henderson, Paul Daley, Robbie Lawlor and Carlos Condit along the way.

Shields is an incredible wrestler, an OK striker and is a Black Belt in jiu-jitsu under famed trainer Cesar Gracie. Shields is known to have one of the best ground games in the sport today. He is well rounded and has the durability, the chin and the experience to give St. Pierre fits once the Octagon doors close. Shields has the size and skill to finish a fight standing, in the clinch and on the ground.

UFC Odds Outlook:

Jake Shields definitely poses some problems for the Champ but there is likely nothing that Shields can bring that GSP hasn`t already seen. St. Pierre has made a living of attacking his opponents where they are best but in this fight, GSP might opt to stay away from Shields’ ground game. Look for St. Pierre to utilize his terrific takedown defense, to keep the fight standing and to pepper Shields all fight long. Remember Josh Koschek`s face after GSP’s last battle?

UFC Odds Pick: Georges St. Pierre -450

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UFC 129 Odds – Couture Seeks One More Bit of Glory against Machida

Posted by Combat Fight Gear
at April 30, 2011

If you analyze the UFC 129 odds, you know that there are two championship fights that headline the show, but the fight that brings together a great of the present and a great of the past will get a lot of attention, as Randy Couture seeks one more bit of glory in his scheduled three-round light heavyweight fight against another former champion, Lyoto Machida.

The bout takes place at the Bell Centre in Montreal, as part of the pay-per-view telecast. In the UFC 129 odds, Machida has been established as the -350 favorite. The fight is favored to the tune of -145 to go “under” two and a half rounds.

UFC 129 Odds

Light Heavyweights

April 30 — Montreal

LYOTO MACHIDA -350

RANDY COUTURE +250

Under 2.5 Rounds -14

Over 2.5 Rounds +115

We know what kind of style Machida, the -350 favorite in the UFC 129 odds, brings to the table. He is deliberate, purposeful and patient. Such tactics have the effect of frustrating the opponent, and it has not mattered much if the opponent has much experience or not, as he has beaten more than his share of veteran competitors. He is not super-aggressive, but he is indeed effective.

Machida came to the UFC having scored wins outside the U.S. against Stephan Bonnar, BJ Penn and Rich Franklin, among others, and stayed undefeated through victories against people like Tito Ortiz and Thiago Silva before getting his opportunity against Rashad Evans as a -225 favorite in the UFC odds. He blasted out Evans in the second round, winning the title and the “Knockout of the Night.”

Machida beat Shogun Rua in his first title defense, but it came with much dispute; so much that it mandated a rematch, which actually took place in Montreal. In that fight, Machida was felled with a right hand, which sent him to the ground and allowed Rua to go to the ground-and-pound, and just like that, Machida was without a title. In the fight where he tried to bounce back, in UFC 123, he lost a very narrow decision to Rampage Jackson. Otherwise, he may have been a bigger favorite in the UFC 129 odds.

Nobody needs to go over Couture’s resume again. He is, quite simply, one of the moist decorated fighters ever to have stepped into the Octagon. Couture has been both the light heavyweight and heavyweight champion, and you could not write the history of the organization without talking about his battles with the likes of Chuck Liddell, Josh Barnett, Tito Ortiz, Vitor Belfort, Tim Sylvia, Brock Lesnar and Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, among others.

Couture has captured titles at both heavyweight and light heavyweight after the age of 40, which is astounding, and he has won three straight fights. So he may always be a dangerous dog in the UFC 129 odds. Although he may not be considered to be a primary contender for championship honors anymore, he might have enough in him for one more big win. Lord knows he has been written off on more than one occasion, but has managed to get back into the picture.

At age 47, the task is obviously daunting for Couture, who gets +250 in the UFC 129 odds here. He may be a “master strategist,” as he has been referred to many times on the UFC telecasts, but there are some things the body isn’t going to allow him to do. And let’s face it – there is potentially a lot of extra work he has to do to get through to Machida, who, if you are a boxing fans, might best be described as the “Jimmy Young of mixed martial arts.” That means he may not be the busiest fighter offensively, but his elusiveness, style and defensive ability makes it tough to mount a sustained offense against him. Couture, whose last two fights have come against another aging fighter in Mark Coleman and boxer James Toney, isn’t going to get there. Machida frustrates him on the way to a decision win, so in the UFC 129 odds, we like him and the distance bet.

JAY’S PLAYS: MACHIDA TO WIN (-350) **** and OVER 2.5 ROUNDS (+115) ***

(Graded on a scale of 1-4 stars)

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UFC 129 Betting – Aldo Will Defend Featherweight Title in UFC Debut Against Hominick

Posted by Combat Fight Gear
at April 30, 2011

At just 24-years old, UFC Featherweight champion Jose Aldo proved his worth in the WEC with eight straight wins to go undefeated in the promotion over a two-year period. Aldo will have every chance to make a name for his self among the elite champions in the promotion beginning when he makes his UFC debut against Canadian Mark Hominick, in the first of two title fights in front of a historic crowd at UFC 129: St. Pierre vs. Shields. Here is a UFC 129 betting preview:

UFC 129: St. Pierre vs. Shields

Jose Aldo (18-1-0)vs. Mark Hominick (20-8-0)

Saturday April 30, 2011

Rogers Centre, Toronto, Canada

Broadcast: Pay-Per-View

UFC 129 Betting Line: Aldo -500

The projected 55,000 that will be on hand at the Rogers Centre has known for months that Aldo would make his debut title defense at this event, but there has been an added element of intrigue to this bout since the local fighter Hominick became the No. 1 contender for the belt with a win over George Roop back in January of this year.

Leading Up To UFC 129 Betting: Jose Aldo

Aldo will undoubtedly look to gain the respect of UFC fans by proving his merit as the champion at the highest level, but a win won’t earn anything from a sellout crowd that is likely to back the hometown favorite in Hominick. That won’t have any effect on titleholder as he searches for his 19th win in 20 career fights. A black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Aldo has relied heavily on his heavy hands to get the job done with 12 of those 18 victories clinched via knockout, but has also developed a solid ground game to battle with some of the wrestlers he has battled. With just one loss in his seven-year professional career it’s hard to point out a weakness, as Aldo ranks among the best in the world.

Leading Up To UFC 129 Betting: Mark Hominick

After sweeping his final three fights in the WEC, Hominick made a successful jump to the UFC ahead of Aldo with the win over Roop to earn his title shot. That won’t mean much if he can’t capitalize on the opportunity, as he will have a ton of supporters cheering him on just miles away from where he was born and raised. Well versed in both Kickboxing and Muay Thai, Hominick had developed into a major contender by the time he was contacted by UFC president Dana White. With nine of his 20 wins clinched via knockout and another seven by submission, Hominick has proven his versatility and will now get the chance to prove he belongs at the top.

UFC 129 Betting Matchup: Aldo vs. Hominick

For as much of an ovation as he may receive, it won’t make up for the difference in talent as Hominick appears to be outmatched in several areas. The hometown fighter has to be careful not to be too aggressive as Aldo has the potential to take him out if he can catch him with one good shot. Even if he doesn’t finish this fight before the final bell Aldo should be able to find a way to make a successful UFC debut.

UFC 129 Betting Pick: Aldo

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UFC 129 odds – Couture’s Last Stand against Machida?

Posted by Combat Fight Gear
at April 30, 2011

For professional athletes who take too long to realize their time is up as they get older, the punishment is often severe.

Many lose the respect of fans who think they’re just hanging on for extra paychecks to the detriment of their teams and lose their status as one of the game’s greats at that point in time.

But in the case of an MMA fighter like UFC 129 odds underdog Randy Couture, the punishment may be far worse in the form of a painful beatdown in the cage.

Couture will enter the Octagon on Saturday night at UFC 129 as a +250 to -350 underdog against Lyoto Machida, the karate/sumo/jiu-jitsu expert who took the MMA world by storm when he captured the UFC Light Heavyweight Title from Rashad Evans in May 2009.

Couture (19-10 career record) comes in against Machida (16-2 career record) as a man 15 years the elder of the Brazilian, and it will be his first light heavyweight bout since November 2009 against Brandon Vera.

Couture looked solid in the Vera fight as he was able to use his Greco Roman wrestling to hold the much younger and more athletic Vera up against the cage for much of the fight en route to a decision win; many thought it was a questionable decision but still gave Couture credit for forcing the action against much more athletic fighter.

The movie star and Xtreme Couture Gym patriarch’s last fight doesn’t give fans much evidence for how he may fare on Saturday, however, as he fought against former pro boxing star, MMA newcomer James Toney and made short work of him as expected.

Machida is a whole different animal, however, as MMA fans know. He has been called the most elusive fighter in MMA and his style is confounding for many opponents.

While the goal is not to be the “most elusive guy” as Quinton “Rampage” Jackson pointed out heading into his close UFC 123 fight with Machida, a fight Jackson won with a tight decision, Machida’s ability to stay out of Couture’s takedown range is going to be a big factor in this fight.

The UFC 129 odds favorite Machida will have to be more judicious with his kick combinations, however, to avoid being taken down.

That means he’s likely to play this one safe and to use his counter-punches to make Couture think twice about getting too close. He should be able to do so to great effect, however.

Couture will try to press the action in this one, but Machida has too many tricks in his bag for the past-his-prime champ to deal with.

While some believe Couture’s style presents matchup problems for Machida, “The Natural” simply doesn’t have the youthful energy or the versatility it takes to solve “The Dragon,” especially with Machida in desperate need of a win following the loss to Jackson.

UFC 129 odds pick: Machida by unanimous decision (-350)

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Machida May Use Couture’s Last Stand to Begin Anew

Posted by Combat Fight Gear
at April 29, 2011

What a strange and marvelous career Lyoto Machida has had, and while he is coming off his first pair of professional losses, UFC 129 betting fanatics are waging war on both sides of the fight line that pits the Dragon against Randy Couture. The reason for the split is that this is Randy’s last fight in his all-world professional career. People are making emotional bets with his +250 underdog odds in UFC 129 betting, and I for one am not going to stop them.

I mean, this is your last chance to bet on Randy Couture, and from a style standpoint this is going to be a tough one for The Natural. Couture’s bull-rush method plays right in to Machida’s counter punching technique that helped him claim the light heavyweight championship with ease, while building a very impressive 16-0 SU record.

It needs to be said that experienced fight fans know exactly what to expect from Couture and Machida from a technique standpoint. If Couture can get this one on the ground, he stands a chance to make Machida work from an angle that we have to largely discredit him from because we haven’t seen his mat work that much in the UFC (or ever). Even at 47-years old, Couture is still beastly strong and he has all the savvy and cutthroat ability of a guy who has been in the UFC betting world basically since its inception.

With this being Randy’s last fight, he has nothing to lose. He’s already proven that he’s arguably the greatest fighter of all time (with respect to Chuck Liddell, Royce Gracie and a few others) and leaving it all out in the octagon for one last dance with destiny gives him every reason to bleed until his heart stops on Saturday night.

You can’t say the same thing about Machida. One of the things that always worries me about a fighter in UFC betting is when that fighter has everything to lose. And trust me, Machida has everything to lose in this bout. It’s surely an odd thing to say considering that he’s 16-2 SU and just two fights removed from having the light heavyweight championship around his waste.

Still, three consecutive losses is enough to push a fighter as respected as Machida to the back of the contender’s line. If that third loss is to a 47-year old Couture who is on his way out of the sport, it makes matters worse for Machida. Couture essentially has zero pressure on his broad shoulders this weekend. Machida has to be nervous.

All this being said, Couture has the edge on the ground, but Machida has a very big advantage standing up. He’s younger, faster, more direct and pretty damn capable of putting anyone in dream land. Couture’s style comes right at his opponent, and Machida is the best counter puncher in his weight class. He’s probably the best in the sport outside of Anderson Silva.

The way this match is likely to unfold, Couture will press Machida to test what resolve he has and how he’s mentally prepared for this fight with his career hanging in the balance. That should play in to Machida’s hands quite well, and lord knows there will be a lot cat-and-mousing going on in this game because Machida has to play it safe. He can’t let Couture get him on the ground, and he certainly can’t allow him to make contact with a dizzying strike.

Machida is the smart bet, the logical bet and the favorite in UFC 129 betting because of all the reasons you just read. With youth and a fight unfolding towards his favor, the money is safe with Machida. Too bad I’m letting my heart get the best of me. I am an unabashed supporter of Machida, but Couture is getting my vote just because it’s his last fight. In a parlay, take Machida, but in a stand-alone bet you’re more than invited to go all Natural for one last time.

Furious UFC 129 Betting Picks – Couture +250 (OVER 2.5 Rounds)

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UFC 129 Betting – Shields Takes on St-Pierre in Main Event

Posted by Combat Fight Gear
at April 29, 2011

Jake Shields has quickly made his way up the UFC Welterweight Division ranks, and why wouldn’t he considering he was the Strikeforce champion.  Shields faces the awesome Georges St-Pierre for the welterweight crown as a big underdog in the UFC 129 sportsbook on April 30.

Georges St-Pierre is ranked #1 or #2 in the world, pound for pound, depending on what list fight fans refer to.  Jake Shields easily faces the toughest fighter that he’s ever faced in his career.  Will Shields be able to end St-Pierre’s seemingly unstoppable march to MMA historical greatness?

UFC 129:  St-Pierre vs. Shields

Where:  Rogers Centre, Toronto, Ontario

When:  April 30, 2011 at 9:00 pm EST

TV:  Pay-Per-View

Jake Shields +325 vs. Georges St-Pierre -450

Welterweight Championship 5 Rounds

Jake Shields

Record:  26-4-1

Analysis:  Although Jake Shields has turned into a decent striker, he produced 73 strikes against Dan Henderson last April, every MMA fan in the world knows where Jake’s true abilities lay.  Shields is a straight ground game fighter.  He’s an exceptionally gifted grappler.  Jake learned and studied Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Cesar Gracie.  He was also an All-American wrestler and, as to be expected from a tremendously disciplined fighter, Shields never shows up to a fight in anything but in tip-top condition.  Jake Shields has an incredible ability to turn his opponent around, in order to gain top position, after his opponent has taken him down.  Because of that, Shields never, that’s right 0%, tries to prevent a takedown.  Jake Shields will no doubt try and force St-Pierre to the mat where he believes that he’ll have an advantage.  There’s a reason for Shields to be the UFC 129 odds underdog in this bout, but a +325 underdog?  There’s definitely a debate regarding that.

Georges St-Pierre

Record:  21-2

Analysis:  Georges St-Pierre is the best fighter in the world.  That’s just my opinion.  There are many other MMA fight fans that believe that Anderson Silva is the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world.  The reason I prefer St-Pierre is because there just doesn’t appear to be any weaknesses.  The man has owned the UFC Welterweight title since 2007.  Since garnering the championship belt by submitting Matt Hughes in Round 2 after out striking Hughes 28 to 3 during the fight, St-Pierre has littered the mat with his opponents winning 6 straight bouts.  He’s beaten Jon Fitch, Josh Koscheck (for the second time), Dan Hardy, Matt Sera, Thiago Alves and the highly regarded BJ Penn since gaining the title.  St-Pierre has as good of a stand-up game as he does a ground game and his chin is unparalleled.  He’s the deserving favorite in the main event at UFC 129. 

UFC Betting Pick:  The biggest knock against St-Pierre is he has trouble “finishing” fights.  What it means is that St-Pierre often times coasts to a unanimous decision victory in his bouts.

I have no problem with that as a UFC 129 betting handicapper.  From my perspective, a win is a win since the money comes rolling into my online account whether the guy I back in the Octagon wins by knockout or wins by decision.   St-Pierre’s greatest strength is that he’s always building upon his repertoire.  He dominates in the Octagon, plain and simple, but he’s much more versatile than his opponents including his opponent on April 30, Jake Shields.

Georges St-Pierre has studied boxing under Manny Pacquiao trainer Freddie Roach.  He’s also an incredibly gifted ground game fighter.  What will be interesting is to see is what St-Pierre does on the ground once he takes Shields to the mat.  Will St-Pierre immediately bound to his feet?  Will he try and prevent Shields from gaining top position even though he knows that gaining top position on the ground is one of Jake’s strengths?

I’m not sure it will matter at the end.  Georges St-Pierre is the best fighter, pound for pound, in the world.  I see him defeating Jake Shields the way he defeats every one of his opponents, by not making a mistake and sticking to his strategy.

Although the online UFC 129 odds on St-Pierre require an investment, I don’t see how I can go the other way in this bout.  I’m backing Georges St-Pierre to beat Jake Shields on Saturday night.

UFC 129 Odds Pick:  Georges St-Pierre 

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UFC 129 Betting – Unbeatable Aldo Battles Hominick in Co-Main Event

Posted by Combat Fight Gear
at April 29, 2011

The amazing Jose Aldo is a huge UFC 129 odds favorite against Mark Hominick on Saturday, April 30.

Aldo, one of the reasons that UFC purchased the WEC last year, figures to dominate the tough Hominick. Does Mark have any shot against the venerable Jose Aldo or will Aldo add another championship victory to his win column.

UFC 129: St-Pierre vs. Shields

Where: Rogers Centre, Toronto, Ontario

When: April 30, 2011 at 9:00 pm EST

TV: Pay-Per-View

Mark Hominick +350 vs. Jose Aldo -500

Featherweight Championship 5 Rounds

Mark Hominick

Record: 20-8

Analysis: Mark Hominick has won 5 straight bouts since losing to Josh Grispi at WEC 32 on February 13 in 2008. Hominick has been extremely versatile in those 5 fights, beating George Roop and Yves Jabouin by KO/TKO, beating Bryan Caraway and Trenell Young by submission and taking out Leonard Garcia by split decision at WEC 51 last September 30. Hominick out struck Garcia 93 to 67 in that bout. So, I’m sort of confused how a split decision came about. In any case, MH showed how incredibly exciting he could be by busting up Roop in a 12 to 9 strike performance on January 22 earlier this year. Hominick is a brilliantly quick striker, but he lacks a ground game. That might prove to be his undoing against the awesome Aldo and is the main reason that he’s a +350 UFC 129 sports betting underdog in this fight.

Jose Aldo

Record: 18-1

Analysis: Jose Aldo, at the young age of 24, is already a legend in MMA. Besides the 18 and 1 record, Aldo has dominated, flat out dominated, his opponents during his career. Aldo has no weaknesses. He’s skilled in every single facet of Mixed Martial Arts. Striking, defense, ground game…come up with something that has to do with Mixed Martial Arts and Jose Aldo is good at it. Jose Aldo has dominated Mike Brown, Urijah Faber and Manvel Gamburyan in his last three bouts. Aldo is skilled enough to simply wait and see what Hominick wants to do before either deciding to force the issue or deciding to simply take Mark Hominick apart with either his striking ability or ground game skills on April 30. Jose Aldo is the best fighter not only in his division but he’s also one of the best fighters, pound for pound, in the world.

UFC Betting Pick: -500 may seem like bad UFC 129 online sportsbook odds, but the odds are more than fair when it comes to a fighter of Jose Aldo’s abilities. Aldo is simply one of the best fighters that Mixed Martial Arts has ever seen in the sport’s history.

How good is Jose Aldo? The man prevents 96% of takedown attempts. He avoids 78% of the strikes against him. Although his skill breakdown is 92% strikes and 8% takedowns on the UFC site, Aldo has amazing submission skills. The man can pretty much fight any style and that, more than anything, is the reason that he’ll dominate Mark Hominick on Saturday night.

Hominick is primarily an extremely quick striker, but his quickness will be countered by Aldo’s defense and ability to not only strike with Hominick but to also fight a sterling ground game. That gives the champ a huge, huge advantage in this fight. Although the odds require a big investment, the investment should be worth it.

Jose Aldo is the pick as the massive online UFC 129 betting favorite versus Mark Hominick on April 30.

UFC 129 Odds Pick: Jose Aldo

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UFC Betting – GSP May Be Facing Toughest Career Test

Posted by Combat Fight Gear
at April 29, 2011

Some people who are engaged in UFC betting regard Georges St. Pierre, the pride of Canada, as the best mixed martial arts fighter i the world, but he may be facing his toughest career test when he goes up against decorated veteran Jake Shields in a scheduled five-round defense of his welterweight championship, which will headline the card at UFC 129, taking place at the Bell Centre in Montreal and televised on pay-per-view. In the UFC betting odds, the champion, St. Pierre, is the -450 favorite, with Shields posted at +325.

UFC Betting

UFC Welterweight Title

April 30 — Montreal

GEORGES ST. PIERRE -450

JAKE SHIELDS +325

Over 3.5 Rounds -135

Under 3.5 Rounds +105

Georges St. Pierre (hereafter known as “GSP”), got off to a quick start, as many UFC bettors are aware. After just seven fights, he found himself in the Octagon with Matt Hughes for the welterweight title, and wasn’t ready, as it turns out, as he lost by submission in the first round. He then went on a winning streak, beating Jason Miller, Frank Trigg, BJ Penn and Sean Sherk, then got revenge in a rematch against Hughes, stopping in the second round to win the title. That championship reign was short-lived, as he suffered one of the bigger upsets UFC bettors have seen when Matt Serra stopped him in one round.

However, when Serra had to pull out of his own title defense against Hughes with an injury, St. Pierre stepped right into an “interim” title fight and beat Hughes again, this time returning an earlier favor with an submission, and regained the crown. When he got to face Serra again, it was no contest, as he wore him down with knees to the body and took him out in two rounds in Montreal.

He has been through five defenses this time around, and in one of them he made Penn quit in his corner after the fourth round. In his last fight (December 11), as a UFC betting favorite, he jabbed Josh Koscheck half to death in winning an easy decision, putting some very sound boxing skills on display.

Jake Shields has won titles just about everywhere else but the UFC. He has been the Elite XC champion, the Shooto champion and the Strikeforce champion, all in the middleweight division. He is trained in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, generally with Cesar Gracie, and has referred to his style as “American Jiu-Jitsu.” He has also placed third in the ADCC Submission Wrestling World Championship. He is currently on a 15-fight winning streak, and along the way has beaten the likes of Robbie Lawler, Dan Henderson and Martin Kampmann. That fight with Kampmann was a UFC title eliminator. Shields, who has been a pro since 1999, was recruited to the UFC by Dana White, who wanted to swipe a champion away from Strikeforce.

Some UFC bettors think this may be the toughest title defense to date for St. Pierre, because of Shields’ vast experience and his ability to submit opponents. Eleven of his wins have ended with a submission, and he is very savvy when he can get a fight to the ground. The difference in this fight might be the fact that GSP is a very complete fighter, able to operate in any number of ways, while Shields is a little less versatile. The knock on Shields is that he is not going to be as formidable if GSP is able to keep the fight on his feet. Striking is not considered to be Shields’ strong suit, and this is where GSP can actually has the best opportunity to bring things to a halt inside the distance, something that is important to consider, since there is a rounds proposition in the UFC betting odds for this one.

But can he really avoid this fight going to the canvas? I can’t see Shields not being able to do his thing at some point in time, and when it does he will put his superior submission skills to work. GSP has held his title quite a while, by UFC standards, but his roster of opposition, aside from Hughes, is not so overwhelming. What he does have going for him that Shields can’t match is a friendly crowd behind him. Even so, Shields could be a very live dog, or at least a very good candidate to go the distance. At -135 in the UFC betting odds, the “over” looks good to us.

JAY’S PLAY: OVER 3.5 ROUNDS (-135) ***

(Graded on a scale of 1-4 stars)

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UFC 129 Sportsbook Betting – Shields Next In Line for St. Pierre at UFC 129

Posted by Combat Fight Gear
at April 29, 2011

Arguably the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world, UFC Welterweight champion Georges St. Pierre will look to successfully defend his title for the sixth straight time when he takes on Jake Shields in front of a record crowd at UFC 129. Time and again president Dana White has found an opponent that he feels can push St. Pierre for his title, and time and again the champion has proven that he is in a class of his own. Here’s a UFC 129 sportsbook betting preview:

UFC 129: St. Pierre vs. Shields

Georges St. Pierre (21-2-0) vs. Jake Shields (26-4-0)

Saturday April 30, 2011

Rogers Centre, Toronto, Canada

Broadcast: Pay-Per-View

UFC 129 Sportsbook Line: St. Pierre -450

The latest on a long list of challengers is former Strikeforce and EliteXC champion Jake Shields, who after years of avoiding the top promotion in MMA will finally make his UFC debut. Shields has reeled off 15 straight wins dating back to 2005, but there is no comparison to be made between the names already on his resume and the one he is about to add.

Leading Up To UFC 129 Sportsbook Betting: Georges St. Pierre

A black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Gaidojutsu, and Kyokushin, St. Pierre has become a master at adjusting to the strengths and weaknesses of his opponents, one of the most underrated traits in his arsenal. Whether it is striking with Jon Fitch and Thiago Alves, or outwrestling Josh Koscheck, St. Pierre has taken great pride in the sport as an art form and mastered every element of the craft. The fact that he has won eight fights via knockout and another five by submission is an illustration of just how well rounded he is, and at 29-years old St. Pierre is only now in the prime of his career.

Leading Up To UFC 129 Sportsbook Betting: Jake Shields

Much has been made about how important Shields’ resume is to determining his merit as a fighter, but that is something that won’t be up for debate after this bout. The 32-year old California-native hasn’t lost since 2005, but he has yet to face the stable of talent available in the biggest MMA promotion in the world. A black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and a former NCAA division II wrestler, Shields has won his past three fights by decision including a split decision win over Martin Kampmann at UFC 121 in which he displayed a lack of intensity that many will point to as a sign of decline.

UFC 129 Sportsbook Betting Outlook: St. Pierre vs. Shields

While White and the UFC can promote this fight as an epic clash of two of the top players from rival promotions, the truth is that St. Pierre is in a class of his own. No champion has dominated the sport the way that he has over the past couple of years, and his focus and determination set him apart in terms of potential as he enters the prime of his career. The UFC will do an excellent job of hyping up this fight, but in the end Shields will be exposed by a more talented opponent in St. Pierre.

UFC 129 Sportsbook Betting Pick: St. Pierre -450

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UFC 129 Sports Betting – Matyushenko vs Brilz Should be an Excellent Fight

Posted by Combat Fight Gear
at April 29, 2011

According to the UFC 129 odds, the bout between Jason Brilz and Vladimir Matyushenko should be one of the best on the card.

Brilz will enter the Octagon as a slight underdog but the odds makers and MMA bettors both give JB a huge chance in this bout.  Will Brilz continue his march towards a potential championship bout in the amazingly deep light heavyweight division?  Or, will it be Matyushenko who shows up big on April 30?

 UFC 129:  St-Pierre vs. Shields

Where:  Rogers Centre, Toronto, Ontario

When:  April 30, 2011 at 9:00 pm EST

TV:  Pay-Per-View

Jason Brilz -110 vs. Vladimir Matyushenko -120

Light Heavyweight 3 Rounds

Jason Brilz

Record:  18-3-1

Analysis:  Brilz hasn’t fought since last May.  That’s almost an entire year since Brilz stepped into the Octagon.  In that fight, at UFC 114, Jason Brilz was on the losing end of a split decision to Antonio Rogerio Nogueira.  Even though Brilz had 3 takedowns as opposed to Nogueira’s 1, Antonio Rogerio outstruck Brilz 23 to 18.  Apparently, the judges felt that 5 strikes was just enough for them to hand the victory over to Nogueira.  In any case, Brilz has a lot to fight for on Saturday night.  Brilz is only 41% successful with his strikes meaning that he’s most likely going to try and use his wrestling and submission skills to win this bout over Matyushenko.  With the light heavyweight division so incredibly deep at UFC, Brilz must win in order to keep his name in any big fight discussions.  Fight fans should expect Brilz to be very, very tough in this bout.  The UFC 129 online betting odds say as much.

Vladimir Matyushenko

Record:  25-5

Analysis:  Of course, the same, a win is a must, applies to Matyushenko on April 30.  Vladimir Matyushenko has a ton of experience, 30 fights will do that for you, and that experience is the reason that Vladimir is the -120 favorite over Brilz.  Matyushenko has also battled UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones before.  The fight took place at UFC Live last August.  Matyushenko didn’t last long against Bones suffering a big knockout in Round 1 after being out struck by Vladimir 15 to 0.  The tough Matyushenko did bounce back from the loss.  He dominated Alexandre Ferreira at UFC 122 by out striking Ferreira 19 to 6 and forcing two takedowns to Ferreira’s zero.  Matyushenko wants to remain a viable fighter at UFC.  He’ll need to beat Brilz in order to do that.  

UFC Betting Pick:  The online UFC 129 odds in this bout are as fair as they get.  Brilz is at -110 and Matyushenko is at -120.  Although the odds are close, my gut tells me that backing Vladimir Matyushenko is to the way to go in this fight.

Matyushenko isn’t that great at avoiding strikes, he only avoids 57% of strike attempts, but he is incredibly adept at avoiding takedown attempts.  Matyushenko avoids 70% of takedown attempts.  Brilz only avoids 25% of takedown attempts.  Becauase Vladimir’s biggest strength is his takedown ability, 63% of his skill breakdown is takedowns, I can’t possibly back Brilz in this bout.

The odds are close enough for me to write that backing Vladimir Matyushenko at -120 is a good wager.  Matyushenko’s skill set gives him an edge in this fight based on Brilz’s defensive deficiencies.  I have to back the chalk in this bout.  I’m going to take the more than fair UFC 129 online sportsbook odds in this fight and back Vladimir Matyushenko to beat Jason Brilz.

UFC 129 Odds Pick:  Vladimir Matyushenko 

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