UFC 138 Preview and Picks
UFC 138 comes our way this weekend and despite the lack of obvious star power, there are some fights with some serious implications on the card. The winners of Leben/Munoz and Pickett/Barao could be in line for title shots in their divisions.
UFC 138: Leben vs. Munoz
Date/Time: Saturday, November 5, 2011, 9pm ET/PT
Location: LG Arena, Birmingham, England
Broadcast: Spike TV
Main Card
Chris Leben (22-7-0): +200
Mark Munoz (11-2-0): -240
What’s most surprising about this fight is the betting line! Munoz is a rather heavy favorite against a very tough and very game Chris Leben. It’s true that Munoz is a stud wrestler and it is a fact that he does have knockout power. But Chris Leben is one tough dude! Leben KOd Wanderlei Silva in 27 seconds, he has had KO of the Night 3 times in the UFC, he is decent on the ground and most of all he has the heart of a lion.
Mark Munoz is a nice fighter but he has never faced anyone like Leben in the past. Munoz won’t be able to hurt Leben or bully him around. Leben takes this one in Leben style!
Pick: You guessed it – Chris Leben +200
Brad Pickett (20-5-0): +110
Renan Barao (26-1-0): -130
In what is most likely a #1 Contender Match, Brad Pickett will look to end Renan Barao’s 25 fight win streak – that’s right – Barao hasn’t lost since his first fight in 2005! Brad Pickett will ride the crowd to victory in this one. His experience against top level competition will suit him well. An incredible streak comes to an end in Birmingham.
Pick: Brad Pickett +110
Thiago Alves (15-6-0): -335
Papy Abedi (8-0-0): +280
Thiago Alves is action again having quickly slipped off the radar in the Welterweight division. He welcomes highly touted Judo Black Belt Papy Abedi to the UFC. This fight is easy to call – Alves is still near the elite class of Welterweight having lost to GSP, Jon Fitch and Rick Story in his last four fights. Abedi has never faced anyone close to the caliber of Alves.
Pick: Thiago Alves -335
Terry Etim (14-3-0): -550
Edward Faaloloto (2-2-0): +445
Home Town Terry Etim takes on Hawaiian tough guy Edward Faaloloto. The only thing that the Hawaiian wins is a vowels contest!
Pick: Terry Etim -550
Anthony Perosh (11-6-0): +300
Cyrille Diabate (17-7-1): -400
French Kick Boxer Cyrille Diabate does battle with Australian Jiu-jitsu Black Belt Anthony Perosh – a fight that has been moved up to the main card on Saturday’s broadcast. Diabate is an absolute top notch striker – Perosh is one of the very few that has been KOd by Mirco Cro Cop in the last four years. Diabate by Knockout is a good bet! [ad-3573245]
Pick: Cyrille Diabate -400
Preliminary Card
Michihiro Omigawa (10-10-1): -340
Jason Young (8-4-0): +260
Michihiro Omigawa will be fighting for his UFC life on Saturday – a flimsy record has many wondering why he’s still employed with the UFC. In his last fight he lost to Darren Ekins in a fight that everyone on the world thought he won. His last chance comes against British slugger who brings some serious power. It’s obvious to me – Omigawa is not that good!
Pick: Jason Young +260
Justin Edwards (7-1-0): -120
John Maguire (16-3-0): +100
The Ultimate Fighter 13 alum Justin Edwards tries to avenge a loss in his last fight when he takes on British submission specialist John Maguire. I like Edwards and his higher level of competition to be the difference in this one. Edwards is tough and he needs the win.
Pick: Justin Edwards -120
Chris Cariaso (10-3-0): -175
Vaughan Lee (11-6-1): +155
Two fighters that are notoriously up and down in their careers meet to make a name for themselves this weekend. Chris Cariaso brings a lot of experience in very good organizations while the British striker brings Maguire brings a three fight win streak. Take the experience in this one – Cariasco will get it done!
Pick: Chris Cariaso -175
Chris Cope (5-1-0): +175
Che Mills (13-4-0): -205
The Ultimate Fighter 13 alum Chris Cope welcomes Che Mills to the Octagon. Cope is the classic middle of the road fighter – Mills has won four straight fights and can beat you up with Muay Thai and jiu-jitsu. Mills is too well rounded for Cope in this one.
Pick: Che Mills -205
Rob Broughton (15-5-1): +125
Phil De Fries (7-0-0): -145
In an All-English affair, two sluggers look to kick off the show in style! Rob Broughton has been up and down in his career but has enjoyed some success in decent organizations. Phil De Fries is undefeated but has done so against some lesser competition. Broughton is far more experienced and far too tough to be denied in front of the British crowd. It could be fun – Broughton wins!
Pick: Rob Broughton +125
