Bet UFC Online – UFC 91 Recap
Once again the UFC wagering community was treated to another spectacular night of sports betting action inside the Octagon, with the heavyweight main event pitting Brock Lesnar against five-time UFC champion Randy ”The Natural” Couture.
On March 3, 2007, at UFC 68, Couture entered the Octagon at 6′ 2″, 220 pounds and the +110 MMA betting underdog looking to reclaim his heavyweight title against a 6′ 8” and 268-pound Maine-iac named Tim Silva priced at -135. In the best fight of his career, the much undersized Couture scored a unanimous decision victory for his fifth championship.
In his first title defense on August 25, 2007, at UFC 74, the heavyweight champion again entered the Octagon undersized and the +115 online MMA wagering underdog versus the feared 6′ 1” and 242-pound Gabriel Gonzaga, who the wise guys in the UFC betting business were investing in at -135. But Couture made oddsmakers and the wise guys look foolish by breaking Gonzaga’s nose before posting a third-round technical knock out to retain his belt.
Following two wins over bigger fighters, proving to the MMA world size didn’t matter and he was the man to beat among heavyweights, Couture walked away from the world’s top MMA series in October of 2007 with belt in tow, because of contentious relations between himself and the organization. But in August, the champion and the organization worked out a deal to put Couture back in the cage to face Lesnar in the main event at UFC 91 in Sin City.
Not having fought in more then a year, Couture stepped into the Octagon Saturday night for the third straight fight as the undersized fighter and the online UFC betting underdog at -105, with the massive challenger priced at -125 in the BetUS UFC odds. Only this time, size mattered and the champion couldn’t successfully defend his belt as the underdog.
As the brash former WWE star made his way to the cage over the weekend, the crowd heavily booed the muscle bound Lesnar with thousands of one finger salutes and countless explicits, showing their dismay for a preformer known for his pre-staged signature move, the F-5, which called for him to spin massive opponents in the air before slamming them to the mat in the entertainment industry of pro wrestling. But to his credit, the 6′ 3” and 265 pounder’s incredible athletics, speed and otherworldly strength is far from fake, which would be solidified by night’s end.
When Couture walked to the Octagon and climbed in, fans at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas began chants of ‘Randy, Randy’ in support and show of appreciation of the 45-year old’s return to the sport. It was clear who those in attendance were rooting for in a bout that was being dubbed “the biggest fight in UFC history.” However, the huge energized crowd that was overwhelming in favor of Couture, was disappointed as the fearless smaller champion couldn’t defy odds of downing a larger opponent for the third consecutive fight.
The member of the UFC’s Hall of Fame came out of the gates swinging for the fences and scored with a quick right hand as Lesnar attempted a couple of knees before pressing the champion firmly against the cage, using every ounce of his 265-pound frame to do so. After a brief stalemate, the two separated and then Lesnar outmuscled Couture briefly against the fence again before he put him on his back, but the champ quickly reversed the position and the crowd exploded. Though, Lesnar quickly silenced thousands of Couture fans by regaining control, and it became apparent the challenger was trying to use his size and raw power to wear the champ down.
Couture landed a couple of quick punches to begin Round 2 that was countered by a Lesnar right bomb that clearly hurt the champion. The fight went to the fence, and as they separated both fighters scored with big blows. In the following exchange Couture landed a shot that put a cut over the right eye of Lesnar. Couture moved in after seeing blood but couldn’t do further damage, as they locked up against the fence again for what would be the final time. As they separated from the fence, Lesnar landed a hard right behind the champ’s ear that put him down and Lesnar wasted no time ending the fight, pouncing and connecting with a series of hammerfists to Couture’s head before referee Mario Yamasaki called a halt to the fight at 3:07 of the second round.
Ring rust played a part of Couture’s loss. At 45 years of age, staying in prime fighting condition is extremely difficult. Despite Couture training vigorously during his entire time off, real combat action can’t be simulated through training. Lesnar took advantage of his larger size and youthful power to become UFC’s new heavyweight champion. His critics argued he didn’t deserve a title shot with just three fights to his credit before he stepped into the cage, and after stepping out wearing the belt, the same critics will be crying foul even louder. But let’s not forget, the only other fighter in UFC history to win a championship in only his fourth fight was the same man UFC fans were rooting for on Saturday night, Couture. The new heavyweight champion improves to 3-1. Couture, who fell to 16-9, had no comments about his future in the Octagon.
If you bet on UFC action, you were treated to a co-feature bout between Kenny Florian and Joe ”Daddy” Stevenson (+145). Florian, winner of six in a row, beat Stevenson with a rear naked choke that forced a tap out at 4:03 of the first round. Florian’s victory, as the betting favorite priced at -185, should make him the No. 1 contender at BJ Penn’s lightweight belt. Florian is now 13-3 and Stevenson 34-9.
Dustin Hazelett displayed his brand new Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt in money-making fashion at -200, scoring a first round submission win over Tamdan McCrory (+160) in a welterweight bout. Hazelett locked up McCrory’s arm then cranked it until he tapped out at 3:59. 
Hazelett improves to 14-4 and McCrory drops to 11-2.
UFC 91’s biggest wagering favorite on the card with odds of -400 performed the way heavy chalk should, as heavyweight contender Gabriel Gonzaga welcomed UFC newcomer Josh Hendricks (+325) to the Octagon by shattering his jaw in just 61 seconds. Gonzaga improves to 10-3 with the victory; Hendricks drops to 18-5 with 1 no contest.
Priced at -240, middleweight contender Demian Maia improved to 10-0, as he took Nate Quarry (+190) to the ground, then forced the underdog to tap out at the 2:13 mark of Round 1 via a rear naked choke. Quarry falls to 16-3 with the loss and Maia stays perfect, while continuing to impress.
Remaining UFC 91 Results:
—Aaron Riley (Ev) wins by unanimous decision at 5:00 of Round 3 vs. Jorge Gurgel (-130).
—Jeremy Stephens (-140) wins by TKO at 0:39 of Round 3 vs. Rafael dos Anjos (+110).
—Mark Bocek (-120) wins by rear naked choke at 3:16 of Round 3 vs. Alvin Robinson (-110).
—Matt Brown (-210) wins by arm bar at 0:57 of Round 2 vs. Ryan Thomas (+165).
