UFC 103\u2019s main event is somewhat of a transitional fight between two guys who have plenty of years left to contend but have to figure out where to do it. Rich Franklin fights at 195 pounds for the second straight time after moving up to light heavyweight for two bouts before that. Thanks to his great cardio, submission defense and knockout power, he could contend for the title at 205 pounds. However, it almost seems like he\u2019s waiting to find out where Anderson Silva goes, as the Spider has two vicious knockout wins over Franklin.<\/p>\n
Vitor Belfort returns to the Octagon after four years out of the UFC. The former light heavyweight champion hasn\u2019t lost his bigtime punching power and has tangled with some true greats in his career, including Randy Couture, Chuck Liddell and Tito Ortiz. He\u2019s also looked dominant since dropping a weight class.<\/p>\n
In the end, Franklin is the safer pick. He\u2019s an elite fighter \u2013 his only losses are to Silva, Lyoto Machida and Dan Henderson, and the Henderson loss was a questionable decision \u2013 so you should trust him. Belfort is dangerous but hasn\u2019t faced high-caliber competition in years; he could be rusty.<\/p>\n
Betting software recommends: Franklin -155<\/p>\n
Heavyweight bout: Mirko \u201cCro Cop\u201d Filipovic (25-6-2) vs Junior Dos Santos (8-1)<\/p>\n
UFC 103 betting lines: Cro Cop +110, Dos Santos -140 <\/strong><\/p>\n Two big knockout machines collide in the co-main event and, if you can\u2019t pick a winner, you could simply bet on someone getting knocked out in your sports picks<\/a>. Mirko Cro Crop is one of the greatest strikers MMA as ever seen, known for his devastating head kicks. He\u2019s on the downside of his career, never quite the same since Gabriel Gonzaga gave him a taste of his own medicine via headkick knockout, but he\u2019s still a deadly finisher.<\/p>\n Junior Dos Santos is an up-and-comer, 10 years Cro Co\u2019s junior. He\u2019s skilled in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu but power punching his is game; six of his eight wins are KOs. He has a penchant for finishing fights very quickly; in fact, he\u2019s never fought into the second round in his MMA career.<\/p>\n As much as fight fans want to see Cro Cop return to glory, it\u2019s unlikely; he\u2019s slower and his chin is weaker than it used to be. He\u2019ll be Dos Santos\u2019 toughest test to date but he may get knocked out if he isn\u2019t careful. Pick Dos Santos.<\/p>\n