We’re hours away from UFC 136, featuring the 3rd fight between lightweight champion Frankie Edgar and undefeated Gray Maynard. Here’s a look at the betting lines:
Odds from BetUS Sportsbook. Accurate as of 0740 October 8, 2011
Frankie Edgar (-115) vs Gray Maynard (-115)
Pick: Edgar
Who can predict this one? Maynard arguably won a 10-7 round in the last fight, only to end up with a split draw. Edgar’s volume striking should allow him to hold on to the title, provided he doesn’t get clipped again.
Jose Aldo (-400) vs Kenny Florian (+300)
Pick: Aldo
A tough line pick here, but Aldo should win this fight. Aldo is faster and has the edge in striking and the ground game. Florian needs to use wrestling to win here, which is not his strong point.
Chael Sonnen (-280) vs Brian Stann (+210)
Pick: Sonnen
Sonnen still has world-class wrestling. Sonnen might have a hole in his game (submission defence), but Stann is not a ground artist.
Nam Phan (-240) vs Leonard Garcia (+190)
Pick: Garcia
Garcia via Hypnotoad
Melvin Guillard (-450) vs Joe Lauzon (+325)
Pick: Guillard
Guillard is finally showcasing the potential people have talked about for a long time. He has put in dominant performances against some strong competition, and J-Lau has little chance on the feet.
Anthony Pettis (-280) vs Jeremy Stephens (+210)
Pick: Stephens
Pettis gets his best results when he goads people into fighting the same style as he does. Stephens has power standing up, good escapes on the ground, and is also as young as Pettis but more experienced. Stephens also has a solid chin.
Demian Maia (-300) vs Jorge Santiago (+220)
Pick: Maia
As long as Maia doesn’t feel the need to showcase how his standup has improved, he should win this through control.
Stipe Miocic (-220) vs Joey Beltran (+175)
Pick: Beltran
Miocic has some impressive stats so far, but hasn’t fought in the UFC yet. Beltran is a tough dude who doesn’t back away and should be stylistically equal.
Zhang Tie Quan (-150) vs Darren Elkins (+120)
Pick: Elkins
Elkins was the beneficiary of a gift decision, but Zhang isn’t as good as the fighters Elkins has fought.
Aaron Simpson (-400) vs Eric Schafer (+300)
Pick: Simpson
Simpson wins the standup. If it goes to the ground, Schafer doesn’t have the jiujitsu to counter bigger/stronger opponents.
Steve Cantwell (-160) vs Mike Massenzio (+130)
Pick: Massenzio
This is really a tossup between 2 guys 1-3 in the UFC who are fighting for their jobs.
