UFC 99 odds - Franklin, Silva out to prove they're still contenders
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RICH FRANKLIN -140
WANDERELEI SILVA +110
CHEICK KONGO -170
CAIN VELASQUEZ +140
MARCUS DAVIS -220
DAN HARDY +180
MIKE SWICK -225
BEN SAUNDERS +185
Online sports betting followers can relax now. With a vicious knockout of Rashad Evans at UFC 98, Lyoto Machida erased the bad taste UFC 97 left in fight fans’ mouths. The win kicked off what should be an amazing summer for UFC odds at the sportsbook. UFC 99 may not have a title fight, but it features several great matchups.
UFC 99 odds: Franklin has time for redemption, but Wanderlei’s prime is over
- WHO: Rich "Ace" Franklin vs Wanderlei "the Axe Murderer" Silva; Cheick Kongo vs Cain Velasquez
- WHAT: UFC 99 betting
- WHEN: Saturday, June 13 at 3:00 p.m. ET
- WHERE: Lanxess Arena in Cologne, Germany
- PICKS: Franklin, Kongo
Franklin vs Silva odds
If you’re relatively new to betting on UFC odds at your sportsbook online, you probably don’t think much of Rich Franklin (26-4), as your most recent memories of him would include two embarrassing defeats to Anderson Silva and a hard-luck decision loss to Dan Henderson. The truth, though, is that Franklin has just one other loss – to light heavyweight champ Lyoto Machida – besides those three, and he has been a dominant fighter throughout his career. After TKOing the late Evan Tanner to win the middleweight belt at UFC 53, Franklin had two impressive title defenses before his loss to Silva. A superb striker with an underrated ground game, particularly on the defensive end, Franklin is one of the sport’s most likeable and exciting fighters.
He has a tough task in this catchweight (195 pounds) fight against Wanderlei Silva (32-9-1). The Brazilian has a storied MMA career, having beaten the likes of Rampage Jackson and Dan Henderson. He loves to stand up and has made a name for himself with his aggressiveness. However, Wanderlei is an extremely “old” 32 years of age, having turned pro in his late teens, and he really seems to be losing a step. Though he faces nothing but the best Dana White can throw at him these days, his UFC odds have tumbled as he’s lost four of his last five fights. He’s slower, gets caught with big shots more often and isn’t the same fighter without his soccer kicks, which he used in Pride but are illegal in UFC.
JACK’S PICK: Silva is still a scary presence and has the ability to finish fights with one punch, but Franklin is the more complete fighter and has less mileage on his body. Bet on Rich Franklin to win what should be a slugfest.
Kongo vs Velasquez odds
The “next big thing” in the heavyweight division, Cain Velazquez (5-0) excites fight fans with his knockout kickboxing power and strong collegiate wrestling background. He was set to face Heath Herring in the UFC 99 odds but Herring pulled out due to injury. That’s bad news for Velasquez, as he may now be biting off more than he can chew at this early stage of his career.
Cheick Kongo (24-4-1) is rumored to be just one win away from earning a title shot against the winner of the Mir/Lesnar fight. The massive French kickboxer is a load to bring down or knock out and has caught fire over his last several fights, obliterating Mostapha Al Turk and Antoni Hardonk with a vicious ground-and pound game.
JACK’S PICK: Velasquez will be something special in the UFC, but he’s overrated at the moment. He’s facing Kongo far too soon and should be in over his head. Bet on Kongo to grind out a victory in what should be a brutal battle featuring impressive ground attacks for both men.
OTHER UFC 99 ODDS
Marcus Davis (21-5) vs Dan Hardy (21-6-1): Great matchmaking by the UFC here. Davis and Hardy are both boxers first and mixed martial artists second, so this matchup should bring fans to their feet. Davis is the favorite and his UFC 99 odds look solid here; he’s a much more complete fighter, capable of submitting opponents on the ground if he has to, and has faced tougher competition. Hardy is a great character in the octagon but Davis will outclass him here. Bet on Marcus Davis.
Mike Swick (13-2) vs Ben Saunders (7-0-2): “Quick” Mike Swick won over UFC betting fans early in his career by dropping opponents repeatedly in first-round knockouts, and his name value makes him a pretty big favorite over Saunders. Yet Swick hasn’t been finishing fights now that he’s fighting tougher opponents. Saunders is a unique fighter, practicing Bruce Lee’s Jeet Kune Do and combining various mixed martial arts disciplines. He’ll surprise Swick by getting close and bludgeoning him with knees. Bet on Saunders to upset Swick.
For sports betting lines and more UFC odds analysis, visit the Betting Edge at BetOnline.com.
Jack “ the Hammer” Howard is new to the MMA handicapping game, but his roots in the sport run deep. He enjoyed a brief amateur career in mixed martial arts and also has some boxing experience under his belt, making him an authority on the subject. Thoughts or questions? Email Comments@BetOnline.com.
