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Posted 11/13/2008 at 10:11 PM
In these tough economic times, it's nice to know that somethings in life are free. Since VegasInsider.com offers selections on everything except the Ultimate Fighting Championship, I'm releasing my plays for free. The UFC is a great sport to make money, and if you review my UFC 90: Silva vs. Cote picks you'll see what I'm talking about. I went 4-0 for a +875 that included a decided +550 underdog.
Here are my selections for UFC 91: Couture vs. Lesnar at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
RANDY COUTURE +120
Everytime you doubt Randy 'The Natural' Couture, he wins. Couture was coming off retirement and moving up a weight division to beat Tim Sylvia at UFC 68, and was also supposed to lose to Gabriel Gonzaga last August. Experience will play a major factor in this match, with 'The Natural' fighting 15 times in title bouts during his 18-fight UFC career.
Brock Lesnar is a genetic freak, but is not a complete fighter. There is no mixed martial arts to his game, his plan is to take opponents down and win via ground and pound. Couture is the more well-rounded fighter and should dictate the style of fight. I expect Couture to keep the fight standing, but he mentioned to me during an interview last week that he plans on putting Lesnar on his back. Expect the veteran to control the pace and win via unanimous decision.
KENNY FLORIAN -173
I'm expecting a ground war here, especially since Joe 'Daddy' Steveson just picked up his Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt. UFC President Dana White has stated that the winner of this fight will get the next shot at the lightweight title currently held by BJ Penn. Kenny Florian will have the reach advantage, and I believe the edge on the ground with his mix of jiu-jitsu and elbows. Stevenson lost the Penn in part due to a vicious cut, and I expect a similar scenario in this matchup. Florian by third-round TKO.
DEMIAN MAIA -150
This fight is a stylistic matchup, pitting a striker against a jiu-jitsu fighter. Nate Quarry has the advantage standing up, while Demian Maia should control the fight once it goes to the ground. Maia has won all three of his UFC fights by submission, beating the tough Jason MacDonald at UFC 87 with a rear naked choke. Expect a close fight until it goes to the ground where Maia will control the action and win with a second-round triangle choke.
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