Anderson Silva is a heavy favourite to repeat his 2010 victory over Chael Sonnen July 7 in Las Vegas, while UFC 148 betting also sees Forrest Griffin aim to dismantle Tito Ortiz in the octagon in the third fight between the two veteran fighters.
UFC 148 Betting – Anderson Silva vs. Chael Sonnen
Pinnacle Sports lists Anderson Silva as nearly a 3 to 1 favourite to win the headline fight at UFC 148 over Chael Sonnen (+262 odds) in what will be a bad-tempered fight.
Silva has stated his relish at the opportunity to fight Sonnen: “What I’m going to do inside the Octagon is something that’s going to change the image of the sport. I’m going to make sure every one of his teeth are broken, his arms are broken, his legs are broken.”
“He’s not going to be able to walk out of the Octagon by himself. I can guarantee that.” The outburst came after Sonnen launched a verbal attack on the champion, targeting his native Brazil in the process.
The bookmakers predict that The Spider will earn an unprecedented 11th consecutive title defense and repeat his 2010 victory over Sonnen, despite the beating he took the last time the two fighters entered the octagon.
Sonnen may have left that match without a title (courtesy of a triangle armbar from the champ), but he certainly left an impression on Silva – broken rips meant the 6-foot-2 striker was out of contention for a year after their bout.
Since that defeat, however, it’s been downhill for the southpaw wrestler. Accusations of performance-enhancing drugs, along with run-ins with the law outside of MMA, mean that Chael has had issues outside the cage. Despite the distractions, he won his last two fights, going three rounds with Michael Bisping.
Silva has successfully defended his title twice since his last bout with Sonnen, and the ex-boxer will hope to increase his knock-out tally to 19 on July 7th. That said, Sonnen got 289 strikes on Silva the last time the two met – more than he received in his previous 11 matches.
UFC 148 Betting – Forrest Griffin vs. Tito Ortiz
Pinnacle Sports UFC 148 betting odds see Forrest Griffin (-305) and Tito Ortiz (+269) go toe-to-toe for the third time, with the previous honours split between the two.
Ortiz was victorious when they first met in 2006, leaving judges with a tough decision (split) and fans with the Fight of the Year. Griffin struck back three years later, forcing another split decision as his striking overcame Ortiz’s takedown abilities.
The two now meet after some of their worst form as professional fighters. Ortiz has lost a massive six of his last eight fights (although one of those was a Fight of the Night against the talented Rashad Evans), while Griffin has failed in three of his last five attempts.
In what will be Ortiz’ last fight as a professional fighter, Griffin has nothing but respect for the veteran: “You forget that there were two or three years where he was untouchable. Most people in the sport now don’t even remember that. I was fighting for three or four-hundred bucks when Tito was champion of the world.”
“”He’s not what he used to be, but he’s still putting on good fights with the best guys in the world… We’re 1 and 1 and we’ve had good fights. There are definitely some things that will be tough to deal with.
He’s a tough guy to fight. He’s still got a good overhand right, and a nice shovel hook. He throws good punches and good knees. He’s got a good Thai clinch.”
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