After a few “down†months in UFC betting, the excitement cranks up over the next few months. The next big card is this Saturday’s UFC 97 odds, during which a title will be on the line for the first time since early February. In this post we will break down all the important sportsbook matchups in the event.
First, all of the particulars for UFC 97 Redemption:
UFC 97 Redemption Preview, Date, Time, Location, Tickets
- UFC 97 Date: April 18, 2009
- UFC 97 Time: 10:00 pm ET / 7:00 pm PT
- UFC 97 TV / viewing information: PPV Live | UFC 97 Viewing Info
- UFC 97 Location: Centre Bell, Canada
- UFC 97 Official Website: UFC 97 Redemption
- UFC 97 Lineup: UFC 97 Redemption Fight Card
- Official UFC 97 description: UFC® middleweight champion Anderson “The Spider†Silva returns to the Octagonâ„¢ on Saturday, April 18th to defend his crown against number one contender Thales Leites in the main event of UFC® 97. The pound for pound king has already defended his title more times than anyone in UFC middleweight history and will battle Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt Leites – winner of five in a row.
- UFC Tickets at StubHub: Buy and Sell Tickets to all UFC Events
- UFC 97 Tickets at StubHub: Buy and Sell UFC 97 Redemption Tickets
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UFC 97 Redemption Matchups, Odds, and Predictions
ANDERSON SILVA (23-4) VS THALES LEITES (14-1) – For UFC Middleweight Championship
Silva odds: -500
Leites odds: +350
The Silva vs Leites line is one of the most lopsided for a title fight in recent memory, and with good reason. Anderson “The Spider†Silva has been positively untouchable since winning the middleweight title off Rich Franklin, defending four times and finishing each fight before it could go to a decision. Some sports betting fans were perplexed by Silva’s last fight against Patrick Cote, during which he danced around the ring without really going on the offensive before Cote succumbed to a knee injury.
MMA betting fans should give Silva a mulligan on the Cote fight; his Muay Thai skills remain devastating and
he ground game is very solid, which is important considering that challenger Thales Leites excels in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Silva will have to be careful on the ground, but this fight still won’t be close; Leites hasn’t beaten anyone of consequence in his UF C betting career, unless you count a split-decision victory over Nate Marquardt in which Marquardt was deducted two points for illegal blows.
Online betting pick: Silva -500
CHUCK LIDDELL (21-6) VS MAURICIO RUA (17-3)
Liddell odds: -175
Rua odds: +145
It may be do or die for both fighters in the Liddell vs Rua odds. Liddell is 39 and has lost three of his last four fights; among those defeats were brutal knockouts at the hands of “Rampage†Jackson and Rashad Evans. The Iceman has had a phenomenal career in MMA betting, but he’s nearing the end of the road. Could one more loss push him into retirement?
“Shogun†Rua is just 27 but he’s on the bubble too. Though immensely talented, he was out of shape and sluggish in his last fight, during which he eked out a final-round knockout over 44-year-old Mark Coleman. Dana White is questioning Rua’s dedication to the sport and there are whispers that Rua will be handed his walking papers if he doesn’t show up for this one.
According to some MMA betting pundits, Rua has rededicated himself and trained hard for this fight, which is horrible news for Liddell. Chuck has lost a step and he’ll be in over his head against an in-shape Rua, whose vicious strike combinations should overwhelm him. Bet on Rua, who offers nice value as a sportsbook “underdog†here.
Online betting pick: Rua +145
CHEICK KONGO (23-4-1) VS ANTONI HARDONK (8-4)
Kongo odds: -300
Hardonk odds: +240
This battle of gargantuan kickboxers should be a barn burner. Kongo’s UFC betting career sagged for a year or two, but the powerful Frenchman is back in a big way. He’s the more experienced fighter and, if he can avoid Hardonk’s deadly leg kicks and get close, should take him down and ground-and-pound Hardonk into oblivion. Go with the seasoned Kongo.
Online betting pick: Kongo -300
OTHER FIGHTS TO BET ON IN THE UFC 97 ODDS
Nate Quarry and Jason McDonald are two evenly matched, athletic fighters with strong ground skills, but Quarry is the more versatile fighter. Look for him to stay standing and try and knock out McDonald. David Loiseau and his trademark elbows return to UFC betting after a three-year absence; he should succeed in his return with a win over Ed Herman.
