LAS VEGAS -- Saturday night in Las Vegas, preceding McGregor vs. Aldo at UFC 194, undefeated middleweight champion Chris Weidman defends his title against top contender Luke Rockhold. Weidman is about 7-to-5 favorite (-140), with Rockhold getting 6-to-5 odds (+120) as the underdog.
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Weidman, 31, is in the prime of his career and seems to be getting better with each fight. Since defeating the great Anderson Silva for the title in July 2013, Weidman (13-0) has successfully defended the title three time: in a rematch against Silva in December 2013 that ended with Silva breaking his leg on a kick checked by Weidman; an easy win in July 2014 over always-tough Lyoto Machida; and a first-round KO over legendary striker Vitor Belfort this past May. Weidman's superior wrestling and improved stand-up game have made him a tough challenge for any opponent.
Since losing to Belfort in May 2013 on a first-round KO via a spinning heel kick, Rockhold (14-2) has been on quite a roll himself. He’s earned four-straight wins with none of those opponent getting past the second round. His most recent win, in April of this year, was probably his best, as he dominated Machida before finishing him in the second round.
Saturday night’s bout could come down to which fighter can impose his will on the other, as both fighters love to come forward and press the pace. Rockhold maybe the better striker of the two, but Weidman has the clear edge should this turn into a grappling match, thanks to his superior wrestling and ground game.
Pick: The lean here is to the underdog Rockhold, as his quickness and overall striking game will be able to neutralize Weidman's take downs and wrestling. Take Luke Rockhold as a small dog to become the new middleweight champion Saturday night.
Hugh Citron is the first oddsmaker to post lines on MMA fights in Las Vegas. He contributes to The Linemakers on Sporting News for key UFC events.
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