The UFC 103 fight card that takes place in Dallas on Saturday features one legendary UFC fighter, and one who was on his way before falling from the ranks. But don’t be so quick to go for the favorite, or you’ll miss an offshore sportsbook upset.

UFC 103 Betting – Saturday, September 19, 10:00 PM ET

Rich Franklin (25-4-0-1) vs Vitor Belfort (18-8)

Franklin is a -140 online betting favorite in his second straight fight at a 195-pound catchweight, as he defeated Wanderlei Silva in an entertaining bout at UFC 99. He’ll be facing Belfort, the former UFC light heavyweight champion who lost a split decision to Tito Ortiz at UFC 51 and then bounced around different companies, even making a foray into boxing. He also tested positive for steroids after losing to Dan Henderson at a Pride event, but he looked good in winning the Cage Rage light heavyweight title.

But Franklin won’t back down from Belfort, as he’s proven that he’ll go toe to toe with anyone in the Octagon, any time, any place. However, three of his four losses have come against fighters who practice Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, twice against Anderson Silva, and once to Lyoto Machida. In fact, his win against Wanderlei Silva was his first against a Brazilian, and Wanderlei didn’t even attempt to take Franklin down, he just wanted to stand up. Belfort is a much more versatile fighter than Wanderlei, and he’s one of the most explosive strikers out there on a good day. Franklin is very well-rounded, but he can be dominated in the Muay Thai clinch, as Anderson Silva demonstrated in his two fights against the American.

Betting services have Belfort as an underdog, but that shouldn’t bother him considering his past. He knows he has to work his way back up the ranks, and Franklin is a perfect fight for him. On a personal note, Belfort also had a sister who was kidnapped, so online betting players shouldn’t question his motivation: he’s been through a lot to get back to the UFC, and should be in line for an “upset” in your weekend sports picks.

NFL picks.

Before NFL betting returns for Week 2, we can watch a different breed of juggernauts slug it out on Saturday night at UFC 103. In the co-main event, Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovic looks to ascend the heavyweight ladder. Let’s make a pick for his bout with Junior Dos Santos.

Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovic

Record: 25-6-2

Notable victories: Josh Barnett, Wanderlei Silva, Mark Coleman

UFC 103 odds: +110

STRENGTHS: Mirko Cro Cop will forever be known as one of MMA’s deadliest strikers. The converted kickboxer has devastating knockout power, punctuated by his trademark head kicks. No matter whom he faces, he has a chance to score a knockout. His takedown defense is also among the best in the business.

WEAKNESSES: His first venture into the UFC wasn’t successful, as he struggled to adapt to fighting in a cage and wasn’t used to taking elbows on the ground, as they’re not allowed in Pride. His head-kick knockout loss to Gabriel Gonzaga was so bad that it may have weakened his chin permanently; that doesn’t bode well against the powerful Dos Santos.

Junior “Cigano” Dos Santos

Record: 8-1

Notable victories: Fabricio Werdum

UFC 103 odds: -140

STRENGTHS: Dos Santos is rapidly making a name for himself thanks to his devastating knockout ability. All eight of his wins are first-round finishes – six knockouts and two submissions. He’s a killer, as he showed when he dropped heavyweight contender Fabricio Werdum in just over a minute. If the match reaches the ground, he has the advantage thanks to his purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

WEAKNESSES: Being 10 years younger probably makes him the fitter, faster fighter, but Dos Santos lacks experience. He’s never faced a fighter anywhere close to the Cro Cop’s caliber, so it’s still too early to tell if he’s simply a flash in the pan.

Betting services recommendation

Go with Dos Santos at -140 in your sports picks.  Cro Cop hasn’t proven yet that he can recapture his former greatness and his chin is somewhat questionable at this stage of his career, so the aggressive, powerful Dos Santos could knock him out.

NFL picks.

The Mayeather vs Marquez odds could turn out to be the fight of the year. Online betting handicappers are looking at the odds and wondering whether there is any value betting on the big underdog, Juan Manuel Marquez.

Mayweather is a huge favorite in this fight, as high as -450 in many places, but a lot of boxing handicappers are wondering whether that is justified or whether that is simply a high price tag on a brand name.

Mayweather has been retired for nearly two years and hasn’t fought since he last beat Ricky Hatton. Clearly, when he did retire, Mayweather was listed among most people’s sports picks as the best boxer in the sport. He had the aforementioned Hatton victory in hand and also toppled Oscar De La Hoya.

But a lot has changed since then. Manny Pacquiao has emerged as a pretty good fighter in his own right and at this current point in time, Pacquiao is the pound-for-pound king of the sports and not Mayweather.

Mayweather is entering a fight where he doesn’t have a whole lot to win. Fighting the 36-year-old Juan Manuel Marquez, Mayweather doesn’t have much to gain.

Win the fight and he’s the same old Mayweather, who will still have to fight Pacquiao sometime soon to determine who is the best in the sport, or lose the fight and the questions begin as to whether Mayweather has passed his prime.

Marquez enters this fight with nothing to lose but everything to gain. He’s one of the best fighters in the world right now, even though he’s not the superstar that Mayweather is, he can reach stardom with a win.

A lot of people feel that Marquez won both of his decision losses to Pacquiao, which could really mean that Marquez is the better fighter of the two. And if Marquez were to win this fight against Mayweather, it would set up a Marquez-Pacquiao III, which is something that a lot of people are clamoring about.

Regardless, “Pretty Boy” Floyd has to prove that he’s still the best. There’s a lot of pressure on him to perform but he typically thrives under that pressure.

Even though you won’t find a sports betting blog to go against him, bet against Mayweather because there is value with Marquez. These fighters are much closer than the betting line indicates.

NFL picks.

The main bouts on the UFC 102 fight card are high-profile, especially Couture versus Nogueira, but this event is nice and deep, too. The other bouts on the main card are exciting too. Let’s make some picks.

Nate Marquardt (28-8-2) vs Demian Maia (10-0) – Middleweight

UFC 102 odds: Marquardt -180, Maia +150

Nate Marquardt wants a championship rematch against Anderson Silva and he’s certainly working hard to earn his way back. He’s looked dominant of late, brutalizing Martin Kampmann and Wilson Gouveia with his improved striking in his last two fights. His opponent will be tough; undefeated Demian Maia is perhaps the best Jiu-Jitsu fighter in the world. Maia, however, isn’t comfortable in the striking game; he doesn’t have knockout power and isn’t used to getting hit. The versatile Marquardt, who is also very capable on the ground, is a tough matchup for Maia. Bet on the favorite.

Betting services recommend: Marquardt -180

Brandon Vera (10-3) vs Krzysztof Soszynski (18-8-1) – Light heavyweight

UFC 102 odds: Vera -200, Soszynski +160

Brandon “The Truth” Vera is definitely the bigger name in this bout. He’s battled the likes of Keith Jardine and Frank Mir, the latter of whom he knocked out. His opponent, Krzysztof Soszynski, is an injury replacement for Matt Hamill, but you shouldn’t overlook him in your sports picks just for that reason. Vera is a deadly striker with brutal Muay Thai knees, yes, but he’s also known for poor conditioning and overconfidence. The hard-working Soszynski has won six straight fights and is very dangerous on the ground. He should outhustle Vera and win, likely by submission.

Betting services recommend: Soszynski +160

Chris Leben (18-5) vs Jake Rosholt (5-1) – Middleweight

UFC 102 odds: Leben -150, Rosholt +120

You can’t blame the books for making Chris Leben the favorite. He’s an experienced fighter, having faced Anderson Silva and Michael Bisping, and he has legit knockout power. However, most of the good fighters Leben faces beat him. He has trouble with long, rangy types who can box him (Bisping, Silva) or create leverage over him on the ground (Jason McDonald).

Jake Rosholt is 6’1” and fits the build of the types who beat Leben. If Rosholt can avoid Leben’s heavy hands, he should get the better of him, probably via ground-and-pound.

Betting services recommend: Rosholt +120

UFC 102 betting has a pair of intriguing fights headlining this card, which will be held in Portland, and this would be the event to bet on the underdogs.

UFC 102 Fight Card – Saturday, August 29, 10:00 PM ET

Randy Couture (16-9) vs Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira (31-5-1-1)

Neither of these legends have fought since 2008, when Nogueira lost the interim heavyweight belt to Frank Mir at UFC 91, while Couture had his heavyweight title taken from him by Brock Lesnar in the next event. This bout could signal the end of someone’s career as a main-event draw, and Couture is a -175 favorite in this contest. Despite his record, Nogueira is 13 years younger than Couture, and you would think that would give Nogueira an online betting edge. Another thing: Couture got manhandled by Lesnar, while Nogueira lost to Mir after being hospitalized with a staph infection. “Minotauro” is out to show that loss was a fluke. Make Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira your UFC 102 betting pick as a +145 underdog.

Thiago Silva (13-1) vs Keith Jardine (14-5-1)

Silva is well versed in the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai, but he lost to fellow Brazilian Lyoto Machida at UFC 94 in a light heavyweight title bout via knockout.  Jardine (the “Dean of Mean”) has dropped three of his last fights, and he seems to fare better as the sports betting software underdog, as wins over Chuck Liddell and Brandon Vera show. Jardine is a tough customer who doesn’t go down easily, but Silva is known as one of the most powerful fighters in the light heavyweight division: 10 of his 13 wins have come by knockout, including nine in the first round. Silva’s fights don’t last very long, and Jardine has a chance if he can stretch the fight out and test Silva’s stamina. Jardine comes into this fight as a -160 favorite, which is a strange position for him, and Silva will be very hungry to recover from an embarrassing loss to Machida. This fight shouldn’t make it to the third round. Put Thiago Silva in next week’s sports picks as a +130 underdog.

Attention, Layman UFC 102 fight card fans; The Jardine vs Silva fight is probably the bout for you. The other major fights on Saturday’s card – Couture/Nogueira, Maia Marquardt – could primarily take place on the ground. If you like striking, you’ll enjoy Keith Jardine battling Thiago Silva, as both guys like to stand. Let’s break down the big bout.

Keith Jardine (14-5-1) vs Thiago Silva (13-1)

UFC 102 odds: Jardine -155, Silva +125

STRIKING

Both guys consider themselves strikers first and ground guys second. Jardine’s game is all about timing; he confuses opponents with his bizarre stance and strikes when they don’t expect it. His leg and head kicks are also strong. The edge, however, goes to Silva, simply because he’s as good of a finisher as anyone in the division. Thanks to the raw power behind his Muay Thai knees and punches, eight of his last nine wins have come via first-round knockout. His strikes simply inflict more damage.

Edge: Silva

GROUND GAME

Neither guy spends a lot of time on the ground, so It’s difficult to give an advantage to either fighter. Jardine is the better defender but Silva’s Jiu-Jitsu likely gives him a small overall advantage. It’s practically a tossup, but I give a tiny edge to Silva.

Edge: Silva

DEFENSE

No contest here – Keith Jardine is better at dodging and avoiding big strikes, even if he does get caught once in a while. Silva’s wild, attacking style always makes his fights worth the price per head but also leaves him open to big shots, so he’s more likely to move the wrong way and eat a big punch or kick.

Edge: Jardine

INTANGBILES

The only really tough opponent Thiago Silva has faced is Lyoto Machida, and Machida knocked him out at the end of the first round. But Jardine’s recent opponents include Rampage Jackson, Wanderlei Silva, Chuck Liddell and Forrest Griffin, the latter two of which he beat to defy most sports picks. Silva won’t scare him. On the flip side, Silva has a lot to prove after losing to Machida and could be nervous.

Edge: Jardine

OUTLOOK

Jardine is a craftier, smarter, more experienced fighter but, unluckily for him, Silva is the one type of fighter he hasn’t figured out. Aggressive Muay Thai types who walk forward have overwhelmed him in the past – Wanderlei Silva and Houston Alexander both knocked him out in less than a minute. Since Silva fits that same style, he should give Jardine major trouble and possibly knock him out in the first round.

Pick: Silva +125

With respect to Tour de France betting, every real sports bettor’s mind is on MMA right now. UFC 100 is just days away and, while most of us have done our homework on title fights, what about the other main card events? Let’s make some picks.

Middleweight bout

Dan Henderson (24-7) vs Michael Bisping (18-1)

UFC fight card favorite: Henderson -300

Despite having just one loss in his career – a controversial split decision to Rashad Evans – Michael “the Count” Bisping is a major underdog against Dan Henderson. In a sense, it’s understandable; Henderson is a world-class fighter, having held the PRIDE championship and fought champions like Anderson Silva and Quinton “Rampage” Jackson in the UFC. He’s a former Olympic wrestler who dominates on the ground but can also knock opponents out with either hand if he needs to. “Hendo” also keeps himself in great shape and has a strong jaw.

However, Michael Bisping deserves more credit. He’s never really been hurt by anyone in his career and he has victories over solid fighters like Chris Leben and Matt Hamill, as well as the championship title for the Ultimate Fighter 3 as a light heavyweight. He hasn’t lost since dropping to 185 pounds and he can match Henderson’s cardio and chin from what we know. He’s also a better technical striker, so he can beat Henderson on points even if he can’t finish him. Bisping’s Jiu-Jitsu-based ground game is also underrated.

Hendo is a legit favorite but he’s overvalued at -300. Since the fight should be closer than some gambling software developers predict, you shouldn’t pass up Bisping’s nice +240 line.

Daily sports pick: Bisping +240

Welterweight bout

Jon Fitch (22-3) vs Paulo Thiago (11-0)

UFC fight card favorite: Fitch -400

Wowee. Does it say more about the undefeated Thiago or the undefeated Fitch that Fitch is a whopping -400 favorite? Really, it’s both. Fitch is quietly a fantastic fighter, simply overshadowed by Georges St-Pierre in his division. He’s a dominant wrestler with better-than-advertised striking and a granite chin.

Paulo Thiago somehow lands what is reportedly a No. 1 contender match despite fighting just once in the UFC. His win was impressive to an extent – a big knockout over Josh Koscheck – but he seemed a bit lucky, as he was losing the fight before landing a huge uppercut. While he could surprise the same way undefeated Demian Maia did upon entering the octagon, I’m not sold on Thiago. Fitch is a very tough test and should prevail.

Daily sports pick: Fitch -400

Angry about rain ruining the US Open odds? You can take our your frustration by watching heavyweights slug it out in the ring Saturday night when Wladimir Klitschko battles Ruslan Chagaev for the IBF, WBO, IBO and Ring Magazine heavyweight titles.

After his rematch with Nikolai Valuev was cancelled, Ruslan “White Tyson” Chagaev (25-0-1) arguably gets a bump up in competition in Klitschko (52-3). Is Chagaev ready? He’s a big boxing odds underdog, but he’s undefeated. He’s an exciting fighter, winning over judges with his flashiness and respectable punching power. The biggest thing may have going for him is determination – a deep desire to win that no sportsbook software could ever understand. Klitschko has dominated the division for years; is it possible that he’ll get complacent?

Chagaev has to hope so, as he doesn’t seem to have any advantage besides hunger. Klitschko has everything going for him – he’s big and obviously has as much power as he needs; he has deceptive mobility for his size; he’s a surgeon with his punches; and he’s simply a smart fighter overall, an underrated champion who picks apart his opponents.

Chagaev hangs his hat on his big win over Valuev, but who else of note has he beaten? While it’s impressive that Chagaev beat a man almost a foot taller than him, those tracking daily sports picks shouldn’t equate Valuev with Klitschko. Valuev is a powerful giant, but he’s slow as can be; you can see his punches coming a mile away.

Klitschko is more seasoned, more mobile and smarter. Chagaev may not be ready for this type of challenge, so it’s better to go with the tried and true Wladimir Klitschko’s boxing odds this weekend.

After some UFC betting on Saturday afternoon, fight fans can continue the action later that night, when Miguel Cotto tries to defend his WBO welterweight title against Josh Clottey in New York City. The crowd will be largely pro-Cotto, and the offshore sportsbook odds reflect this as Cotto is a massive favorite for those who bet on sports.

Boxing Betting – Saturday, June 13, 8:00 PM ET

Cotto (33-1) defeated Michael Jennings with a knockout in the fifth round back in February to win the WBO welterweight crown, and he looked eager to make up for his 11^th-round loss to Antonio Margarito back in July 2008, when he was knocked out for the first time in his professional career. However, that loss isn’t as bad as it seems, as Margarito may have been wearing an illegal plaster under his gloves. If this was the case, that Cotto stayed up for 11 rounds while taking some vicious shots is truly amazing.

Clottey (35-2-0-1) is no slouch himself, as he defeated Zab Judah for the IBF welterweight title last August. Clottey has also battled Margarito in the past, and while he lost in a 11^th-round knockout, he put himself on the welterweight map with his performance. Clottey is not a power puncher, as only 20 of his 35 wins have come by knockout, but he’s disciplined enough to stay away from Cotto’s punches.

Boxing odds have Cotto as a -360 favorite to defend his title, and it is also favored at -285 that the fight will go over 9.5 rounds. But that could be a problem. Clottey hasn’t fought since the Judah fight, and he could be a little rusty in the early going, which sets up perfectly for Cotto. Another reason that Cotto has such a big betting edge is that the fight is at Madison Square Garden, where Cotto is 4-0, and it’s the night before the Puerto Rican Day Parade in the “Big Apple”. Cotto is a Puerto Rican native, and each time he’s fought around this weekend, he’s won due to a massive Puerto Rican crowd getting behind him. This, coupled with Clottey’s rust, should make for a short fight.

Boxing betting pick: Miguel Cotto

Wanderlei Silva is a deserved UFC betting underdog for Saturday’s event, UFC 99, in Cologne, Germany, as the Brazilian has hit the worst patch of his career. He’ll take on Rich Franklin in the main event of this exciting prelude to next month’s UFC 100, while those who bet on sports will also see a pair of power-punching heavyweights go for the knockout blow.

Silva (32-9-0-1) has been knocked out in four of his last five outings, including a massive blow at the hands of “Rampage” Jackson at UFC 92. This could be the beginning of the end for Silva, who’s had a glittering MMA career and could be looking to go out with a bang. Franklin (24-4-0-1) is also aiming to prove that he isn’t done yet, and the split-decision loss to Dan Henderson at UFC 93 is leaving a sour taste in his mouth. This match will be fought at a catchweight of 195 pounds, but both of these fighters are known as 205-pounders, so there shouldn’t be that much of a difference in the action. Silva’s all-out style has earned him many fans worldwide, but as he gets older, he’s leaving himself open for knockout shots. Franklin still has some of his wits about him, and as the favorite at -140, he also has the backing of your offshore sportsbook.

Cain Velasquez (5-0) has knocked out all five of his opponents, only going longer the first round once, and he’ll be an UFC betting favorite at -200 against Cheick Kongo (14-4-1) in this heavyweight contest that probably won’t go the distance. Between the two, they have 13 knockouts and one submission victory, so it’s safe to say that they’ll be going for the home-run shot early in the fight. Kongo replaces Heath Herring, who beat Kongo by split decision at UFC 82, but is injured for this fight.

Mike Swick (13-2) is favored at -225 for his welterweight bout against Ben Saunders (7-0-2), who won a decision against Dan Berrera in the finale of the “Ultimate Fighter”, season six. Swick took the nickname “Quick” by knocking out Alex Schoenauer in 20 seconds in the first season of the show, and he is known for his aggressive ways. But Saunders is a disciplined fighter who combines knockout power with a solid ground game, where he has a distinct advantage. If this fight goes to the mat, there should be an UFC betting upset.