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
