By Louis D’Andrilli, Special to GT
'Lights Out' Toney vs. Randy Couture among featured matches
The UFC makes its long awaited debut in the "unofficial capitol of New England" with UFC 118 this Saturday. In late 2009 Boston finally started sanctioning MMA, allowing the UFC to make plans for 2010. The wait for Boston is now over.
With certainly one of the biggest cards of the year, and easily one of the most hyped fights of the year, Boston will get the live UFC event it has been craving. Boxing legend James "Lights Out" Toney crosses over to MMA to see what boxing has to offer in the sport of mixed martial arts. He faces fan favorite and UFC hall of famer Randy Couture. Both are on the wrong side of 40, but reports have both in the best shape of their lives.
Couture opened around -500 and has since been bet to around -700. The bettors don’t feel that Toney can avoid Couture’s take downs and submissions with just his boxing. The fact that the most hyped fight of the year isn’t even the main event means the card is stacked.
BJ Penn is looking to avenge his controversial decision loss against Frankie Edgar that cost him the lightweight title. You can find BJ Penn around the -310 mark, way down from the -700 he was in April when they fought.
The winner of that title fight will be fighting the winner of the Kenny Florian (-155) versus Gray Maynard fight … a very intriguing fight stylistically. A strong wrestler against a great muay thai striker with excellent jiu jitsu.
Predictions:
BJ Penn vs. Frankie Edgar: I really like BJ Penn to bounce back in this match-up. He is a much better all around fighter, and won’t be surprised by anything Edgar has to offer in this match-up now. At -310 BJ Penn is certainly worth a look, but I will be playing the round props that the Venetian offers. BJ Penn to win in the first round at +800, and BJ Penn to win in the second round at +600. I don’t see this fight making it that far this time around.
James Toney vs. Randy Coutur: I don’t feel this fight is worth a bet unless you are including Couture in a parlay. The money line of -700 is a lot of juice to lay in a sport with 4-oz. gloves, especially considering former world champion boxer Toney is going to be wearing them. A lucky punch is all it takes with the tiny gloves, so unless you have a parlay, I’d leave this one out.
Kenny Florian vs. Gray Maynard: I think this is a great match-up. Florian continues to improve every fight, and Gray Maynard still has yet to lose a professional fight. Florian has displayed an excellent takedown defense, and should have a large advantage if this fight stays standing. At -155 I really like a play on Kenny Florian.
Demian Maia vs. Mario Mirand: Demian Maia via submission
Nate Diaz vs. Marcus Davi: Nate Diaz via T/KO
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