UFC returns to Sydney this weekend with another diverse and exciting event headlined by Penn-Fitch.
Penn against Fitch headlines UFC 127 in Sydney
UFC returns to Sydney this weekend with another diverse and exciting event headlined by BJ Penn and in-form Jon Fitch.
BJ Penn vs. Jon Fitch
This main event sees Jon Fitch coming off the back of a five-fight win streak which includes victories over the likes of Thiago Alves and Paulo Thiago.
Despite the criticism aimed at the welterweight contender for his "lay and pray" approach to controlling fights, you cannot argue with his 13-1 record in the UFC with his only loss coming at the hands of pound-for-pound king George St-Pierre (GSP).
If Fitch, the 4/7 favourite in Sky Bet's UFC betting odds, manages to beat BJ Penn he will be in line to face the winner of GSP vs Jake Shields for the welterweight title.
However, a motivated BJ Penn is a dangerous BJ Penn and I would by no means count the Hawaiian out here, despite many saying that Fitch will be too big and strong for the former lightweight champion.
Former two-time world champion Penn goes in to his second fight since his recent jump to welterweight on the back of an incredible performance which seen him KO Hall of Famer Matt Hughes in a mere 21 seconds at UFC 123.
If Penn comes into this fight with the same intensity and look of determination in his eyes he showed against Hughes, then in my opinion he is well worth a bet at 5/4 with
Sky Bet.
Also, if you fancy Penn to repeat his heroics and win in round one then a price of 8/1 is also available with the online bookmaker, or to win in under 21 seconds at 50/1.
Sky Bet Tip:
BJ Penn to win in rounds 1-3 at 4/1
Michael Bisping vs. Jorge Rivera
With Jorge Rivera calling out Brit Michael Bisping, and the strong comments that followed from the American, this is all but guaranteed to be a highly combative all-out war.
We all know that "The Count" isn't usually one for shirking a verbal battle; however, this seems to be the rare occasion where he has said little and vowed to do his talking in the infamous octagon.
It is this new approach which may explain him being the strong favourite in this fight with a price of 1/4 available with
Sky Bet.
However, if you think Rivera can back up his controversial words and beat Bisping you can get a huge price of 11/4. I believe we will see a focused Bisping in Sydney and his intensity along with his accurate striking will prove too much for "El Conquistador", and I envisage the Mancunian winning this one in rounds 1-3.
However, Rivera is blessed with big power in his right hand and history tells us Bisping struggles against this, so do not totally count out the American entirely.
Sky Bet Tip:
Bisping to by KO/TKO at 13/8
George Sotiropoulos vs. Dennis Siver
Sotiropoulos vs Siver should be an intriguing match up.
Siver, a predominantly stand up fighter will want to keep this on the feet and stand with the Aussie. However, Sotiropoulos will be eager to use his impressive grappling to get this to the ground where he can take advantage of his much superior Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) whilst also avoiding the Germans renowned spinning back kick.
Nevertheless, Siver is no stranger to the ground game, with himself having a decent level of BJJ winning three of his 10 fights in the UFC by submission, including his latest win over Brit Andre Winner.
Sotiropoulos is the strong favourite in his home country and this is recognised in the odds which see him as a 2/7 favourite with
Sky Bet.
Sky Bet Tip:
Dennis Siver to win at 5/2
Ross Pearson vs. Spencer Fisher
This fight is on the preliminary card in the UK providing the opportunity for us Brits to follow one of our most talented young fighters in Ross Pearson.
TUF 9 winner Pearson is coming off the back of a loss to Cole Miller in which he injured himself in the fight before getting submitted in the second round.
You have to think that if Pearson had won that fight it would be him who would be taking on Sotiropoulos on the main card as he has a win over Siver.
Whilst Fisher is undoubtedly the more experienced fighter in the UFC, Pearson rightly goes in to this bout as the 4/9 favourite.
I firmly expect Pearson to return to winning ways in this fight as I feel his crisp striking and phenomenal work rate will overwhelm the American. Also, Fisher has a recent loss by the aforementioned Dennis Siver who Pearson was able to comfortably out strike and scuff any take down attempts against.
Sky Bet Tip:
Pearson to win in rounds 1-3 at 6/5
Enhanced Multiple Tip: Both Pearson & Bisping to win by KO/TKO at 12/1 with Sky Bet, available at http://www.skybet.com/betting/mma-ufc/c10000061.html
