The UFC returns to FOX tonight with a fight card headlined by a light heavyweight bout featuring former UFC champion Rashad Evans and the undefeated Phil Davis. The co-main event will include a middleweight matchup between two of the division’s top competitors, Chael Sonnen and Michael Bisping, as well as a third middleweight contest pitting Demian Maia against Chris Weidman.
Rashad Evans (-175) vs. Phil Davis (+145): In the main event, UFC veteran Rashad Evans will take on the young up-and-comer Phil Davis. The fight marks a huge step forward in competition for Davis, and will be his first true test inside the octagon against one of the division’s elite. However, Davis’ wrestling may be his only advantage against Evans, also an accomplished wrestler, and after witnessing multiple “Mr. Wonderful” takedowns get stuffed in his last bout, it’s unclear whether his wrestling will be strong enough to make a difference. If Evans can keep the fight standing, he will be able to outpoint Davis on the feet – Evans by decision.
Chael Sonnen (-455) vs. Michael Bisping (+355): In the co-main event, Michael Bisping will square off against Chael Sonnen in what will likely prove to be a brutal matchup for the British striker. Although Bisping does at least own a small chance of winning, Sonnen’s ability to take the fight to the ground and keep it there will likely be more than he can handle. Expect Sonnen to utilize his superior wrestling to set the stage for three rounds of ground-and-pound against Bisping, as he has demonstrated his capacity for in many of his recent fights. Although many people have argued that jiu-jitsu is Sonnen’s weakness, after being submitted by division champ Anderson Silva in the closing moments of their title fight, it should be safe to assume a large part of his camp has been dedicated to training submission defense – Sonnen by decision.
Demian Maia (+135) vs. Chris Weidman (-165): The third fight on the main card will include a short-notice matchup for Chris Weidman, who agreed to fight Demian Maia on less than two week’s notice. The bout is essentially a no-lose situation for Weidman: a win would be great, and would keep his unbeaten streak afloat, while a loss against Maia on such short notice wouldn’t hurt too bad all things considered. Although Maia is a top level jiu-jitsu practitioner, Weidman possesses a strong wrestling game and trains heavily in jiu-jitsu—something Maia may have trouble with. However, Weidman has had little time to prepare for the fight, and will likely find Maia’s BJJ too much for his wrestling to overcome – Maia by decision.
Full UFC on FOX 2 Final Odds:
Rashad Evans (-175) favorite over Phil Davis (+145)
Chael Sonnen (-455) favorite over Michael Bisping (+355)
Chris Weidman (-165) favorite over Demian Maia (+135)
Evan Dunham (-345) favorite over Nick Lentz (+275)
Mike Russow (-165) favorite over Jon Olav Einemo (+135)
Cub Swanson (-135) favorite over George Roop (+105)
Charles Oliveira (-500) favorite over Eric Wisely (+350)
Shane Roller (-220) favorite over Michael Johnson (+180)
Joey Beltran (-215) favorite over Lavar Johnson (+175)
Chris Camozzi (-185) favorite over Dustin Jacoby (+155)
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