UFC Odds -- UFC 98 Picks

It seems like MMA betting fans haven't been treated to a good UFC card in months, but this Saturday's UFC 98 odds start a string of star-studded events that should make for an exciting summer. Let's break down the main events for the UFC 98 odds.

Rashad Evans (18-0-1) vs Lyoto Machida (14-0) -- For UFC Light Heavyweight Championship
UFC odds: Evans +160, Machida -200

It's not often that MMA betting fans see the challenger heavily favored at the sportsbook to take down the champ, but Lyoto "the Dragon" Machida is that good. He's been untouchable in his UFC betting career—not just in that he's undefeated, but also because he's literally untouchable, allowing fewer successful strikes than any fighter in the sport. Considering that Evans is also a defensive fighter and lacks major striking prowess, he'll have a tough time hitting Machida. The Dragon's upright stance, based in Karate, helps him keep his chin far away from opponents and sets him up for vicious counterstrikes. Evans' best chance to improve his UFC odds is to take Machida to the ground. While Machida's Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is solid, Evans is as big and strong as anyone in his division and could use his great wrestling ability to dictate the pace of the fight. Unfortunately for Rashad, though, getting close enough to Machida to bring him down is a tall order. Bet on the Machida to win a fight that should go the distance.

Online bet: Machida -200

Matt Hughes (43-7) vs Matt Serra (16-5)
UFC odds: Hughes -300, Serra +240

After more than year's delay due to injuries suffered in training, Matt Serra is finally ready to battle his nemesis Matt Hughes. The two developed a hatred for each other while coaching The Ultimate Fighter 6 and are ready to settle the score. Both men have seen their UFC odds and pride crumble in recent contests—Serra after Georges St-Pierre pummeled him in their rematch and Hughes after both St-Pierre and Thiago Alves busted him up badly. The UFC odds for this welterweight grudge match favor Hughes, and for good reason. The man many still call the best ever in his weight class dominates through good size and wrestling, whereas Serra is a relatively small welterweight and, as GSP proved, can be dominated on the ground by bigger men. Expect Hughes to close out his illustrious career with a decisive win in the UFC 98 odds.

Online bet: Hughes -300