Saturday's UFC 102 fight card is being lauded as one of the deepest cards in a while, so let's take a look at the top three fights that will take place in
UFC 102 Odds - Saturday, August 29,
Randy Couture (16-9) vs Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira (31-5-1-1)
Couture is a -165 favorite in this heavyweight encounter between two legendary fighters, and both have something to prove as they come off losses. A win is essential, as these two former champions are jockeying for a spot in line to challenge Brock Lesnar, who beat Couture at UFC 91. Both are solid boxers, so it'll be a fight between Couture's wrestling and Nogueira's Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay
Thiago Silva (13-1) vs Keith Jardine (14-5)
Jardine is favored at -155 by betting services, but he's lost three of his last five fights, and his two wins came via split decision. He's also facing a hungry Silva, who was knocked out by light-heavyweight champion Lyoto Machida. Thiago's hero is Wanderlei Silva, who knocked out Jardine in 38 seconds, and you can bet that Thiago has asked Wanderlei for tips. Look for Silva's viciously Muay Thai knees to be the deciding factor. Go with Thiago Silva for another upset win.
Nate Marquardt (
Marquardt is a -165 favorite in this contest that should play out on the mat. Marquardt is a submission specialist with a background in boxing, and he is currently the No.3 middleweight in the world. However, he'll have his hands full with Maia, who has yet to lose and some people are calling him the best Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu artist on the planet. In four of his last five fights, he's been awarded the "Submission of the Night". Marquardt has lost two of his last three against Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu fighters, and Maia may be a betetr fighter than Thales Leites, who Marquardt lost to at UFC 85. Take Demian Maia in Saturday's sports picks.
