UFC 106 doesn't give sports betting fans a title fight to wager on but it does offer some very even matchups that make for fun yet difficult choices. For the welterweight clash between Josh Koscheck and Anthony "Rumble" Johnson in particular, bettors are almost split down the middle. Here's a preview and pick to help you with your decision.
Josh Koscheck (13-4) vs Anthony Johnson (8-2)
Sportsbook odds: Koscheck -105, Johnson -125
Josh Koscheck and Anthony Johnson probably have a few guys in their way before they can top the welterweight contender ladder—Dan Hardy, Jon Fitch and Thiago Alves—but they're fearsome up-and-comers in the division. Both guys can be classified as next-generation mixed martial artists in that they're athletes who absorb new skills like sponges.
Koscheck in particular has improved dramatically over the last few years. He was always a phenomenal wrestler and remains arguably a top-five wrestler in the entire UFC for any weight class. He's become more dangerous over the years, however, by improving his kickboxing and developing some serious punching power. A well-rounded Koscheck has a better chance to contend for a title than he did a few years ago but his new skills sometimes hurt him too. He too frequently abandons his real strength—his wrestling—in favor of "showing" off his newfound striking ability. That cost him his fights with Thiago Alves and Paulo Thiago. It's the equivalent to a good rushing team in NFL betting getting caught up in a passing shootout.
Anthony Johnson is likely crossing his fingers hoping that Koscheck wants to stand and trade with him. The reason: Johnson is an absolute killer. He's 6'2" and reportedly walks around as heavy as 220 pounds when he's not training, so the fact that he's fighting at 170 pounds is almost unfair. He's an imposing physical presence with devastating knockout power. He doesn't pound out TKOs with flurries—he can floor an opponent with a single punch or head kick. On the feet, Johnson has an advantage. On the ground, he does have a wrestling background but he's largely untested in the UFC. Online betting fans have to think Koscheck has the advantage on the canvas, though Johnson at the very least will be hard to hold down.
Sports picks choice: Johnson -125. Koscheck can absolutely win this fight if he plays it smart and goes for the takedown, but he's fallen in love with the striking game too much. The longer he stays standing with Johnson, the more likely he is to have his head taken off. Pick Johnson but understand that this fight could really go either way.
