UFC 112 goes down tomorrow in Abu Dhabi and, while the main events are somewhat lopsided, MMA betting fans at least get to enjoy two title fights on the card. Let's make picks for each of the main events.
MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP: Anderson Silva (25-4) vs Demian Maia (12-1)
UFC odds: Silva -900, Maia +600
This fight isn't exactly a tempting sports betting proposition, as Maia has so little chance of winning that throwing down money on him would almost be like throwing your wallet into a bonfire. Anderson Silva is the most dominant champion in UFC history, never having lost a single fight since joining the promotion. His speed, accuracy of his strikes and ability to evade attacks make him the UFC's equivalent of Muhammad Ali.
Maia wasn't the first or second choice for this title shot. Vitor Belfort is hurt and Chael Sonnen – who would've been an interesting challenger – is too busy running for office in Oregon. Maia simply isn't ready for Anderson Silva. His Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is amazing, probably the best in the world, but he barely knows how to throw a punch at all. Silva's own ground game is good enough to thwart submission attempts from Maia and he should obliterate the challenger on his feet.
Free pick: Silva -900
UFC LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP: BJ Penn (15-5-1) vs Frankie Edgar (11-1)
UFC odds: Penn -700, Edgar +500
Frankie "The Answer" Edgar is a major underdog but, unlike Maia, he at least has a chance to make this fight interesting. Edgar is a very intelligent and well-rounded fighter; his wrestling base is strong, his BJJ is decent and he has really impressed in his last few bouts with crisp boxing.
Even though Edgar is legitimately good, however, he's just not in the same league as Penn. "The Prodigy" has been a monster since he dropped down to 155 pounds and decided to get in shape. Penn's boxing is just as good as or probably better than Edgar's and he has more power. His BJJ is also the best of any lightweight on the planet. It's also worth noting that Edgar may well be the smallest man in the entire lightweight division. Penn is on the other side – one of the biggest lightweights as a former welterweight (170 pounds) champ. Given Penn's experience, skill and size advantage, he should retain his title relatively easily.
Free pick: Penn -700
