UFC 122

Marquardt vs. Okami

Date: November 13, 2010

Location: Oberhausen, Germany

Venue: Konig Pilsener Arena

Broadcast: Spike TV (tape-delay)

Nate Marquardt (33-9-2): -220
Yushin Okami (26-5-0): +175

This fight will likely determine the next in line for the Middleweight Title. Okami’s original challenger in this was Vitor Belfort who has stepped up to take on Anderson Silva without the tune-up. Both of these fighters bring a strong stand up game to the Octagon and both men have recently lost to Chael Sonnen.

Marquart is extremely well rounded – he has superb technical striking and also has a Black Belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Okami is a powerful puncher who has adapted his judo background to a successful run in MMA. Marquart probably holds the edge in this fight anywhere it goes but something tells me that his “join ‘em if you can’t beat ‘em” move to train with Sonnen will pay off in this fight. I’ll take the upset!

UFC Betting Pick: Yushin Okami +175

Jorge Rivera (18-7): -120
Alessio Sakara (19-7): -110

A likely stand up battle precedes the main event on Saturday with TUF 4 veteran meeting Italian veteran Alessio Sakara against Jorge Rivera. Both of these fighters have struck themselves to a three fight win streak and will be looking to further their place in the 185 pound division. The winner of this fight will likely be in line for a shot at the belt in the not too distant future.

Jorge Rivera has definitely impressed lately during his streak and he has developed quite an intense stand up game. His size and varied attack will be too much for the former professional boxer Sakara in this one. It should be a great battle with the American taking an exciting decision.

UFC Betting Pick: Jorge Rivera -120

Dennis Siver (16-7): -140
Andre Winner (12-4-1): +110

In a Lightweight battle, TUF veteran Andre Winner will look to get back in the win column against German-born and well rounded fighter, Dennis Siver. While Winner is a tall, lanky, effective striker, he will be hard pressed to overcome the jiu-jitsu talents and the superior striking abilities of the home town boy.

UFC Betting Pick: Dennis Siver -140

Amir Sadollah (4-2): -300
Peter Sobotta (8-3): +220

TUF 7 winner and UFC up and comer Amir Sadollah will try to avenge a disappointing loss to Dong Hyun Kim when he takes on German Peter Sobotta who is also coming off a loss inside the Octagon.

Sadollah has taken steps to dramatically improve his all around game and the loss to Kim will have acted as a wakeup call for Sadollah. Sobotta has good stand up and is has shown good judo in the past but Sadollah’s skills and desire will be too much in this fight.

UFC Betting Pick: Amir Sadollah -300

Krzysztof Soszynski (20-11-1): -115
Goran Reljic (8-2): -115

Krzysztof Soszynski will fight someone other than Stephan Bonnar! This time he takes on Croatian Goran Reljic who has underwhelmed since joining the UFC. Reljic, despite his Brazilian jiu-jitsu Brown Belt has lost two straight fights. Soszynski is a rugged fighter but has a propensity to leave himself open to submissions and strikes. That should be enough for the well rounded Reljic to prevail.

UFC Betting Pick: Goran Reljic -115

Kyle Noke (17-4-1): -240
Rob Kimmons (23-5): +190

Similar styles clash as part of the undercard of UFC 122 when TUF 11 alum Kyle Noke takes on Rob Kimmons. Noke has been the better fighter as of late, winning three of his last four fights. Noke probably holds the stand up edge and a slight edge on the ground. Because of that, this pick is easy.

UFC Betting Pick: Kyle Noke -240

Vladimir Matyushenko (24-5): -300
Alexandre Ferreira (18-6): +220

Rugged former Light Heavyweight contender Vladimir Matyushenko and IFL Light Heavyweight Champion is in action, this time as part of an undercard at UFC 122. UFC newcomer Alexandre Ferreira, another MMA veteran provides the opposition. Ferreira is no slouch - he has a very good ground game in is currently on a seven fight win streak. Matyushenko should be motivated go get back on the Light heavyweight landscape again – a loss would almost mean certain UFC doom.

UFC Betting Pick: Vladimir Matyushenko -300

Pascal Krauss (9-0): -220
Mark Scanlon (7-0): +175

UFC virgins with undefeated records will try to show the UFC brass that they belong with the Big Boys on Saturday night. Both are submission specialist and both would love this fight to hit the mat. I’ll take the stronger wrestler in this contest – the key is knowing how and when to get this fight to the ground.

UFC Betting Pick: Mark Scanlon +175

Duane Ludwig (27-11): +200
Nick Osipczak (5-3): -260

MMA veteran Duane Ludwig takes on Nick Osipczak in a “loser gets cut” match. Osipczak showed great promise on TUF but has been unable to put it all together inside the Octagon. Ludwig is battle tested – he has fought and won against such UFC veterans as Jens Pulver and Jonathan Goulet. I’ll take the experience in this one.

UFC Betting Pick: Duane Ludwig +200

Seth Petruzelli (14-6): -115
Karlos Vemola (8-1): -115

Karlos Vemola was an undefeated prospect before losing his UFC debut to the smothering wrestling of Jon Madsen. Seth Petruzelli is a slick stand up fighter who uses clean combinations and good footwork to keep his competition off balance. Petruzelli should be able to keep his distance in this fight and outpoint Vemola with his quality punches and kicks.

UFC Betting Pick: Seth Petruzelli -115

Kris McCray (6-1): -110
Carlos Eduardo Rocha: (8-0): -120

Kris McCray represented himself well on TUF 11, finishing in second place. He takes on UFC newcomer Carlos Rocha– a slick Brazilian jiu-jitsu ace. McCray should be able to control the match through his strong wrestling and take down game, on the way to an easy decision victory.

UFC Betting Pick: Kris McCray -110