It’s been nearly 6 years since Japan’s hosted
a premier MMA event. Can Frankie Edgar vs. Ben Henderson revive the enthusiasm
that once filled the Saitama Super Arena? Check out the early UFC betting odds for UFC 144.
**UFC 144 Results**
UFC 144: Lightweight
Championship Makes a Return to Japan.
The fans who have been calling for the return of JMMA will
finally be getting their first premier MMA event since Pride folded in 2006 -- headlined
by Frankie Edgars making his 4th title defense against former WEC
champion Ben Henderson in UFC 144.
Frankie Edgar may not be the most popular UFC champion but
his indomitable resilience is arguably unmatched by any of today’s title
holders. To come back not once, but twice against Gray Maynard will unquestionably
be remembered as two of the greatest UFC comebacks in the history of the sport.
His opponent, Ben Henderson, presents an entirely different
test from Edgar’s previous opponents. If you could create a fighter capable of
dethroning the champion, Ben Henderson would be it. He not only posses the
conditioning to keep up with Edgars pace,
but his size and persistent wrestling are
two things that Edgar has yet to come into contact with. Unlike Gray Maynard,
many are expecting Henderson to be a lot more offensive with his wrestling,
whether that be against the cage or on the mat.
The UFC betting lines for this match-up has remained fairly
stagnant since opening. If anything, there’s been a slight push in favor of the
challenger. Pinnacle’s UFC odds have been as low as -112 and as high as -130.
Currently they are offering the champion at -120.
Good luck trying to pick a winner in this fight, as I think the
line is pretty much spot on. Edgar’s speed and defensive wrestling will be full
tested for the entire 5 rounds. I don’t think either guy finishes the other so
expect a fast paced, tightly contested 5-round battle. Don’t be surprised at
all if this ends in a somewhat controversial split decision.
Co-Main Events:
Jackson vs. Bader & Pettis vs. Lauzon
Rampage Jackson had to do some serious campaigning before
Dana White finally agreed to let him on this card. To JMMA fan’s, his fight with Ryan Bader may be
viewed as the true main event of the evening. The pure nostalgia of seeing
Rampage fighting back in Japan is arguably the biggest selling point on the
card.
I genuinely fear for Bader’s well-being in this match-up. The
only option is to try and outwrestle Rampage to a decision. He should be forced into an early boxing match
that see’s him sprawled out within the first 2 rounds.
Anthony Pettis vs. Lauzon was specifically put together with
the fans in mind. Make no mistake; this match-up carries some of the highest
anticipation on the card.
From a UFC picks perspective, this fight can be approached
with a fairly basic strategy. Lauzon’s bullish pace usually fizzes out after
the first round, making the prop option on Lauzon winning in round one the best option for Lauzon backers. If he can’t submit Anthony in the first round
then the odds drastically shift in Pettis’ favor.
This fight is probably a good
candidate for Bookmaker’s live betting option. If Lauzon has a really strong
first round but fails to finish, I think we could see a lot of value in Pettis
as the fight heads into the final 2 rounds.
UFC 144 Fight Card
Main card
Preliminary Card
Check out our UFC 144 Betting Parlay