Maybe why you pay for this service, This was free on BetTalk. (At least the Roberts fight was close..) No offense intended to BetTalk guys, I enjoy there stuff, I think I'd rather bet Alf's selections though.
I am going to restart my MMA record at this event after having my computer crash and losing all my data.
5dimes will be have live betting in-between rounds for the first time in this event so that should be interesting though I dont know what value it really will add. I will try to have plays during the event if I see some value.
Daniel Roberts +115 over Claude Patrick
Both of these fighters have very very good submission skills but the difference here is Roberts was an NAIA national wrestling champion. This wrestling ability should allow him to control position which if he doesnt finish Patrick will allow him to win the rounds on his way to a decision.
Charlie Valencia +160 over Ivan Menjivar
Menjivar was a stud back in the days when the lightweights were not on tv and now that he has his chance he may be a little to worn down to make anything happen. Valencia is a tough fighter with well rounded skills whos only losses are to champions or former champions. I think Valencias wrestling and strength should be enough for him to wear down Menjivar and stop him in the third.
Kyle Watson +160 over John Makdessi
Makdessi showed very good striking in his UFC debut but he is now going against a fighter with lots of experience and really solid wrestling and submissions. Makdessi will try to keep his distance and use his quick strikes and leg kicks while Watson will close the distance and work the clinch to get Makdessi down. If Watson can do this without taking to much damage he should be able to win rounds and work for a submission on the mat.
Jason Brilz -105 over Vladimir Matyushenko
Both guys are really strong wrestlers and the money seems to be coming in on Matyushenko which I dont understand because he is extremely old and even in the fights he wins he cant finish except for his last fight in which Ferreira gassed 30 seconds into the fight. Brilz will not gas and as he showed against Nogueira he continues to work for 3 rounds. Brilz will have the speed and quickness advantage and I think he may look to keep this fight on the feet where he can exploit those advantages. If the fight goes to the ground I still think Brilz has the ability to handle Matyushenko as his wrestling skills are very solid as well.
Mark Bocek +100 over Ben Henderson
Henderson is tough, flashy and has great wrestling but Bocek has everything Henderson does without the long hair and flashy antics. Bocek has great submissions and a really solid positional ground game. I am not that impressed with Henderson's stand up skills and so though Bocek is not very good on his feet I dont think he will blown out of the water by Henderson which should allow him to get this fight to the ground which in the end is where Henderson wants it to. Also Henderson had trouble making weight so we will see what that means as it is never a good sign for a fighter.