It seems like it has been forever since we had a UFC event on pay-per-view, but this Saturday (Sept. 22), that will change with UFC 152. UFC 152 features the UFC light heavyweight title fight between Jon Jones and Vitor Belfort, as well as the UFC flyweight title fight between Joseph Benavidez and Demetrious Johnson. Where do the odds stand for the event that is just a little more than 24 hours away?
UFC Light Heavyweight Title: Jon Jones -800 vs. Vitor Belfort +550
Four weeks after the cancellation of UFC 151, Jones is still answering questions about his role in the move. Whether that has hurt his preparation at all is unlikely, but with Belfort proclaiming that he is preparing for a five-minute fight, Jones needs to be ready.
Jones is 16-1 in his career and has won seven straight since dropping a disqualification ruling to Matt Hamill in 2009. He is one of the most exciting fighters in the sport and has beaten so many elite fighters to get to where he is today. Ryan Bader, Mauricio Rua, Quinton Jackson, Lyoto Machida and Rashad Evans have all been dominated by "Bones."
Belfort has won two straight since losing to Anderson Silva in February 2011, but only got this title shot after Machida turned down the invite following the Dan Henderson injury. Belfort is a former champion in two UFC divisions and could take down Jones, but my money won't be on him.
UFC Flyweight Title: Joseph Benavidez -270 vs. Demetrious Johnson +230
Benavidez could be fazed by not having fought since March when he earned his spot in the finals of this mini-tournament, while Johnson fought in June to earn his spot. Benavidez is coming into the fight riding a four-fight winning streak, while Johnson is 1-1-1 in his past three fights. I can see Johnson getting the win here, but my money is on Benavidez.
Michael Bisping -170 vs. Brian Stann +155
The 22-4 Bisping and 12-4 Stann could be the fight of the night. Bisping hasn't fought since losing a decision to Chael Sonnen in January, but had won his previous four fights. He could be in line for a title shot if he wins convincingly, but Stann won't make that easy. After losing to Sonnen, Stann bounced back by knocking out Alessio Sakara with a first round knockout. I think Bisping gets the win, but the All-American will be a tough fight.
Source:
Sherdog.com
For a look at the best fights for some of the most popular fighters in the UFC and 2011 division recaps, go here.
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Hobson Lopes has been a fan of mixed martial arts since the days of Tank Abbott and can be followed on Twitter @HobsonLopes.
