Bisping vs. Rivera Prediction
SYDNEY, Australia (TheSpread) – The co-main event of Saturday’s UFC 127 is a middleweight clash between Michael Bisping and Jorge Rivera. Here is a look at my pick for this contest.
Bisping enters the fight as the clear favorite according to oddsmakers from online sportsbook Sportsbook.com with betting odds of -325 while Rivera comes in with odds of +250. UFC 127 takes place from Acer Arena and will air live on Pay-Per-View at 10PM ET.
WHY PICK BISPING
Bisping (20-3) is one of the top middleweights in the world. He shows a good mixture of striking and has a respectable ground game. He is also very light on his feet and elusive when it comes to getting hit. He has a lot of big-fight experience on Rivera and has been motivated by the excessive amounts of trash-talking that Rivera has done coming into the fight. Bisping is also nearing a title shot if he wins a few more fights, so this is a fight he must win.
WHY PICK RIVERA
Rivera (19-7) is in the midst of one of his best runs as a pro, winning three straight fights to get this co-main event opportunity. He is a strong fighter with a powerful set of hands that will look to overwhelm Bisping with his striking. Rivera has the power edge on his side, as he can knock someone out with one punch. He also appears to have gotten in Bisping’s head with his trash talk, so he may be able to capitalize on an emotional opponent that isn’t fighting with his head.
WHO TO PICK?
Though both are strikers, I expect Bisping to mix things up and use some of his wrestling skills to get Rivera on his back, where he is not comfortable. Bisping isn’t great on the ground, but he is better than Rivera. I expect Bisping to fight angry, but fight smart, and earn a TKO finish in the second round.
UFC 127 FREE PICK: MICHAEL BISPING -325
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