Jackson vs. Hamill Free Pick
LAS VEGAS, NV (TheSpread) – The main event of UFC 130 on Saturday night is a light heavyweight contest bout between Quinton “Rampage” Jackson and Matt Hamill.
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Jackson enters UFC 130 as the clear favorite according to oddsmakers from online sportsbook Bodog.com as he has odds of -275 to win while Hamill has odds of +215. UFC 130 takes place from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada and will air live on Pay-Per-View at 9PM ET.
WHY PICK JACKSON
There are more than a few reasons to consider betting on Jackson (31-8) in this contest. The first is experience. Jackson is a former UFC champion and has been in the spotlight in many of his contests over the last decade. Jackson is used to the pressures that come from being in the main event, while Hamill is main eventing a pay per view for the first time. Jackson comes into the bout with better striking, as this is his primary tool. Jackson has one-punch knockout power in both of his hands and he is very strong and tough to get to the ground. His opponent, Hamill, is an improved striker, but will not be looking to get into a slugfest with Jackson.
WHY PICK HAMILL
Matt “The Hammer” Hamill (10-2) is on the rise in the light heavyweight division as he has won his last five contests and proved he is ready to take a step up in competition. A wrestler at heart, Hamill has been improving his striking thanks to his long reach. For this fight, his wrestling ability will be the key to a potential upset. He has the ability to get Jackson to the ground, but he has to be able to mix in some strikes to hide his takedown attempts. Jackson has struggled with grapplers in the past as he was beaten by Rashad Evans because of his inability to stuff the takedown. Jackson has also struggled to deal with opponents that mix in leg kicks, and that is something Hamill has been improving on in recent years.
WHO TO PICK?
I think Hamill is a tougher opponent than the oddsmakers would like to give him credit for, but I also expect him to have somewhat of an “awe” factor in this bout. I think he will show Jackson too much respect and leave himself open against “Rampage”, which will lead to a knockout for the former champion.
UFC 130 FREE PICK: QUINTON “RAMPAGE” JACKSON -275
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