It may only be potential matchup at this point, but oddsmakers are ready to start taking real money.
With multiple reports that UFC 130 may host a rematch between former UFC light heavyweight champions Rashad Evans and Quinton "Rampage" Jackson, oddsmakers aren't waiting for an official announcement to start the wagering action.
Noted MMA oddsmaker and frequent MMAjunkie.com Radio guest Joey Oddessa today confirmed the initial line with MMAjunkie.com. Evans opens as a -185 favorite while Jackson is a +155 underdog.
The opening number lies in stark contrast to the wagering line for the pair's original 2010 meeting, when Jackson remained the favorite from the opening line until the opening bell.
The -185 line means oddsmakers are giving Evans an approximate 65 percent change of winning. "Rampage" is an approximate 40 percent favorite. (Due to the nature of sports wagering, the two figures don't add up to an even 100 percent.)
Dear Dana White, I know you (and/or your staff) are reading this so PLEASE scrap this fight and pair these two against different opponents. I'd much rather see them fight guys like Cane, Diabate, Brilz, Bader, Griffin (yes, this rematch I'd prefer), Franklin, Little Nog, Vera, etc. PLEASE reconsider. Your Loyal Fan, Kostakio
Even a near half-decade after the fact. Pride's old-ass fighters can still compete against modern prospects. UFC's old-ass fighters? Well, just look up their recent fights.
Rampage, that man was always a real fighter. Now, regardless of the level of professionalism that the Yakuza may have shown Mr. Jackson in the long run, Pride always did demonstrate an excellent system of scouting new talent, to such a degree that I lament the fact that the organization never formally disclosed the system and men they used to select their field of newcomers.
The Pride system of fighter development, while oftentimes seeming barbaric and overly competitive, most definitely is the superior of even today's protectionist TUF star-building nonsense.
JustMasturBaderedToJones - Dear Dana White, I know you (and/or your staff) are reading this so PLEASE scrap this fight and pair these two against different opponents. I'd much rather see them fight guys like Cane, Diabate, Brilz, Bader, Griffin (yes, this rematch I'd prefer), Franklin, Little Nog, Vera, etc. PLEASE reconsider. Your Loyal Fan, Kostakio
JustMasturBaderedToJones - Dear Dana White, I know you (and/or your staff) are reading this so PLEASE scrap this fight and pair these two against different opponents. I'd much rather see them fight guys like Cane, Diabate, Brilz, Bader, Griffin (yes, this rematch I'd prefer), Franklin, Little Nog, Vera, etc. PLEASE reconsider. Your Loyal Fan, Kostakio <img border="0" style="vertical-align: middle;" alt="Phone Post" src="/images/phone/post_tag.png" />
I really hope Rampage connects like he in the 3rd round of the last fight, except in the 1st or 2nd. I'd also love to see Rampage set up a takedown with punches, or at least threaten takedowns. He showed good top control against Henderson, so I think he could do something with a takedown. I really doubt Rashad could KO him, especially since he'll be content to lay on top of him.
has history and drama....no interest in Forrest Griffin and the whole nice guy touch gloves 10x routine ala 'Pat Barry buddy approach' in the octagon.. I wanna see two diff kinda fighters go at it....guys that wanna FIGHT and win....not hug or be buddies...