EliteXC returns to network television a week after some of the best action we've seen this year. DREAM, Affliction: Banned, and UFC Fight Night 14 all provided some intense battles for the MMA fanbase to enjoy. Will EliteXC be able to overcome a fantastic weekend of MMA the week before to put some solid ratings up? It'll definitely take some luck as this card isn't providing the punch that they did in the past. Nonetheless, there are a few betting lines for the card on Saturday that should entice some of the gamblers in the community. Let's take a look.
Wilson Reis (-160) vs. Brian Caraway (+140)
This definitely isn't an underdog bet for me. Wilson Reis is an absolute monster when it comes to grappling or hitting the floor in general. He has a smaller, compact body, but makes up for it with tremendous strength and skill. He'll be a handful for anyone when this battle hits the floor. Caraway will also be looking to hit the ground, and at only -160, I think Reis is a solid bet. He's only favored slightly, and this could potentially be a big money bet that should pay out.
Cristiane “Cyborg” Santos (+165) vs. Shayna Baszler (-190)
I haven't seen a lot of footage on Santos, but I do know she has tremendous knockout power. She's also brutally tough to take down at times, but Baszler is a very good grappler. She has the tools to beat nearly anyone in the division with her grappling pedigree, and having Josh Barnett as your trainer can only help. Whatever you feel, a wager isn't a bad beat by any means. Santos has the knockout power to put Baszler down instantly, and the losses that Baszler has had over the years have normally been from powerful competitors with the punch.
Robbie Lawler (-230) vs. Scott Smith (+220)
I'm still convinced that Lawler will wait out Smith and catch him with a huge blow, but Smith's chin is the x-factor once again. Smith showed an amazing determination in his last bout with Lawler, and his chin was the surprise in that fight. If he can land a solid punch, he may be able to floor Lawler. I'd still wager some money on Lawler. If it goes to the floor, Lawler still has much better wrestling skills. Look for this to be a real barn burner of a fight though.
Stay away from...
Feijao is at -480 to -550, and he should steamroll Galbraith quickly. Antonio Silva is listing at about -550 to -600. The odds are much too large to wager any money and make a killing.
Potentially dangerous...
Nick Diaz has had some very lackluster matches lately. Can Thomas Denny actually submit Diaz? Doubtful, but Diaz isn't exactly invincible from being cut and defeated. I'd still stay away from this one. Jake Shields should have the wrestling and jiu-jitsu to defeat Nick Thompson, but Thompson is a very smart fighter. He'll come in with a great gameplan, and he definitely has a shot at winning. Ballsy enough to bet it? I'm not.