UFC on FX 8 Arena Jaragua, Jaragua Do Sul, Brazil Saturday, May 18, 2013 Middleweight bout: Luke Rockhold (-125) vs. Vitor Belfort (+105) Fight Breakdown: A five-round middleweight bout between Luke Rockhold and Vitor Belfort headlines the UFC on FX 8 card. Rockhold enters the fight as a -125 betting favorite (bet $125 to win $100), while the comeback on Belfort is +105 (bet $100 to win $105) at Several Bookmakers. Rockhold (10-1) was the last Strikeforce middleweight champion and he’s one of the best 185-pound prospects the UFC has seen in a very long time. The 28-year-old American is currently riding a nine-fight win streak with victories over top fighters such as Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza and Tim Kennedy and, with a win over Belfort, he could be next in line for a title shot. But Rockhold has never fought anyone with the power in their hands that Belfort possesses and although Rockhold is the betting favorite in this fight, I don’t think that should be the case. Rockhold can win this fight if he uses his leg kicks to keep range and get the takedowns when he needs to, but, in my mind, he should be the underdog here against Belfort, who has looked incredible in his last few fights. Belfort (22-10) is a legend of mixed martial arts and seems to have found the fountain of youth in his last few fights, where he has looked impressive in knocking out Michael Bisping with a head kick and nearly finishing Jon Jones with an armbar. The 36-year-old is allowed to use TRT and he’s looked like he’s 20 years old again since he’s started taking it which is a scary thing for anyone he fights in the Octagon. Belfort is one of the most devastating strikers to ever step into the cage and with the hometown crowd behind him rooting him on, I don’t think this night is going to end well for Rockhold. Fight Prediction: If Rockhold makes it out of the first two rounds he definitely has a chance but I don’t think the fight is going to last that long. I see Belfort landing one of his signature flurries very early in the fight and finishing off Rockhold via strikes for a brutal KO finish on his resume and one that will move him one step closer to a rematch with UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva. Adam’s Pick: Belfort via KO (click for latest MMA odds) Adam’s Recommended Play: This is a very competitive fight but I honestly do think TRT-Belfort is going to get the knockout win. And since he’s currently at plus money, I absolutely have to recommend a play on him. I know a lot of people out there like Rockhold and I can see why, but for myself Belfort is going to be my biggest play of the night because I think he should be the favorite and therefore I see a lot of value in him as a dog and I can’t pass on it.
