It was reported today by MMAjunkie.com that a heavyweight matchup between Alistair Overeem and Travis Browne will be the co-main event for the upcoming UFC on FOX Sports 1 1 card, which takes place August 17 at TD Bank Garden in Boston, MA. This is a huge fight both literally and figuratively for both men, as both recently lost to Antonio “Bigfoot” Silva in upsets and both still have title aspirations. Expect Overeem to open up at nearly -300 because the public is still hyped up about this guy despite the fact he has a suspect chin. As for Browne, at anything over +200 I would recommend a big bet on him. Actually, I’d recommend a bet on him at any sort of plus money because I think he has a very good chance for the KO win here. Expect the betting line for this fight to be released in the coming weeks. Nelson vs. Miocic Confirmed For UFC 161 The UFC added a heavyweight bout to the upcoming UFC 161 main card with the addition of Roy Nelson vs. Stipe Miocic. Miocic had been scheduled to take on Soa Palelei in “The Hulk’s” return to the UFC but Palelei has been taken off the card and replaced by Nelson as the UFC wanted to add a little more star power to a card that was falling apart after the injury to UFC interim bantamweight champion Renan Barao and the subsequent scratch of his fight against Eddie Wineland. The Nelson vs. Miocic match is a really bad matchup for Miocic but kudos to him for taking the fight against one of the best heavyweights in the world. Everyone is going to be parlaying Nelson so expect him to open up around -300. That may seem steep for a heavyweight fight, but consider Miocic was knocked out by Stefan Struve in his last fight and Nelson is one of the most devastating punchers in the UFC heavyweight division. Miocic is going to be a big dog at around +250, but I can’t recommend betting on him in this fight, although you never know with MMA and he could surprise. Josh Barnett Signs With UFC Former UFC heavyweight champion Josh Barnett has rejoined the UFC as the top-10 heavyweight announced on his Twitter he has signed a multi-fight deal with the UFC. This is an excellent signing by the UFC and Barnett is a welcome addition to the promotion’s 265-pound weight class. Although he’s had a troubled past with multiple suspensions for taking banned substances, he has been squeaky clean the last few years and if he can pass his drug tests and fights he’ll be an instant contender. The UFC hasn’t announced who his opponent will be Frank Mir is an excellent choice. Both of these fighters are incredible BJJ wizards and a fight between them would be absolutely phenomenal. Plus, the UFC wouldn’t really have to do any promotion for it as both of these guys know how to talk fights up and they’ll do the job themselves. The fight makes a lot of sense and I wouldn’t be surprised if it co-main events an upcoming fight card.
MMA Odds and Ends for Tuesday: Evans vs. Hendo New UFC 161 Main Event
