UFC on FOX 23: Shevchenko vs Pena Date: January 28, 2016 Arena: Pepsi Center City: Denver, CO The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is back in Denver, CO for the sixth time in promotional history with UFC on FOX 23: Shevchenko vs Pena. The 12-fight card is set to kick off with preliminary action on UFC Fight Pass at 4pm ET. Prelims will continue on FOX Sports 1 at 5pm and the main card get underway at 8pm on FOX. If interested in wagering on any bouts for this fight card, all betting lines will be made available to you at Several Bookmakers. My Fights to AVOID betting are: Light Heavyweight bout: Luis Henrique da Silva (+190) vs Jordan Johnson (-230) Gabe’s Thoughts: Johnson is an undefeated MMA Lab product who will be making his Octagon debut in this contest against da Silva, who is coming off the first official loss of his professional mixed martial arts career just a few weeks ago at UFC on FOX 22 in Sacramento. He hopes to get back to his winning ways in his quick return to action, as he greets Double J to the UFC. I think this is a close fight in the UFC’s 205-pound division and do agree with Johnson being the favorite, however I don’t quite agree with his current asking price of -230. At the current betting odds, I think this is a “dog or pass” situation and I’m going to have to pass on taking the dog here. This will have to be a fight I avoid at the sportsbook this Saturday night. Gabe’s Call: Johnson by Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) Gabe’s Recommended Play: AVOID Lightweight bout: J.C. Cottrell (-145) vs Jason Gonzalez (+125) Gabe’s Thoughts: These fighters came up short in their Octagon debuts and will be looking to get their hands raised inside the Octagon with a victory in this contest. I do agree with the current betting odds in that this is a close fight, however I think Gonzalez should be a slight -120 favorite. At his current offering underdog price of +125, I see a bit of value in him and can’t fault anyone for taking a gamble. Personally, I am going to have to pass here and would advise anyone else to stay away from this bout altogether. Coming off that brutal knockout loss at the hands of Drew Dober, it’s tough to trust Gonzalez at the moment. This will be a fight I avoid at the books this weekend. Gabe’s Call: Gonzalez by T/KO (strikes, 2:59 round 2) Gabe’s Recommended Play: AVOID All of my content and plays are free. Your support is greatly appreciated. 
