UFC Fight Night 103: Rodriguez vs. Penn Date: January 15, 2017 Arena: Talking Stick Resort Arena City: Phoenix, AZ The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is back in Phoenix, AZ for the second time in promotional history this Sunday (January 15, 2017) with UFC Fight Night 103: Rodriguez vs. Penn. The 12-fight card is set to kick off with preliminary action at 6 p.m. (ET) on Fight Pass, and prelims will continue at 8 p.m. on FOX Sports 1. If interested in wagering on any bouts for this fight card, all betting lines will be made available at Several Bookmakers. Here are my plays: Flyweight bout: John Moraga (+115) vs. Sergio Pettis (-135) Gabe’s Thoughts: Moraga will be stepping in for an injured Jussier Formiga on short notice to take on Pettis in front of his home crowd. Moraga has more power, better wrestling, boxing and is stronger than Pettis. However, Pettis is the superior athlete who excels in every facet of the sport. He is excellent on the feet and has many tools in his striking arsenal, so I see him mixing things up and getting the better of Moraga. I think his defensive wrestling is good enough to keep this fight standing for the majority of three rounds en route to picking up a unanimous decision on the judges’ scorecards. Should Moraga find himself in top position on the mat, I think Pettis will be active enough from bottom position to stifle him and potentially secure a submission off his back. I think Pettis should be a 2-to-1 betting favorite heading into this contest, so I like him at his current offering price of -135. Gabe’s Call: Pettis by Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) Lightweight bout: Tony Martin (-280) vs. Alex White (+240) Gabe’s Thoughts: I believe Martin is the far better mixed martial artist heading into this 155-pound scrap, and I see his advantages in size and grappling as being his keys to victory in this contest. He is the stronger fighter of the two, so I expect him to close the distance and score a takedown early. From there, it should only be a matter of time until he locks up something to force a tap from White, who is a featherweight stepping up a weight class on short notice as a late injury replacement for Erik Koch. I think Martin should be at least a 4-to-1 betting favorite heading into this affair, so I like him for a play at the current price. Gabe’s Call: Martin by Submission (rear-naked choke, 2:53 round 1) Gabe’s Recommended Parlays: 1) Pettis (-135) and Martin (-280) at +136 for 3.6u to win 4.9u and 2) Moraga/Pettis Over 2.5 rounds (-230) and Martin/White Under 1.5 rounds (+170) at +287 for 1.95u to win 5.6u All of my content and plays are free. Your support is greatly appreciated. 
