While the atmosphere certainly won’t be the same in San Jose next Saturday as it was in Dublin, the fights are shaping up to be just as, if not more, exciting. Robbie Lawler and Matt Brown should provide spectacular entertainment in the main event, while Anthony ‘Rumble’ Johnson looks to continue his recent light heavyweight run against Antonio Rogerio Nogueira. Those two bouts already have betting lines however, as both Lawler (-340) and Johnson (-450) are heavy favorites and expected by most to win and continue working their way towards title shots at welterweight and light heavyweight, respectively. There are two additional fights that will be airing on FOX however, and both should be excellent. At featherweight, Dennis Bermudez (13-3) puts hit six-fight winning streak on the line against a fellow high-energy grappler in Clay Guida (31-14) who has gone 2-1 since dropping to 145lbs. Bermudez has become one of the most reliable action fighters in the weight class, and Guida’s style should play well to make this an exciting bout. One weight class up, Josh Thomson (20-6, 1 NC) now finds himself against late replacement Bobby Green (22-5) after Michael Johnson dropped out of the fight with an injury. Thomson was one judge’s scorecard away from a likely UFC lightweight title shot, but instead finds himself facing the surging Green and his seven-fight win streak. MMA oddsmaker Nick Kalikas opened the betting lines for the two remaining UFC on FOX 12 main card bouts today at Several Bookmakers. Take a look: ——————– MAIN CARD (FOX, 8pm ET) Robbie Lawler -260 Matt Brown +180 Anthony Johnson -475 Antonio Rogerio Nogueira +325 Dennis Bermudez -185 Clay Guida +145 Josh Thomson -260 Bobby Green +180 ——————– Brad’s Analysis: Clay Guida tends to struggle against fighters he can’t control in the wrestling department, and I have a very hard time seeing him being able to best Bermudez there. Bermudez is essentially a faster and stronger version of what some people still hold on to Guida as being. The drop to featherweight was supposed to re-energize Guida’s career, but it seems as though the speed of some of the fighters at the weight can trouble him. Bermudez should be more effective on the feet (and his defense shouldn’t have too many issues as Guida doesn’t present much power on the feet), and I think his wrestling and scrambling is superior as well. It’s always tough to predict Guida getting finished, but Bermudez should take a decision. While I don’t think the veteran gets it done in the featherweight fight, I think he will at lightweight. Josh Thomson has long been one of the most talented fighters at 155, and his body has held him back. If he’s healthy, he should be able to match Green in the striking department with his excellent movement and kicking game, while his grappling is miles ahead of what Green can offer. Health is always a concern, but it seems like Thomson has been doing the right things in training to make sure he at least gets to the fight in good shape (even if he doesn’t necessarily leave in the same state).
