UFC on 157 Honda Center in Anaheim, California Saturday, February 23, 2013 UFC Women’s Bantamweight Title Fight: Ronda Rousey (-1100) vs. Liz Carmouche (+700) Fight Breakdown: UFC women’s bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey puts her belt on the line for the first time against the tough Liz Carmouche. Rousey entered as a massive -1100 favorite (bet $1100 to win $100), while the comeback on Carmouche is +700 (bet $100 to win $700). Rousey (6-0) has taken the MMA world by storm in the last year or so, having finished all six of her opponents in the first round with an armbar submission. It’s pretty incredible, actually, and her dominance in the ring is proof that Rousey is one of the the most special athletes to ever strap on a pair of four-ounce gloves. Dana White is banking on Rousey to be the face of women’s MMA and the UFC gave her a favorable matchup in her UFC debut in Carmouche, who lights to fight on the ground which is Rousey’s wheelhouse. If this fight hits the mat, it’s over. But if it stays standing, who knows what Carmouche can do. Carmouche (8-2) is being brought in as Rousey’s opponent and not many people expect her to win this fight. Carmouche is one tough chick — she was a Marine before turning to mixed martial arts as a career — but she’s going to have her hands full with Rousey. Unfortunately for Carmouche, she’s at her best when she’s on top throwing her ground and pound, but Rousey is such a good grappler and it would be surprising if Carmouche got top position on her. This is no disrespect to Carmouche, but perhaps her best chance to win this fight is if she cuts Rousey and the doctor has to stop the fight because otherwise, I just can’t see her winning outside of a fluke punch or an in-fight injury to Rousey. Fight Prediction: Rousey is going to do what she does in every fight, and that’s run to her opponent, clinch her, take her down with her judo, land in mount, and grab the armbar. I don’t see this fight playing out in any other way than Rousey getting her hand raised after five minutes or less at the office. Adam’s Pick: Rousey via first-round armbar submission (click for latest UFC 157 odds) Adam’s Recommended Play: Ronda Rousey is an easy pick but at she’s not really worth betting straight. Feel free to parlay her if you’d like or take a look at the “Rousey wins by submission,” “Rousey wins inside the distance,” and “Rousey wins in Round 1” props to get some extra value.
