UFC on FOX 18 Date: January 30, 2016 Arena: Prudential Center City: Newark, NJ The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) returns to Newark, NJ for the seventh time in promotional history with UFC on FOX 18: Johnson vs Bader. The action packed 13-fight card kicks off at 8pm ET on FOX, with preliminary action preceding it on FOX Sports 1 at 5pm ET and Fight Pass at 3:30pm ET. If interested in wagering on these plays, or any plays for this fight card, all betting lines will be made available at Several Bookmakerss. Here are my live dogs: Light Heavyweight bout: Anthony “Rumble” Johnson (-320) vs Ryan “Darth” Bader (+260) Gabe’s Thoughts: Bader keeps getting counted out over and over again, and he keeps coming through as the underdog. I think that trent will continue in New Jersey this Saturday night, as I see him defeating Johnson to solidify his status as the number one contender in the UFC’s 205-pound division. I played Bader at +375 and think he still holds great value at his current offering price of +260, despite the price drop. I believe Bader is currently in his prime and is constantly improving. I think he uses his strikes to set up his takedowns, wears Johnson out and eventually chokes him out, following a blue-print that was laid out by Rich Clementi nearly a decade ago. Josh Koscheck, Vitor Belfort and most recently, UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Daniel Cormier have since found success against “Rumble” following said blue-print. Gabe’s Call: Bader by Submission (rear naked choke, 2:59 round 5) Gabe’s Recommended Play: Bader (+260) 2.5u to win 6.5u Heavyweight bout: Ben Rothwell (+115) vs Josh Barnett (-135) Gabe’s Thoughts: This is a tough fight to call, in my opinion. I believe it is a close fight, but I am liking “Big Ben” for a small play at his current offering price of +115. I can see him fisishing Barnett, as well as winning an ugly decision on the judges’ scorecards. Initially, I thought I was going to be making a play on Barnett, but after looking into the fight and doing my homework, I have opted to side with Rothwell. I am a big fan of both of these heavyweights and would hate to see either lose, but I see it as a spot to make a small move on Rothwell, though this is one bet I won’t be so upset about losing should “The Warmaster” come out on top. Gabe’s Call: “Big Ben” by T/KO (punch, 0:16, round 1) Gabe’s Recommended Play: Rothwell (+115) 1u to win 1.15u
