This Saturday, World Series of Fighting will be the only way for MMA fans to get their fight fix on TV. This card seems more like the WSOF version of a Fight Pass or old Strikeforce Challengers card than one of their traditional cards featuring the likes of Justin Gaethje, Marlon Moraes, or any number of the UFC veterans on their roster. The main event features local Tennessee product Teddy Holder in the main event, taking on Russian prospect Shamil Gamzatov. Holder is best known for upsetting Thiago Silva on short notice in his WSOF debut. Gamzatov will be fighting in North America for the first time in his career, and is the latest in a long line of Russian prospects who have been mowing through opponents in Eastern Europe. The card was also set to feature Mike Ricci taking on Caros Fodor, but Ricci was forced out with an injury. In his place, PRIDE veteran Luiz ‘Buscape’ Firmino will step in to make an intriguing lightweight bout. Aside from those top two bouts, the card is filled with fighters looking to make a name for themselves on national TV. MMA oddsmaker Nick Kalikas opened the betting lines for WSOF 27 today at Several Bookmakers. Take a look: ——————– MAIN CARD (NBC Sports Network, 9pm ET) – Shamil Gamzatov -350 Teddy Holder +250 Over 1.5 +145 Under 1.5 -185 – Luiz Firmino -230 Caros Fodor +170 Over 2.5 -230 Under 2.5 +170 – Jaleel Willis -270 Chauncey Foxworth +190 Over 1.5 -150 Under 1.5 +110 – Bryce Mitchell -505 Jorge Medina +335 Over 1.5 +130 Under 1.5 -170 ——————– Brad’s Analysis: Teddy Holder has the same way to win this fight that he has to win all his fights, and that’s landing a big shot before his opponent does — or before his opponent gets him to the ground. I don’t think he’ll be able to do that in this spot, and this could end up looking a lot like Holder’s fight against Branch. ‘Buscape’ and Fodor are probably going to engage in a grappling match, and in that realm, you have to favor the Brazilian. Fodor is one of those fighters who is solid in every area, but can be exploited by someone who is highly skilled in any particular area. Because of the late notice, it’s hard to trust ‘Buscape’ at the price, but he is my pick to win. The last two fights are tough to bet because of the relative inexperience of all the participants, but Bryce Mitchell seems to be a very talented submission artist, and he’s facing a guy who should be smaller than him, and willing to grapple with him. That’s a good recipe for the youngster. As far as Willis/Foxworth, it’s the type of fight where neither guy has faced anybody of note, so it’s hard to get a gauge on where they truly stand. In those types of bouts, the dog is usually intriguing if the line blows up.
