posted May 23, 2008 at 12:10 in UFC / MMA Articles

The mixed martial arts online betting community may be thinking "upset" when Keith Jardine steps into the Octagon with Wanderlei Silva, with a top ranking undoubtedly on the line. That light heavyweight sports betting battle will be taking place as part of UFC 84, scheduled for May 24 (Saturday) at the MGM Grand Garden in Las Vegas. Let's take a look at it.

BetUS UFC Betting Odds

Light Heavyweights (Three rounds)

May 24 -- Las Vegas
WANDERLEI SILVA -175
KEITH JARDINE +135

For BetUS Sportsbook mixed martial arts and online gambling fans, let's size up the contestants:

SILVA (31-8-1, 21 KO's, 4 submissions), the -175 favorite in the BetUS UFC betting odds, is a native of Brazil who has made his name in mixed martial arts mostly in Japan as part of the PRIDE promotion. He originally challenged for a championship in the UFC, though, losing a decision to Tito Ortiz for the light heavyweight crown at UFC 25 in April 2000. He won the PRIDE middleweight title in November 2001 when he beat Kazushi Sakuraba, and went without another loss until New Year's Eve 2004, when he was beaten on a split decision by Mark Hunt. Before that, however, he had scored two wins over Quinton "Rampage" Jackson in PRIDE, and had early wins against Dan Henderson and Guy Mezger. Silva has lost three fights in a row; one of those was on a picture-perfect left hook by Henderson at the PRIDE event in Las Vegas in February of last year, in which he lost his middleweight title. And in his last fight, on December 29, he was beaten on a decision by Chuck Liddell as he returned to the UFC. Silva is a Muay Thai fighter with extensive training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

JARDINE (13-3-1, 7 KO's, 2 submissions), the +135 underdog at BetUS, is known as "The Dean of Mean," and the Butte, Montana native, who has competed in the Extreme Challenge, King of the Cage and Pancrase, among others, introduced himself to UFC fans through the reality show "The Ultimate Fighter 2," where he was beaten by Rashard Evans. He signed with the UFC, and has defeated the likes of Mike Whitehead and Wilson Gouveia, then scored a stoppage in one round over Forrest Griffin, another "TUF" alumnus, at UFC 66. But Jardine disappointed against rank-and-file competitor Houston Alexander in his next fight, being knocked out in one round. His last fight was a redemption of the highest order, as he won a split decision over UFC icon Chuck Liddell at UFC 76.

The Liddell win was a real feather in Jardine's cap, and some think Silva may be sliding with three losses in a row. But the fact of the matter is that Jardine will be moving up in class for this one. He possesses power in his hands, but his ability to take good shots was brought into question with his KO loss to Alexander. Silva is an all-out brawler; an aggressive type who won't let Jardine get a moment's rest. He is adept with his hands, but also has learned how to use an educated knee as a result of his Muay Thai background. Silva also won't be out of his element if these guys go to the ground. The thing about Silva is that if he isn't a "shot" fighter (and listen - losses to people like Liddell, Henderson and Mirko Cro Cop shouldn't leave that impression, in and of themselves) he can avail himself of his vast experience, which places him in a huge position of advantage. I think there is value on the side of Silva, the -175 favorite in the BetUS UFC betting odds.

JAY'S PLAY: SILVA TO WIN (-175) ****

(Graded on a scale of 1-4 stars)

(Charles Jay of www.eBookies.com is a former manager, matchmaker and color commentator in professional boxing. He currently pulls no punches in the BetUS Locker Room)