Posted on
5/25/2007 8:30:59 PM
UFC 71 Odds and Lines
By BetUS Staff
UFC 71 Odds
Chuck Liddell -180 Quinton Jackson +150
We have to remember that this is Chuck’s house. It’s harder to take away the belt than to defend it. Rampage definitely started slowly against Marvin Eastman, but once ho woke up, it was over.
Jackson gets better with every minute of a fight. If Chuck can’t end this fast, he may be in trouble. Wanderlei Silva landed a good half a dozen knees to Jacksons head before he was even fazed. But I think Chuck hits harder now than he did when they first met, and he DEFINITELY hits harder than Shogun Rua and Wanderlei Silva. If Jackson gets caught up in Chuck’s game plan, much like everybody else has, it will be very difficult for Rampage to dominate him like he did in Japan.
Chuck on the other hand HAS to let Rampage taste his power. He has to. Early and often. If not for a knockout, but just to keep him honest. Fighters might forget about a knockout, but the nervous system doesn’t. In order to get Quinton to give chase, he has to act like he’s coming at Rampage gun’s blazing to bring on an attack, and then do what he does best; counter.
Rampage can be put down, he has a hell of a chin but he has shown that he will stay open for a well timed knee or punch.
If Liddell stays on his toes, and doesn’t allow Rampage to muscle him around, like he did in PRIDE, he can outsmart, and outhit him.
Prediction: Liddell by TKO
This will be a war and bettors should not overlook the underdog Jackson at +150. He's proven once already he can beat Liddell (-180) making him a lively dog, who have cashed in the last three UFC main events.