Posted on 8/23/2007 7:07:10 PM

UFC 74 Betting Odds - St. Pierre vs. Koscheck

By Robby Maddux

When Georges "Rush" St. Pierre and Josh "Kos" Koscheck square off at UFC 74 on Saturday at Mandalay Bay, the UFC betting bunch will have plenty of uncertainties regarding the welterweight title elimination bout.

Bettors can't be certain whether St. Pierre's claim to be mentally over his upset title loss to Matt Serra on April 7, 2007 is correct. No one is sure whether Koscheck's game is well-rounded enough to defeat a stellar all-around fighter like St. Pierre, and no one knows if St. Pierre will be able to handle Koscheck's world-class wrestling.

Koscheck is a former Division I National Champion for Edinboro University who went 42-0 in his championship season, as well as a four-time Division I All-American. The Waynesburg, Pennsylvania native is more accomplished than most when it comes to wrestling.

Koscheck made his pro debut in 2004 and has manufactured an impressive 11-1 MMA record. His athleticism will make him dangerous if he can take the fight to the ground.

In his last fight, Koscheck defeated Diego Sanchez by way of unanimous decision in UFC 69 in April, 2007. He'll enter the cage having won his last five fights. His only loss came against Drew Fickett in 2005.

Three of Koscheck's victories in his last four fights were decided by a unanimous decision, proving he can outlast any opponent to score a win. Koscheck is a well conditioned fighter, which will give him the edge if the fight advances in the later stages. If St. Pierre makes a mistake on the ground there will be an arm-bar in the makings.

UFC odds currently list St. Pierre the favorite at -280. The Montreal, Canadian native will actually invite Koscheck (+220) to the ground where he's best. St. Pierre has good takedowns, a strong ground-n-pound game and a lot of strength.

Prior to his loss against Serra in his last fight, St. Pierre had won five consecutive fights. He owns an MMA record of 13-2. His only other defeat came at the hands of former welterweight champion Matt Hughes in 2004.

This battle will most likely be decided on the ground. It won't be the flashiest of fights, but it'll be a great contest. St. Pierre will be looking to atone for his recent loss, but Koscheck is a very lively underdog that will land his supporters a pay day by way of submission late in the fight.

UFC Free Picks: Josh "Kos" Koscheck +220