Posted on 1/14/2008 3:52:25 PM

Bet On UFC 80 - Rapid Fire

By Robby Maddux

The first UFC betting extravaganza of 2008 will take place on Saturday, January 19 live from Newcastle, England and the new year will start off in explosive bone crushing fashion, when BJ "The Prodigy" Penn goes to war with Joe "Daddy" Stevenson for the UFC World Lightweight Championship in UFC 80 - RAPID FIRE.

Stevenson owns a respectable MMA record of 33-7-0, manufactured by good takedowns and submissions. Stevenson has won his last four fights, with his most recent victory coming against Kurt Pellegrino via unanimous decision in UFC 74.

Oddsmakers aren't giving Stevenson any respect with UFC odds listing Penn the heavy favorite of -280, but in a sport one punch can decide the outcome, don't count Stevenson out at +210.

Considering Penn has lost two of his last three fights, Stevenson becomes a lively underdog and is poised to pull off a upset with great value. However, the two losses came against two of the best in the business in the likes of Georges St-Pierre and Matt Hughes.

Penn brings a 12-4-1 MMA record to the cage and will attempt to make the number guys look like geniuses with excellent submissions and a strong standup game.

The Metro Radio Arena across the pond will be rocking and rolling, as these two lightweight warriors enter the Octagon do battle for the title in the main, and Stevenson says he has been inspired by the atmosphere he witnessed when watching previous UFC events held in the UK. Will Stevenson be asking his supporters; who's your daddy now if the UK crazies can root him to victory as the puppy?

Also on the card, two powerful heavyweight forces collide when Gabriel "Napao" Gonzaga (-240) returns to the Octagon to take on submission expert Fabricio "Vai Cavalo" Werdum (+190). Kendall Grove (-300) will also be in action against Jorge Rivera (+220) on this fantastic night of UFC wagering action. Are you ready? Let's get it on!