Posted on 12/28/2007 2:20:33 PM

Bet On UFC - UFC 79 - NEMESIS

By Robby Maddux

All UFC betting eyes will be watching Saturday's war between former light heavyweight champion Chuck ''The Iceman'' Liddell and former Pride champion Wanderlei "The Axe Murderer" Silva in one of the most anticipated MMA matchups of all time.

This fight is about UFC versus Pride, who's the baddest of the bad and will determine who continues making his presence felt in the MMA world. At the age of 38, and have coming off back-to-back losses, Liddell can't afford another defeat.

A loss on Saturday would most likely melt The Iceman's hopes of once again claiming a title and force him into retirement. At 34, Silva is also near the end of a lustrous career and can't endure a defeat.

Liddell brings a 20-5-0 MMA record to the cage and will rely on his excellent striking skills and well-rounded grappling abilities to get the job done as the slight underdog at even money.

Silva is also coming off back-to-back losses and owns a MMA record of 31-7-1. He has explosive strikes, good techniques and intensity and he has world-class experience. Like most Brazilian fighters, he's a master in jiu-jitsu. UFC betting odds list Silva the favorite at -130.

Both men are heavy-handed and at anytime can land a big bomb. This fight will probably end with one man being on his back starring up at the lights in the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Nevada.

The Over/Under for this bout is sitting at 1½ under -140. Considering each fighter will most likely come out head hunting, taking the under is a solid selection.

If for some reason the fight hits the mat or goes the distance, Liddell will be well prepared as he's been training with world-renowned Andre Galvao. Silva will be well prepared and conditioned also following a long layoff.

If neither man scores an early knockout, this fight could simply come down to who wants it more, and it's a lock, both want it badly and with careers on the line it'll be a great bout.

Also on the card, Matt Hughes (+190) will lock up with Georges ''Rush'' St-Pierre (-240) as the 170-pounders battle for the interim world welterweight title.

This will be the third fight between the two. Hughes won the first bout but St-Pierre atoned for the loss by dominating Hughes in the second fight. Now, with the score tied 1-1, they meet for a rubber match in what will also be an excellent contest.

There's several other great fights on Saturday and it's a night of UFC wagering excitement you won't want to miss.