Here’s the last three fights of the main card, the first two were previewed in Part I.
Alistair Overreem (-360) vs. Antonio Silva (+290)
This could be the most exciting fight of the night, despite the relatively uneven odds. Alistair Overreem is a great striker, but Antonio Silva can weather hits with the best of them. That means that for Silva to win this fight, he’ll like to get it on the ground. Getting it there may be a problem though, b, given Reem’s leg strength and speed.
Silva can weather the blows, but can he win a fight if he can’t get it on the ground? It seems doubtful. While this fight is going to be a good one to watch, the favorite Overreem should be able to win it by decision since landing a knockout on Silva isn’t easy.
Rashad Evans (-455) vs. Antonio Rogerio Noguiera (+355)
Antonio Rogerio Noguiera is a great grappler and has a lot of experience, but he finds himself a heavy underdog against Rashad Evans.
Evans’ superior quickness and speed should make it a fight he’s able to win by decision, since he lacks the same knockout power that the previous victors (Jon Jones and Lyota Machida) had over Noguiera. Evans enters as a heavy favorite because he is a better fighter, and that usually pays off over the course of a long fight.
Jose Aldo (-215) vs. Frankie Edgar (+175)
Frankie Edgar is a very versatile and balanced fighter. He’s quick on his feet and moves well when he strikes. He’s also very good grappling, but when it comes right down to it Jose Aldo is favored because he’s more experienced and can better adapt to fights regardless of which direction they take.
The thing is, this will likely be a stand up battle, and Aldo is better suited for that type of fight. That’s why MMA oddsmakers favor him. Aldo will out-strike Edgar and win this by decision, or maybe land a late knockout if Edgar begins to deteriorate in the later rounds.