UFC 96 - Mixed Martial Arts Preview

Diego Sanchez has beaten Joe "Daddy" Stevenson at his first attempt in the 155 pound weight class in the Main Event of UFC 95 in London. Sanchez dropped down a couple of weight divisions and never looked in any trouble in an entertaining fight which Sanchez won on points. Sanchez said that he is happy to fight anyone but would rather stay in this division. I am sure he will get his wish with the UFC licking their lips over the possibility of a Sanchez/Penn matchup, which would be a match up to REALLY get excited about. Stevenson certainly appears to be at the crossroads in his career now after the loss. The likable American admitted that he and Sanchez are good friends but he desperately wants a re-match in the future. Stevenson may have to wait a while as Sanchez will surely go on to try and take the belt.
The mixed martial arts machine moves to Columbus Ohio in the US for the third straight year in a row for UFC 96 on the 3rd of March. Harley Davidson is the major sponsor so there is no better main event than to have the UFC's very own bikie from hell Keith "The Dean of Mean" Jardine taking on Quinton "Rampage" Jackson.
This could well be a corker of a fight with both fighters desperate to fight for the belt. Jardine never looks like he is a world class fighter but keeps on beating the likes of Griffin and Liddell which gives him the credibility he deserves. He is one tough dude and can take huge levels of punishment.
Jackson on the other hand has always been the real deal and is still hungry after his controversial loss to Forest Griffin last year in Las Vegas. Sportsbet.com.au always has very competitive markets in the UFC and has Jackson as a clear cut favourite at $1.31, where as you can get Jardine at $3.35.
The other big fight will see the undefeated Shane Carwin take on Gabreil "Napao" Gonzaga. Gonzaga is certainly the biggest test Carwin has ever had to face and the bookies have Carwin as the underdog at $2.40. This appears to be anyone's fight so the $2.40 might be appealing.

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