UFC on Versus Undercard Picks

UFC on Versus 2 – Don’t Sleep on These Undercard Bouts!

The Preliminary fights at UFC on Versus 2 offer its share in quality UFC betting opportunities. There are some good matchups that should wet the appetite of the crowd assembled to watch a pretty good Main Card in San Diego.  A good mix of youth and experience has been put together to start the night off in style.

UFC – UFC on Versus 2
August 1, 2010 – San Diego Sports Arena,
San Diego, California, United States
Broadcast: Will not be Broadcast

DaMarques Johnson (16-7): +180

Matt Riddle (4-1): -230

In a matchup of The Ultimate fighter alums., two improving fighter will try to stay relevant in the UFC’s Welterweight division. Johnson has proven to have a huge heart and a terrific submission game while Riddle’s size and grappling has made him into a dangerous fighter. Johnson has a history of poor take down defense but it hasn’t hindered him that much in the past. Look for much of the same with Riddle ending up in top position. Johnson is not scared of bottom position and should be able to exploit a Riddle mistake and submit him along the way. You don’t have to like Johnson, but you do have to admire his heart and willingness to battle back.

Pick: DeMarques Johnson +180

Paul Kelly (11-2): -105

Jacob Volkmann (10-2): -125

Paul Kelly is a decently rounded British fighter – that’s right, he’s an Englishman that has a ground game! Jacob Volkmann is a former welterweight who is known for his heart, his size and an underrated grappling game. Despite Kelly’s skill on the ground, he will likely be looking to keep this fight standing. He will look to snuff out any takedown attempts and utilize his power to end the fight. Volkmann would love to stay out of a striking contest with Kelly and will likely try to take this fight to the mat. Volkmann has been in the Octagon with some tough fighters (Martin Kampmann and Paulo Thiago) and should be able to draw on this experience to minimize Kelly’s dominant stand up. I like the better grappler in this one.

Pick: Jacob Volkmann -125

James Irvin (14-6-0, 1 NC): -180

Igor Pokrajac (21-7): +150

Two fighters on two fight losing streaks meet on Saturday night. Both fighters are good punchers and will be looking to return to relevance in the Light heavyweight division. James Irvin has been relatively inactive for the better part of two years – injury and a suspension due to banned substances has slowed his appearances. Igor Pokrajac is a well rounded fighter who does not excel at any one aspect of MMA but is versed in all. Pokrajac has a decided edge in conditioning, ring smarts and wrestling while Irvin is regarded as one dimensional. Irvin will undoubtedly have some ring rust and although his punching power is dangerous, he’ll likely be no match for a motivated and cerebral Pokrajac.

Pick: Igor Pokrajac +150

Brian Stann (8-3): +135

Mike Massenzio (11-3): -165

Brian Stann and Mike Massenzio meet in an all wrestler showdown in the Undercard of UFC on Versus 2 on Saturday night. Stann is a big Middleweight who is known for his toughness, size, strength and poise in the Octagon. Massenzio returns to the Octagon after a year off recovering from knee surgery. He is known for a strong work ethic, incredible conditioning and a furious pace. This fight comes down to who can overcome their own conditioning issues. Stann will in all likelihood have to cut a ton of weight to make 185 pounds while Massenzio will surely have some ring rust to deal with. I like Stann to lean on Massenzio, wear him down and win by decision here.

Pick: Brian Stann +135

Rob Kimmons (22-5): -220

Steve Steinbeiss (4-3): +175

In a “win or get cut” match, Rob Kimmons and Steve Steinbeiss should have little trouble getting motivated for this fight. The two men are a true contrast of styles – Kimmons being the grappler and Steinbeiss being the striker. Kimmons is an unorthodox fighter who knows his shortcomings – there is no way that he will enter a standup war with Steinbeiss who has had international kick boxing success. Steinbeiss should dominate the standup but this fight will hit the mat at some point and when it does, Kimmons should be able to submit the weak ground fighter Steinbeiss.

Pick: Rob Kimmons -220

Darren Elkins (12-1-0): +275

Charles Oliveira NR: -375

UFC newcomer who apparently has 12 wins (11 stoppages) takes on Darren Ekins in the first fight of the night on Saturday. Not much is known about either man, but if the oddmakers have Oliveira -375, I’ll have to go with him!

Pick: Charles Oliveira -375