UFC 136: Maynard vs Edgar 3 Betting Odds

UFC 136: Edgar vs Maynard III is set to take place on October 8th, 2011, at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas.

The card will contain two title fights - Edgar vs Maynard for the lightweight title, as well as Jose Aldo vs Kenny Florian for the Featherweight Championship.

Let's take a look at the odds for this stacked card, as well as give our predictions for the fights on the main card:

Frankie Edgar, -155

Gray Maynard, +125

The second fight between Edgar and Maynard ended in a controversial draw, which has set the stage for their third fight.

In the most recent battle between Edgar and Maynard, Maynard destroyed Edgar in the first round. Some would say that Maynard deserved the very rare 10-7 for the beating that he inflicted on Edgar in the first round of that fight.

Much to Edgar's credit, he battled back and the fight ended in a draw.

Let me be clear - I believe that Maynard is a better fighter (by a bit), and I believe that Maynard has the better camp. I expect Maynard to make the necessary adjustments this time around, and I expect him to win the lightweight title.

Prediction: Maynard, +125

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Jose Aldo, -280

Kenny Florian, +220

Jose Aldo was most recently seen struggling through a five round battle against Mark Hominick at UFC 129.

Aldo was very sick for his fight against Hominick, and I believe that people are giving Florian too much of a chance based on Aldo's performance at UFC 129.

Florian is a great fighter with a great deal of experience, but Aldo is one of the top fighters in the world when he is healthy. I expect that Aldo will legkick Florian into submission and eventually finish off the fight with a TKO. Aldo is just simply better than Florian in every single department.

Prediction: Aldo, -280

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Chael Sonnen, -265

Brian Stann, +205

All things being equal, I would expect Sonnen to win this fight most of the time.

However, Sonnen will be dealing with some ring rust when he steps into the Octagon on October 8th - his last fight was against Anderson Silva at UFC 117.

Stann, on the other hand, is going to be fight for the third time in 2011 when he squares off against Sonnen.

I expect that Sonnen will find a way to win this fight, but betting is all about looking for edges and spots where the odds might not reflect reality.

For this reason, I am taking Stann +205, as I believe that there is value there due to Sonnen's long layoff.

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Melvin Guillard, -300

Joe Lauzon, +240

Guillard has been steam-rolling through his competition as of late, and I don't expect that Lauzon will be able to offer much for Guillard. I fully expect Guillard to catch Lauzon will something and knock him out early. Guillard is on track for a title shot sometime in 2012, in my opinion.

Pick: Guillard, -300

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Anthony Pettis, -300

Jeremy Stephens, +230

You have to feel a bit sorry for Pettis.

He was in line to get the next shot at the lightweight title after Edgar/Maynard II. That fight ended in a draw, which resulted in an immediate rematch.

Instead of watching, Pettis decided to fight Clay Guida at the Ultimate Fighter 13 Finale, and ended up losing via Unanimous Decision. Pettis now has to work his way back up the ranks in order to earn himself another title shot.

After a disappointing performance against Guida, I expect Pettis to get back on track against Stephens.

Pick: Pettis, -300