This Saturday, MMA legend Dan Henderson will fight for the final time - and his retirement fight could be the most important clash of his storied career. Not only will he have the opportunity to win the UFC belt - the one trophy missing from his case - but he can do so against his archrival, Michael Bisping.
In other action, middleweight contenders Gegard Mousasi and Vitor Belfort square off in an elite striking matchup, and knockout artist Jimi Manuwa meets former University of Tennessee defensive lineman Ovince St. Preux. Let’s make a few quick picks.
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Main Event
Middleweight Championship
Dan Henderson +190
Michael Bisping -225
Over/under 2.5 rounds, over -105, under -115
Breakdown Brief
Storylines aside, the most important aspect of the fight is Henderson’s age. At 46, the legend is as creaky as the house in The Conjuring. It’s especially obvious when you consider that he’s 3-6 in his past nine, and how he was either rocked, knocked out or ragdolled in all of those losses. Bisping is no spring chicken at 37, but he hasn’t noticeably declined in any way, shape or form. Instead, he’s noticeably improved as a striker in recent years.
How to Bet
It’s been over six years since Hendo knocked out Bisping at UFC 100. He is far from the fighter he was then. Bisping should be able to pick the old man apart with ease. Take the Brit to win at -225.
UFC odds: Bisping to win
Middleweights
Gegard Mousasi - 350
Vitor Belfort +260
Over/under 1.5 rounds, over +100, under -130
Breakdown Brief
Belfort is one of the most dangerous first-round fighters in the sport, thanks to his signature blitzes and blinding hand speed. But past that first round, he has absolutely nothing - which probably has a lot to do with his age and the fact that he can’t use TRT anymore. Against a patient, highly technical fighter like Mousasi, that lack of stamina will come back to haunt him.
How to Bet
Mousasi to win is a safe play, although expensive. Wanna gamble? Try the over at +100. Though Belfort fights usually end in the first, Mousasi is the type of fighter that loves to take his time.
UFC odds: Over on 1.5 rounds
Light Heavyweights
Jimi Manuwa +135
Ovince St. Preux -165
Over/under 1.5 rounds, over +135, under -165
Breakdown Brief
Manuwa is a pure headhunter, with 13 KOs in 15 career wins. He’s a superb boxer, but offers little in the grappling department. That will be his Achilles heel against the bigger Ovince St. Preux, who has the strength and size to muscle him to the ground and keep him there. Plus, Manuwa has had trouble sleeping the higher caliber competition he’s been facing inside the octagon, and OSP just ate five rounds of knees, elbows and kicks from Jon Jones.
How to Bet
At -165, St. Preux to win a great value. Manuwa’s knockout threat keeps him from getting too expensive, and OSP is the much more well-rounded fighter.
UFC odds: St. Preux to win
How to Bet
Access live betting lines from your mobile device at BookMaker sportsbook! Real-time spreads, totals, props and money line are all available so start betting with BookMaker today. UFC 204 takes place on Saturday, October 8, 2016 at the Manchester Arena in Manchester, England. The main card will be televised on pay-per-view following the FOX Sports 1 prelims.
