Middleweight champion Michael Bisping (30-7, 16 KOs, 4 SUBs) will defend his title against welterweight legend Georges St. Pierre (25-2, 8 KOs, 5 SUBs) at UFC 217 on Saturday, November 4, 2017 at Madison Square Garden in New York, New York. The main card airs live on pay-per-view starting 9 p.m. ET. Bet on the latest UFC odds at BookMaker.eu now.
It’s the money fight that nobody was asking for, but everyone will watch anyway. This Saturday, former welterweight champion Georges St. Pierre will return after four years away from the sport to challenge middleweight champion Michael Bisping for the 185-pound strap.
While we’d all like to see Bisping defend against an actual middleweight, GSP’s return and historic attempt does pique our curiosity. How will he fare at a bigger weight class? Will he be the same fighter at 36? And can he finally shut Michael Bisping up? Ok, there’s no chance at that last one happening, but it’ll be fun to see GSP try.
Let’s take a look at the UFC odds at BookMaker.eu and break down your betting options.
UFC Odds at BookMaker.eu
Georges St. Pierre -130
Michael Bisping +100
Over/under 4.5 rounds, over -140, under +120
THE BEST VALUE
Bisping to win at +100
The best time to have bet on the middleweight champ was more than a month ago, when Bisping was hovering around +130. But the action has driven his line into even money territory, where I expect it to stay. This is probably a case of bettors recognizing that there are too many things working against GSP in this matchup.
On top of the ring rust, will he be able to utilize his wrestling against the noticeably bigger Bisping? And if he can’t, how will he fare in a boxing match against a longer, higher-volume striker? Bisping has excellent takedown defense, and his entire standup game has evolved under Jason Parillo.
While you won’t get true underdog odds on Bisping anymore, he still has great value at his current price.
UFC Odds Pick: Single bet on Bisping to win at +100
THE SAFE PLAY
Over 4.5 rounds at -140
Before GSP left the sport, his last seven fights went to decision. Four out of Bisping’s past five has gone to the cards. Neither man has true knockout power, and they’re not exactly known for their submission prowess either. Bisping has always had exceptional cardio, and GSP’s training camps are stuff of legend.
The former welterweight champ seems highly motivated and should come well prepared, unlike somebody like B.J. Penn. For all the damage GSP took in his last fight against Hendricks, he’s had four years to heal, and he’s only been knocked out once in his career. He really only has two methods to victory here: takedowns and top control or jab Bisping to death. Both of them would lead to a decision.
UFC Odds Pick: Single bet on Rounds Over 4.5 at -140
THE RISKY PLAY
Bisping wins inside the distance at +275
I know we just argued that the rounds over was a safe play, but it’s also easy to see how Bisping scores a stoppage here. The Brit’s feather-fisted reputation is greatly overblown. Early on in his career he was a flighty outfighter, but under Jason Parillo he’s developed into a confident boxer who sits down on his punches and throws heavy.
Against Johny Hendricks, GSP was forced to box against a power puncher and came away with battered face. Now, he might be forced to box against a bigger volume puncher. He’s got ring rust to shake off, and who knows how much he’s physically declined.
Bisping doesn’t really have to worry about knockout punches from GSP, which will really allow him to open up and chase a win against a legend. Knocking out St. Pierre after barely notching wins over Anderson Silva and Dan Henderson would make a statement.
UFC Odds Pick: Small bet on Bisping Inside the Distance at +275
Bet on UFC odds at BookMaker.eu now!
