Middleweight champion Michael Bisping (30-7, 18 KOs, 4 SUBs) will meet former welterweight champion Georges St. Pierre (25-2, 8 KOs, 5 SUBs) at UFC 217 on November 4, 2017 at Madison Square Garden in New York, New York. The main card airs on pay-per-view starting 10 p.m. ET following the FX prelims. Bet on UFC odds at BookMaker.eu now.
What’s a middleweight champ got to do get some respect in the sportsbooks? Despite being the bigger man facing a fighter who hasn’t fought in nearly four years, oddsmakers assigned 185-pound titleholder Michael Bisping as the underdog for his upcoming matchup with Georges St. Pierre.
The superfight was recently announced as the main event for UFC 217 at Madison Square Garden on November 4. Make sure to check the top-rated sportsbooks for the latest money lines, round totals and prop bets. Let’s dive a little deeper into the opening odds.
Opening UFC Odds at BookMaker.eu
Georges St. Pierre -155
Michael Bisping +125
Why is GSP the Favorite?
First of all, he’s one of the best fighters in UFC history. He’s a bit past his prime but by no means done at 36 - still two years younger than Bisping. Second, Bisping is seen by many as a good but “beatable” champion. He’s well-rounded, but not dominant in any physical or technical aspect. In contrast, St. Pierre stepped away from the sport on a 12-fight, 6-year unbeaten streak.
Fight Breakdown
The size difference will be a factor: Bisping is 6’2” to St. Pierre’s 5’10”. The French-Canadian has never fought at 185 pounds and wasn’t a big welterweight to begin with. Bisping is a natural middleweight who started his career as a light heavyweight.
At his peak, GSP was generally regarded as the best MMA wrestler in the sport. His takedowns and top control were elite weapons that stifled the offense of many excellent fighters like Jake Shields, Carlos Condit, Nick Diaz and B.J. Penn. It’s doubtful he changes up his approach at this stage of his career.
St. Pierre will have to take down a fighter that’ll outweigh him by more than 20 pounds. While technique can make up the difference, Bisping is a much better defensive wrestler than he was 5 years ago. Even if he does end up on his back, Bisping is savvy enough to find a way back to the feet.
If this becomes a striking match, then I give the advantage to Bisping. While GSP’s jab was one of the best in the game, boxing is Bisping’s forte. And ever since “The Count” started training with Jason Parillo, he’s dramatically improved his technique and footwork.
Once a flighty, pot-shotter, Bisping is now a confident, punishing boxer. Because GSP isn’t a knockout threat, the defending champ can afford to be more authoritative with his boxing. As long as he doesn’t get hypnotized by GSP’s jab and puts the pressure on, Bisping should be able to win on points.
Betting the UFC Odds
I’d love to see Bisping’s money line go up to +150, but I really don’t see it getting quite that high. Still, at these odds he’s a solid underdog play against a fighter with a lot of questions.
Bet on UFC odds at BookMaker.eu now
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UFC 217 takes place on November 4, 2017 at Madison Square Garden in New York, New York. The main card airs on pay-per-view starting 10 p.m. ET.
