The UFC on FOX 2 odds and betting lines have been readjusted for the recent fight card switcherooni, one that saw Michael Bisping move up to fight Chael Sonnen and Chris Weidman jump in to battle Demian Maia.
Those changes were brought about following the injury to Mark Munoz, who is no longer competing on the FOX televised event, scheduled for Jan. 28, 2012, at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois.
Sonnen jumped out to a whopping -450 favorite according to Bodog, which may be attributed to his high level wrestling-based attack, coupled with Bisping's perceived lack of finishing power. Or maybe the bookies just don't like "The Count," who limps in as a +325 underdog.
While that line may curve toward the high side, it's not the head-scratcher that Weidman vs. Maia appears to be.
Despite just seven professional fights, Weidman is a -200 favorite over Maia (+160), which is surprising, considering that Weidman's best attribute is his wrestling. And is anyone giving him an advantage if he secures the takedown?
Weidman is a NCAA Division 1 All-American out of Hofstra University, but Maia, whose striking has improved by leaps and bounds, is a five-time world jiu-jitsu champion with four UFC "Submission of the Night" bonuses.
He also has twice the experience, fighting guys like Anderson Silva, Chael Sonnen and Mark Munoz. Weidman's top (and only) three UFC opponents are Alessio Sakara, Jesse Bongfeldt and Tom Lawlor. And he has just two (T)KO victories in seven wins.
But he's still the favorite.
Alright Maniacs, you've heard my take on these numbers. Who is ready to make an argument to support them? Let's hear your best case in the comments section below.
More on the UFC on FOX 2 shake-up here.