UFC 148 odds: Michael Bisping opens as sizable favorite over Tim Boetsch

When word leaked that Michael Bisping had been paired up against Tim Boetsch for the UFC 148: "Cruz vs. Faber 3" event set to take place on July 7, 2012, in Las Vegas, Nevada, it came as a surprise to fight fans everywhere.

More surprising? The fact that the British bad boy admitted to outright turning down a bout against Cung Le while claiming he felt Boetsch would be a tougher fight than middleweight mauler Mark Munoz.

If that's the case, it's not being reflected at the sportsbooks. In fact, according to the latest edition of the MMA Oddsbreakers show, Bisping has been inserted as the sizable favorite at -315 for the Fourth of July weekend clash.

Boetsch limps in as the +245 underdog.

Anyone think "The Barbarian" isn't getting enough respect here?

Boetsch (15-4) is a perfect 3-0 since moving down from the crowded ranks of light heavyweight. After back-to-back decision wins over Kendall Grove at UFC 130 and Nick Ring at UFC 135, "The Barbarian" survived a 10-minute shellacking by former division contender Yushin Okami -- only to storm back and knock "Thunder" out with four ounces of lightning at UFC 144 this past Feb. 25 in Japan.

Now it's time for him to conquer Great Britain -- if he can. The oddsmakers don't seem to think so but do you agree?

UFC 148 is expected to feature a bantamweight title fight between TUF 15 coaches (and bitter rivals) Dominick Cruz and Urijah Faber. A middleweight match-up between Rich Franklin and Cung Le is also booked for the card.

For all the latest and greatest UFC 148 news and notes click here.