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Fedor v. Silvia Betting Odds & Predictions

While heavyweight boxing has lost its luster, heavyweight mixed martial arts fights couldn't be in higher demand. On Saturday July, 19th from the Honda Center in Anaheim, California, Fedor Emelianenko takes on Tim Sylvia in what figures to be one of the best heavyweight matchups of the summer. There are those who feel Emelianenko is the king of the heavyweight division and there are those that think he's one of the most overrated fighters in MMA history. Oddsmakers have him listed as the -450 favorite at BodogLife.com sportsbook, but make sure you read Jimmy Boyd's Fedor/Sylvia predictions before laying any chalk.

Bet the Favorite Fedor Emelianenko at -450 at BodogLife.com

If your MMA viewing experience is limited to just the UFC, then you might be saying who the hell is Fedor Emelianenko? I'll tell you. Holding a 27-1 record, Emelianenko is widely regarded as one of the top heavyweight MMA fighters on the planet. He has stood at the top of most heavyweight rankings for his tenure as PRIDE's heavyweight champ since March of 2003.

But Emelianenko's place in the polls is not without a little bit of controversy. Some will claim that years of fighting inferior opponents weakens his standing and others say that the lack of success of former PRIDE standouts such as Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic should be considered. Those that hold these opinions also take the stance that the UFC has better talent.

Even the sole blemish on Emelianenko's otherwise flawless record is controversial. But it is so in a way that suggests he should still be undefeated. He was beaten back in 2000 with an illegal elbow strike in a RINGS tournament. Normally illegal actions hand the guilty party a loss via DQ or the fight gets chalked up as a no contest. Because this was a tournament and Emelianenko could not continue, Japan's Tsuyoshi Kahsaka was declared the winner.

Emelianenko's Russian Sambo style, which includes striking and grappling is the perfect form for modern MMA.

Bet the Underdog Tim Sylvia at +300 at BodogLife.com

Tim Sylvia is a two-time UFC Heavyweight champion and an imposing figure standing 6'8''. Sylvia was the elite UFC heavyweight until Randy Couture defeated him at UFC 68. Sylvia takes full advantage of his lengthy frame, utilizing his reach with a vicious jab. His wrestling and grappling background are utilized more for defense than offense.

The Maine-iac holds a professional record of 24 wins against just four losses. 16 of his wins have come by knockout while he has never been knocked out. Sylvia's powerful right hand blows are something Emelianenko will have to watch out for.

Prediction

Both of these fighters have already fought their best fights, but I feel Emelianenko has the distinct advantage here. Emelianenko's primary strengths are Sylvia's greatest weaknesses. First and foremost, Sylvia has had difficulty with strong wrestlers and grapplers. His long legs make him an easy target for takedown artists. Sylvia is a worthy opponent and should be a great measuring stick for where Emelianenko should be considered in terms of the world rankings, but I don't see any circumstance where this one ends well for Sylvia who has been susceptible to submission techniques. It's also important to note that Emelianenko has two wins over Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira who most recently submitted Sylvia.

Updated July 10th, 2008

Red = Best Line for Top Fighter
Green = Best Line for Bottom Fighter

Line moves colors: < 1 min. < 3 min. < 5 min. < 10 min.
Date Teams  Score 
Last update  06:5506:55
09/06
22:00		 Rashad Evans
Chuck Liddell   
+200
-260		+225
-285
09/06
22:00		 Rich Franklin
Matt Hamill   
-240
+190		-240
+190
09/06
22:00		 Martin Kampmann
Nate Marquardt   
+110
-150		-105
-125
09/06
22:00		 Karo Parisyan
Yoshiyuki Yoshida   
-260
+200		-285
+225
09/17
22:00		 Josh Neer
Nate Diaz   

+140
-170
10/18
15:00		 Michael Bisping
Chris Leben   

-200
+160
10/18
15:00		 Lyoto Machida
Thiago Silva   

-285
+225