Normal Version Print Version	Share |

Sportsbook Prediction: UFC 141

For its final event of 2011, the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is packing its bags and heading back to the MGM Grand Garden Arena in "Sin City" with a heavyweight showdown that promises to challenge the most elaborate firework shows around the world. 

In the main event, former UFC heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar will make his long-awaited return to the octagon when he faces Strikeforce heavyweight champion Alistair Overeem. Although this battle will take place on Friday, for Lesnar (5-2) simply competing in the UFC is the equivalent of any ball-dropping, champagne-swilling celebrations that might ensue on New Year’s Eve. According to Lesnar, in 2009 he fell ill for the first time in his life and received “third world” treatment in Canada. After returning to the United States, he quickly recovered and credited his treatment to saving his life. In 2010, it was confirmed that Lesnar was suffering from mononucleosis and diverticulitis. After further diagnosis, Lesnar underwent surgery to close a perforation in his intestine that had been leaking fecal matter into his abdomen, causing pain, abscesses, and overtaxing his immune system to the point that he contracted mononucleosis.

Still a relatively new name for casual mixed martial arts fans, Overeem (35-11) is on a ten fight winning streak that has catapulted him into a shot at UFC glory. Until a June fight with Fabricio Werdum, much of that dominance had come against less-than-stellar competition. However, in the biggest win of his career, Overeem was less than impressive in a unanimous decision. Couple the less than spectacular strength of his opponents and his difficulties in supplying a urine sample to the Nevada State Athletic Commission prior to the Werdum fight, there are plenty of doubts among mixed martial arts experts.

This bout will truly be the epitome of strength versus strength. Lesnar, 34, will be the healthiest he has been in years. When Lesnar is healthy, the former NCAA national wrestling champion uses freakish athleticism when shooting for his patented power double-leg takedown. On the opposite end of the spectrum, Overeem is a feared striker and Lesnar will have to remain on his feet in order to shoot his opponent.

Prediction: Overeem via knockout. Look for Overeem to weather the storm of the Lesnar takedowns and capitalize on fierce striking. Lesnar has shown that he is willing to exchange blows in the center of the octagon, but crumbles when hit. With Overeem a slight favorite at       -140, there is plenty of money to be made in his bout. However, whenever you have 500 pounds of men battling in the octagon, anything can happen.

The Sportsbook writer currently has a prediction percentage of 86%