Winnipeg will host its first UFC event tonight as the promotion brings an 11 fight card to the MTS Centre. Headlining UFC 161at the Canadian venue are former champions Rashad Evans and Dan Henderson. Start time for this evening’s card is set for 10:00pm ET; the main card can be seen live on Pay-Per-View while the prelims will be broadcast live on the FX Network and Facebook. The latest Fight Predictions and Odds from offshore bookmaker Sportsbook.ag have Evans listed as a slight -130 moneyline favorite ($130 wins $100) in tonight’s main event. Henderson, a former UFC, PRIDE, and Strikeforce title holder, is drawing +100 odds ($100 wins $100) to hand Evans a third consecutive loss.

 

At some point age will catch up to Dan Henderson, but the 44 former Olympic wrestler’s recent record would indicate he still has quite a bit left in the tank. Henderson is 7-2 in his last nine fights and he scored three consecutive knock out victories before exiting Strikeforce.

 

Since returning to the UFC Henderson is 1-1 with a unanimous decision win in an epic battle with Maurico Rua and a split decision loss to another former champion in Lyoto Machida.

 

Rashad Evans enters this evening’s scrap off the first back to back losses of his career. The former light heavyweight champ rode a four fight win streak into an April 2012 clash with current belt holder and former training partner Jon Jones. Evans went the distance with Jones, something only two other fighters can claim, but he lost by unanimous decision nonetheless.

 

Evans’ most recent battle took place in February when he faced Brazilian Antonio Rogerio Nogueira. The former Michigan State wrestler took the loss via unanimous decision in what had to be the most uninspiring performance of his career.

 

UFC 161 Fight Predictions: It is do or die time for both of these fighters. Should Evans hope to get another crack at the belt, he must defeat Henderson. But more than that, to stay a viable UFC commodity, Evans must avoid a third consecutive loss. For Henderson, time is the biggest factor. He desperately wants a shot at Jones and he will, in all probability, get one if he can take out Evans. Henderson’s game plan is simple; however, as many fighters can attest, it is effective. He wants to land the big overhand right and put guys to sleep. Henderson’s granite chin (the guy has never been knocked out in 38 professional fights) allows him to stalk his opponents and absorb a tremendous amount of punishment in order to get what he wants. Evans will have the speed advantage, but he will need to get in and out quickly. The longer this fight goes the better Evans chances at victory. Henderson lost a lot of steam in his five-round battle with Rua and age and injury will do nothing to put more gas in his tank come the championship rounds. Henderson is certainly a live dog here, but the slight lean goes to Evans.

 

 

Rashad Evans -130 vs Dan Henderson +100 (Main Card - PPV)
Roy Nelson -260 vs Stipe Miocic +200 (Main Card - PPV)
Alexis Davis -500 vs Rosi Sexton +300 (Main Card - PPV)
Pat Barry -125 vs Shawn Jordan -105 (Main Card - PPV)
Ryan Jimmo -300 vs Igor Pokrajac +240 (Main Card - PPV)
Tyron Woodley -200 vs Jake Shields +160 (FX Network)
San Stout -250 vs James Krause +190 (FX Network)
Sean Pierson -145 vs Kenny Robertson +115 (FX Network)
Roland Delorme -200 vs Edwin Figueroa +160 (FX Network)
Yves Jabouin -500 vs Dustin Pague +300 (Facebook)
John Maguire -270 vs Mitch Clarke +210 (Facebook)

 

What UFC bettors need to know about betting Rashad Evans vs Dan Henderson on Saturday (6/15/13) -- a free pick from Pregame.com's Vegas Runner, with host Steve Fezzik.