The UFC returns to Fuel TV tonight for the 10th time as heavyweights Antonio Rodrigo “Minotauro” Nogueira and Fabricio Werdum headline a 12 fight card at the Paulo Sarasate Arena in Fortaleza, Brazil. Start time for this evening’s UFC event on Fuel TV is set for 8:00pm ET. The latest UFC on Fuel TV Fight Predictions and Odds from offshore bookmaker Sportsbook.ag have Werdum listed as a -280 moneyline favorite in tonight’s main event scrap. Nogueira is drawing +220 odds ($100 wins $220) to earn his second win over Werdum.
Tonight marks the second meeting between “Minotauro” Nogueira and Fabricio Werdum as the two squared off as PRIDE fighters in July of 2006. Nogueira won that fight via unanimous decision, yet, he enters this evening’s battle a decided underdog.
Cleary on the downside of what has been a spectacular career, Nogueira, who owns a 34-7-1 record, has dropped three of his last six fights and all three of those setbacks were finishes.
The slightly younger Werdum, on the other hand, appears to be hitting his stride. Following a first round loss to Junior dos Santos at UFC 90, Werdum headed to the now defunct Strikeforce promotion where he compiled a 3-1 record, scoring wins over Mike Kyle, Antonio Silva, and Fedor Emelianenko.
Since returning to the UFC early last year, Werdum has registered wins against Roy Nelson and Mike Russow. Should he win tonight, he could work his way into the title mix in the heavyweight division.
Fight Predictions: Momentum would appear to be on Werdum’s side; however, Minotauro is still a dangerous fighter. Noguiera is a better striker than Werdum and both fighters are exceptional on the ground. And, while Big Nog has three losses in his last six fights, they came against excellent competition (Frank Mir, Cain Velasquez). Take the +220 dog money on the old timer. Other underdog considerations: Jason High +300, Thiago Silva +160.
Fabricio Werdum -280 vs Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira +220 (Main Card)
Leo Santos -250 vs William Macario +190 (Main Card)
Rafael Cavalcante -190 vs Thiago Silva +160 (Main Card)
Daniel Sarafian -450 vs Eddie Mendez +300 (Main Card)
Erick Silva -450 vs Jason High +300 (Main Card)
Rony Jason -450 vs Mike Wilkinson +300 (Main Card)
Raphael Assuncao -370 vs Vaughan Lee +280 (Facebook)
Felipe Arantes -220 vs Godofredo Pepey +170 (Facebook)
Ildemar Alcantara -170 vs Leandro Silva +140 (Facebook)
Rodrigo Damm -165 vs Mizuto Hirota +135 (Facebook)
Antonio Braga Neto -300 vs Anthony Smith +240 (Facebook)
Karlos Vemola -125 vs Caio Magalhaes -105 (Facebook)