UFC 188 Betting Preview: Velasquez vs. Werdum

With contributions from Ali Dar.

There can be only one.

In a matchup of the two finest heavyweights on the planet, interim champion Fabricio Werdum faces champion Cain Velasquez with the winner earning sole possession of the UFC heavyweight title.

UFC 188 Coverage

• Staff Predictions
• Betting Preview
• 3 things you need to know

Here's a betting overview of the UFC 188 main card:

Cain Velasquez vs. Fabricio Werdum

Odds:

Analysis: Fabricio Werdum already shocked the world once when he tapped out legendary heavyweight Fedor Emelianenko back in 2010, and he's hoping to catch lightning in a bottle again against certified woodchipper Cain Velasquez on Saturday night.

A wizard on the floor, if Werdum is able to survive Velasquez's face-mangling ground-and-pound, it's not outside the realm of possibility that he snatches a slick, fight-ending submission.

The Play: Werdum +429 (Pinnacle)

The Prop: I expect Velasquez to win this fight, but Werdum pulling off the upset would not shock me. He's a world class jiu-jitsu grappler and if Velasquez takes this fight to the ground, Werdum sinking in a submission off of a mistake becomes a very real possibility. Werdum wins by submission +925 (5Dimes)

Gilbert Melendez vs. Eddie Alvarez

Odds:

Analysis: A grudge match years in the making, both Gilbert Melendez and Eddie Alvarez have the necessary tools to contend in the terrifying shark tank known as the lightweight division.

Although Alvarez has the kind of stout boxing to piece up Melendez on the feet, the impossibly rugged El Nino invites a fire-fight, and, should things get a little too hairy on the feet, he will likely take Alvarez down and grind him out with suffocating top control and a steady stream of ground-and-pound.

The Play: Melendez -165 (5Dimes)

The Prop: Historically, both fighters are very durable, but age is starting to catch up to them. Fighting in Mexico means a lot to Melendez and he'll likely want to put on a show for the fans. Expect a brawl with someone hitting the canvas before the bell. Fight doesn't go to decision +155 (5Dimes)

Kelvin Gastelum vs. Nate Marquardt

Odds:

Analysis: Kelvin Gastelum is younger and less shop worn than Nate Marquardt, but his forced move up to middleweight may not go smoothly against the wily veteran.

If the well-rounded Marquardt proves durable enough to survive Gasteulum's initial wave of pressure, he has enough tools in the old toolbelt to score an improbable upset.

The Play: Marquardt +400 (5Dimes)

The Prop: Gastelum was a killer at welterweight and while he's too small to be fighting at middleweight, he shouldn't have much trouble with the greatly diminished Marquardt. Whether he ends it on the ground or on the feet is up to Gastelum. Gastelum wins inside distance +110 (5Dimes)

Yair Rodriguez vs. Charles Rosa

Odds:

Analysis: Rodriguez is an intriguing young prospect with an array of weapons at his disposal, but Rosa will likely prove to be a bridge too far for the 22-year-old.

Rosa will relentlessly pursue the takedown, and once he gets the fight to the floor, will dominate from top position. Sure, Rodriguez has a chance whenever the fight stays vertical, but it likely won't, and Rosa will either grind out a decision or snatch a submission.

The Play: Rosa -209 (Pinnacle)

The Prop: Rosa is an excellent grappler and he'll want to take the fight to the ground going up against a Taekwondo fighter. Once he gets it there, he's in complete control and with Rodriguez's lack of fight experience, he'll struggle fending off the submission. Rosa wins by submission +275 (5Dimes)

Tecia Torres vs. Angela Hill

Odds:

Analysis: In a battle of Ultimate Fighter housemates, Tecia Torres is likely a little too seasoned and well-rounded for Angela Hill.

The still-evolving Hill can unleash hell in the clinch, but Torres is the superior wrestler, and has a better overall striking game. It may not be a life-changing, division-altering performance, but Torres will do just enough to get the job done.

The Play: Torres -275 (Pinnacle)

The Prop: The Tiny Tornado is a very good striker, but she doesn't have the power to knock an opponent out. If she stays on the outside of Hill and watches out for her power, she should get judges decision with her level of activity. Torres wins by decision -101 (5Dimes)

(Odds courtesy: 5Dimes, Bovada, Pinnacle)