Contributor: Nolan Howell
Is handing out toilet paper in the form of dollar bills to the homeless getting to be troublesome? Playing tiddlywinks with your silver dollars becoming kind of a bore as of late?
Welcome to Undercard Superstar’s guide to gambling, where you can get po’ in one night if you play your cards right! As your resident financial adviser in MMA gambling, it is my duty to inform you that nobody affiliated with Undercard Superstar is accountable for any losses. In fact, you probably brought it upon yourself for reading this. So, seriously, you’ve been warned.
This time around, we are looking at Bellator 106. The former PPV card is very nice looking for a free television card. Two titles and one interim belt are up for grabs, along with prestige comparable to that “Good Effort” ribbon you got in kindergarten being up for grabs in the form of the Fight Master finale.
Luckily for you, I am here to ensure that you will need two knee replacement surgeries should you gamble away your earnings. Let’s talk turkey.
All lines provided by Bovada.
Main Card Values
- Mike Richman: +130 vs. Akop Stepanyan: -160
- Joe Riggs: -210 vs. Mike Bronzoulis: +170
- Muhammad Lawal: -450 vs. Emanuel Newton: +325
- Pat Curran: -400 vs. Daniel Straus: +300
- Michael Chandler: -275 vs. Eddie Alvarez: +215
Examining the main card, I like the underdog in nearly all of the fights for a small bet. However, that isn’t too realistic to blow away all that cash (thought it hasn’t stopped me before), so here goes with some of my favorites.
Mike Richman is one of my particular favorites here. While Akop Stepanyan is a mad man in the cage with some unorthodox, yet beautiful striking, Richman’s sharp boxing and nasty head kick game cannot be discounted. While Stepanyan can keep him at range with his weird spin/Taekwondo kick game, I think Richman can knife in and out smoothly to take a decision.
Mike Bronzoulis interests me as a young striker who seems to be on a roll. Combine that with Joe Riggs sounding like he needs to be sent to the rocking chair soon and I think he comes away with the win here. However, it is too chancy with a veteran like Riggs to take out a bet here.
Emanuel Newton could very well have King Mo’s number here. His striking cadence is as unorthodox as it comes and it measures up well with Mo’s most basic of basic striking skills, as evidenced in the last fight where Newton tagged Mo at will prior to the end of the bout. I like a small bet on a tough, underrated Newton here.
Straus and Alvarez are probably the two least glamorous bets on this card. I do believe Straus will win with his incredible pace and transition from striking to grappling, but considering what a roll Curran has been on, it is safest to stay away. Alvarez has been getting older while Chandler has been improving and this fight will play out much more definitively for the champion this time around.
Final Thoughts
This Bellator card is surprisingly competitive, where a case can be made for most all the underdogs here. Unfortunately, the money bags have run dry for this young, handsome, hard-working, self-made millionaire and I believe I’ll let Johnny Cash do the talking for me.
My budget: $0.00
My bets: My life and honor on none of Newton’s strikes being feminine to earn immortality and eternal respect.
Recommendations: Small bets on Bronzoulis, Richman, Newton, and/or Straus. Also, watch for live betting for some good values. Avoid parlays.
Remember, folks, to never bet anything you can’t afford to lose.
-Nolan can be reached @nolanhowell.
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