Looking at the UFC 103 fight card, we don’t see any title matches, but it’s clear the the UFC talent pool is deepening. The card features four or five solid fights; let’s make some picks for Koscheck/Trigg and Griffin/Franca.
Josh Koscheck (12-4) vs Frank Trigg (19-6)
UFC 103 betting odds: Koscheck -400, Trigg +300
Frank Trigg siting! After four years away from the UFC, Trigg returns to the Octagon. While he never rose above No. 1 contender status in the UFC—he lost two title fights to Matt Hughes and got his clock cleaned by Georges St-Pierre—he was always a solid fighter. Trigg combined boxing with solid wrestling and submission skills. Now 37 years old, hes’ a big underdog against Josh Koscheck, one of the sport’s best wrestlers. Koscheck is a great athlete capable of learning new skills quickly; when he brutalized Yoshiyuki Yoshida last December, he showcased newfound knockout power. Since Trigg (a) will be rusty (b) is old and (c) typically struggles against good wrestlers, he’s in big trouble against Koscheck. Don’t expect any miracles when you make your picks.
Betting services recommend: Koscheck -400
Tyson Griffin (13-2) vs Hermes Franca (19-7)
UFC 103 betting odds: Griffin -300, Franca +240
Saturday night could be a breakthrough night for one of the UFC’s most underrated lightweights. Tyson Griffin, a strong wrestler with crisp striking, gets it done pretty much every time he fights. He’s never been stopped and some fight fans—myself included—thought he beat Sean Sherk, so he could easily be 14-1. Hermes Franca isn’t an easy opponent as he’s a submission specialist who can flash knockout power too, but
Betting services recommend: