The UFC 89 betting line for Brandon Vera’s fight with Keith Jardine currently has Vera listed as a heavy, -180 favorite. One of the most interesting variables to consider as you evaluate these UFC betting odds is the fact that Vera recently dropped his weight to 205 pounds in order to fight in the light heavyweight class, after previously fighting as a heavyweight. Anyone handicapping this UFC betting line is undoubtedly aware that many questions have been raised regarding Vera’s ability to fight successfully at his new weight, and the answers to these questions may determine where the best value lies in the UFC betting line.

The UFC 89 betting line favors Vera not only because of his success, but also due to the recent 36 second knockout that Jardine suffered in UFC 84. While Vera once held lots of promise, his final two fights as a heavyweight resulted in losses to Tim Sylvia and Fabricio Werdum. Following, Vera dropped to 205 pounds and earned a unanimous-decision victory over Reese Andy, but Vera should have won more handily than he did. As a result, some analysts believe the UFC 89 betting line has been set too high and the UFC 89 betting line should really feature Vera as a much smaller favorite, or even the underdog.

These analysts argue that the UFC 89 betting line should recognize that Vera has yet to prove he can do damage as a light heavyweight. There is little question that losing weight can significantly impact a fighter, affecting both his power and stamina, and these factors must be considered into the UFC 89 betting line. While some fighters are able to handle such changes, Vera’s uninspired victory over Andy does not instil much confidence. Moreover, Vera has never been known as a particularly hard striker, and his weight loss may exacerbate this issue. Consequently, as you examine the UFC 89 betting odds you must decide whether Vera’s weight loss will lead to another poor result.

Nevertheless, it is still too early to completely write off Vera as a has-been. Vera’s undeniable talents have influenced the UFC 89 betting line that lists him as a heavy favorite and Vera may still prove to offer excellent value in the UFC 89 betting odds. Not long ago Vera was an 8-0 fighter, and no one can achieve such a stellar record without genuine talents. Furthermore, with so many people questioning Vera’s ability, he undoubtedly understands that he must beat Jardine. Therefore, as you examine the UFC 89 betting line you should acknowledge that the stakes of this fight are particularly high for Vera. Sometimes, fighters end up offering deceptively good value when they are in must-win situations, and the UFC 89 betting line may provide just this value. In other words, Vera’s weight loss should be considered as you assess the UFC 89 betting odds, but Vera’s need to win may impact this UFC 89 betting line as well.

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Smith

Published on: December 2, 2010
Last updated: February 4, 2021

UFC