In NFL betting last season, the Cardinals taught us in the playoffs that they could hang with the big boys even when no one thought they "deserved to be there." At UFC 102, Kryzysztof Soszynski could do the same. He'll battle Brandon Vera in a light heavyweight bout as a replacement for Matt Hamill but, interestingly enough, could be a tougher opponent for Vera than Hamill. Let's make a pick.
Brandon "The Truth" Vera
Record: 10-3
Notable victories: Frank Mir
UFC 102 fight card odds: -180
STRENGTHS: If you like power when you make your sports picks, Vera has it in spades. The former military wrestler is a big light heavyweight, having beaten huge fighters like Frank Mir at heavyweight. He has vicious knockout power with his Muay Thai knees and kicks. While he doesn't fight on the ground much anymore, he has a Greco-Roman wrestling background.
WEAKNESSES: Throughout his UFC career, Vera's desire has been questioned, as he sometimes showed up for fights out of shape. He has, however, looked sharper since dropping down a weight class. Since Vera usually goes for knockout, Soszynski will have the advantage if the fight goes to the ground.
Kryzysztof "The Polish Experiment" Soszyznski
Record: 18-8-1
Notable victories: None
UFC 102 fight card odds: +150
STRENGTHS: The Polish Experiment has slowly come into his own as a wrestler and Jiu-Jitsu grappler. He's a a big 205-pounder like Vera and isn't likely to be overpowered. He's good at using his body weight to control opponents on the ground and set up submissions.
WEAKNESSES: Though he's a big guy, Soszynski isn't really a power puncher. He did, however, surprise when he knocked out Andre Gusmao in his last fight. He'll still be in trouble if he tries to trade punches with Vera. Also, whereas Vera has faced the Likes of Frank Mir, Tim Sylvia and Fabricio Wedrum, Soszynski hasn't really been tested. Vera will be his toughest opponent yet.
Best betting management pick: Kryzysztof Soszynski +150. I like what I've seen from him lately -- he's steadily improved every fight and has won six straight bouts, including all three of his UFC fights. He'll have to be careful against Vera, but I think he can pull off the submission if he gets him on the ground. Go with the more focused, intelligent fighter and pick Soszynski.
Brandon "The Truth" Vera
Record: 10-3
Notable victories: Frank Mir
UFC 102 fight card odds: -180
STRENGTHS: If you like power when you make your sports picks, Vera has it in spades. The former military wrestler is a big light heavyweight, having beaten huge fighters like Frank Mir at heavyweight. He has vicious knockout power with his Muay Thai knees and kicks. While he doesn't fight on the ground much anymore, he has a Greco-Roman wrestling background.
WEAKNESSES: Throughout his UFC career, Vera's desire has been questioned, as he sometimes showed up for fights out of shape. He has, however, looked sharper since dropping down a weight class. Since Vera usually goes for knockout, Soszynski will have the advantage if the fight goes to the ground.
Kryzysztof "The Polish Experiment" Soszyznski
Record: 18-8-1
Notable victories: None
UFC 102 fight card odds: +150
STRENGTHS: The Polish Experiment has slowly come into his own as a wrestler and Jiu-Jitsu grappler. He's a a big 205-pounder like Vera and isn't likely to be overpowered. He's good at using his body weight to control opponents on the ground and set up submissions.
WEAKNESSES: Though he's a big guy, Soszynski isn't really a power puncher. He did, however, surprise when he knocked out Andre Gusmao in his last fight. He'll still be in trouble if he tries to trade punches with Vera. Also, whereas Vera has faced the Likes of Frank Mir, Tim Sylvia and Fabricio Wedrum, Soszynski hasn't really been tested. Vera will be his toughest opponent yet.
Best betting management pick: Kryzysztof Soszynski +150. I like what I've seen from him lately -- he's steadily improved every fight and has won six straight bouts, including all three of his UFC fights. He'll have to be careful against Vera, but I think he can pull off the submission if he gets him on the ground. Go with the more focused, intelligent fighter and pick Soszynski.
