Bellator 159 – Caldwell vs. Taimanglo Betting Picks
MAIN CARD
(Spike, 9 p.m. ET, 6 p.m. PT)
Darrion Caldwell vs. Joe Taimanglo
Melvin Guillard vs. David Rickels
Emily Ducote vs. Bruna Vargas
Emmanuel Sanchez vs. Daniel Weichel
Official bets:
David Rickels
1u at -158 (pinnacle.com)
Bruna Vargas
1u at -247 (pinnacle.com)
Daniel Weichel
1u at -200 (bookmaker.eu)
Round robin parlay:
.2u on Caldwell, Rickels, Vargas, Weichel
(7 bets for a total of 1.4u) at +114 (pinnacle.com)
Summary:
Doing quick research on these fighters and just looking at the physical measurements between them, I have to side with all the favorites tonight. I was considering an underdog play on Guillard based on his legit KO power, but after seeing him completely miss weight (at 157.9) and his general aloofness at the weigh-ins, I’m leaning pretty heavy on Rickels (sidenote: also coming in with hometown advantage) to take this fight, I can see a submission or decision from him. However Guillard can catch him with a big punch and end it, Rickels has been knocked out a few times. If Rickels avoids getting KO he will be able to out-cardio and out-grapple Guillard. For the rest of the fights my choice is based on a combination of experience and distinct physical advantages.
Statistically, I should expect to get at least one of these wrong, so I’ll be on the lookout for the dog upset this Friday night. If Taimanglo takes it, as a +1000 dog, we’ll all be wishing we bet on him, and he would register as one of the biggest MMA odds upsets in all history (if not THE biggest upset). Should be fun.
