This is not an attempt to suggest the rating system is more accurate than gambling odds.  Gamblers can analyze each fight individually, while the rating system uses a variety of mathematical routines to supply a primary fighter rating that is focused on ranking recent achievement, with a secondary priority of gauging future expectation.

With that said, there are some caveats to using the rating vs. odds comparison straight-up — the “Gotcha” list:

1. System inability to project the exact effects of a recent divisional change.
2. System inability to project the exact effects of recent inactivity or short-notice.
3. Poor matchmaking / limited careers / “changing of the guard”.
4. Notable home advantage.
5. System inability to project style differences.
6. System inability to factor in bad judging or overturned decisions.

But this stuff (especially #5) is pretty much common sense.  We try to partially factor in #1-#3 when we compute the ratings, but #5 and #6 is something that the human can factor in, that the system can’t.  For the sake of these articles, we’ll attempt to factor in #4 when relevant.  Home advantage can have a slight effect, but likely not enough to sway the “I’d bet on” decision.

Experienced gamblers know that it’s not about being right the most, it’s about making the most money.  So in the usual table, I’ll add the “I’d bet on” column and analyze the rating/odds gap plus points #1-4 that I listed above.  I’ll leave #5 and #6 to the fully subjective analyses — of which I’m sure there will be plenty.

The gotchas aren’t necessarily comprehensive, but I have noted them as I come across them and when they are considered in the decision.

Having said all that, let’s get started:

Ratings vs. Odds

Featherweight Championship (145)
[#1/#4DD] Jose Aldo (22-1-0, -645) vs. [#16] Chan Sung Jung (13-3-0, +530)
Jose Aldo is the All-Time #1 ranked Featherweight and #11 ranked Absolute fighter.

Last 3 Fights: Jose Aldo (3-0-0)
2013-02-02: W vs. [#2FW] Frankie Edgar (16-4-1) via UD (49-46, 49-46, 48-47)
2012-01-14: W vs. [#6FW] Chad Mendes (14-1-0) via KO (Knee) in 4:59 of round 1
2011-10-08: W vs. [*] Kenny Florian (14-6-0) via UD (49-46, 49-46, 49-46)

Last 3 Fights: Chan Sung Jung (3-0-0)
2012-05-15: W vs. [#30FW] Dustin Poirier (13-3-0) via Technical Submission (Brabo Choke) in 1:07 of round 4
2011-12-10: W vs. [*] Mark Hominick (20-12-0) via KO (Punches) in 0:07 of round 1
2011-03-26: W vs. [#98FW] Leonard Garcia (16-11-1) via Submission (Twister) in 4:59 of round 2

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Jose Aldo 182, Chan Sung Jung 445
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: Even: Both have 1 win(s) against common opposition.
.

Light Heavyweight (205)
[#2] Lyoto Machida (19-3-0, -340) vs. [#15] Phil Davis (11-1-0, +306)
Lyoto Machida is the All-Time #7 ranked Light Heavyweight and #16 ranked Absolute fighter.

Last 3 Fights: Lyoto Machida (2-1-0)
2013-02-23: W vs. [#4LHW] Dan Henderson (29-10-0) via SD (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
2012-08-04: W vs. [#9LHW] Ryan Bader (15-3-0) via KO (Punches) in 1:32 of round 2
2011-12-10: L vs. [#1LHW/#3DD] Jon Jones (18-1-0) via Technical Submission (Guillotine Choke) in 4:26 of round 2

Last 3 Fights: Phil Davis (2-0-0, 1 NC)
2013-04-27: W vs. [#32LHW] Vinny Magalhaes (10-6-0) via UD (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
2012-10-13: W vs. [#233LHW] Wagner Prado (8-2-0) via Submission (Anaconda Choke) in 4:29 of round 2
2012-08-04: NC vs. [#233LHW] Wagner Prado (8-2-0) via NC (Accidental Eye Poke) in 1:28 of round 1

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Lyoto Machida 161, Phil Davis 98
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: Lyoto Machida leads 1-0
.

Middleweight (185)
[#265] Cezar Ferreira (5-2-0, -412) vs. [#800WW] Thiago Santos (8-1-0, +328)

Last 3 Fights: Cezar Ferreira (2-1-0)
2012-06-23: W vs. [#436WW] Sergio Moraes (7-2-0) via UD (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
2011-08-20: L vs. [#38MW] Elvis Mutapcic (13-2-0) via KO (Punch) in 0:25 of round 1
2011-04-16: W vs. [*] Chaun Sims (5-2-0) via KO (Punch) in 0:17 of round 1

Last 3 Fights: Thiago Santos (2-1-0)
2012-07-27: W vs. [NA] Denis Figueira da Silva (1-4-0) via TKO (Head Kick and Punches) in ? of round 1
2012-04-28: L vs. [#399MW] Vicente Luque (6-4-1) via TKO (Punches) in ? of round 1
2012-03-03: W vs. [#1237WW] Junior Vidal (3-10-0) via TKO (Punches) in ? of round 1

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Cezar Ferreira 406, Thiago Santos 372
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: No common opposition or both are winless against common opposition.
.
Keep Reading

This is not an attempt to suggest the rating system is more accurate than gambling odds.  Gamblers can analyze each fight individually, while the rating system uses a variety of mathematical routines to supply a primary fighter rating that is focused on ranking recent achievement, with a secondary priority of gauging future expectation.

With that said, there are some caveats to using the rating vs. odds comparison straight-up — the “Gotcha” list:

1. System inability to project the exact effects of a recent divisional change.
2. System inability to project the exact effects of recent inactivity or short-notice.
3. Poor matchmaking / limited careers / “changing of the guard”.
4. Notable home advantage.
5. System inability to project style differences.
6. System inability to factor in bad judging or overturned decisions.

But this stuff (especially #5) is pretty much common sense.  We try to partially factor in #1-#3 when we compute the ratings, but #5 and #6 is something that the human can factor in, that the system can’t.  For the sake of these articles, we’ll attempt to factor in #4 when relevant.  Home advantage can have a slight effect, but likely not enough to sway the “I’d bet on” decision.

Experienced gamblers know that it’s not about being right the most, it’s about making the most money.  So in the usual table, I’ll add the “I’d bet on” column and analyze the rating/odds gap plus points #1-4 that I listed above.  I’ll leave #5 and #6 to the fully subjective analyses — of which I’m sure there will be plenty.

The gotchas aren’t necessarily comprehensive, but I have noted them as I come across them and when they are considered in the decision.

Having said all that, let’s get started:

Ratings vs. Odds

One of our viewers, Bryan Stone has been using our rankings to preview upcoming UFC events. Check out his video below and give him some thumbs up!

Flyweight Championship (125)
[#1/#9DD] Demetrious Johnson (17-2-1, -438) vs. [#5] John Moraga (13-1-0, +389)
Demetrious Johnson is the All-Time #7 ranked Flyweight fighter.

Last 3 Fights: Demetrious Johnson (3-0-0)
2013-01-26: W vs. [#6FLY] John Dodson (14-6-0) via UD (48-47, 48-47, 49-46)
2012-09-22: W vs. [#2FLY/#10DD] Joseph Benavidez (18-3-0) via SD (48-47, 47-48, 49-46)
2012-06-08: W vs. [#8FLY] Ian McCall (11-4-1) via UD (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)

Last 3 Fights: John Moraga (3-0-0)
2012-12-29: W vs. [#26FLY] Chris Cariaso (14-6-0) via Submission (Guillotine Choke) in 1:11 of round 3
2012-08-04: W vs. [#72FLY] Ulysses Gomez (9-4-0) via KO (Elbows and Punches) in 3:46 of round 1
2012-07-07: W vs. [#763BW] Jose Carbajal (5-6-0) via UD (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Demetrious Johnson 182, John Moraga 210
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: Demetrious Johnson leads 1-0
.

Welterweight (170)
[#3] Jake Ellenberger (29-6-0, +206) vs. [#10] Rory MacDonald (14-1-0, -225)
Jake Ellenberger is the All-Time #17 ranked Welterweight fighter.

Last 3 Fights: Jake Ellenberger (2-1-0)
2013-03-16: W vs. [#20WW] Nate Marquardt (32-12-2) via KO (Punches) in 3:00 of round 1
2012-10-05: W vs. [#34WW] Jay Hieron (23-7-0) via UD (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
2012-06-01: L vs. [#6WW] Martin Kampmann (20-6-0) via TKO (Knee) in 1:40 of round 2

Last 3 Fights: Rory MacDonald (3-0-0)
2012-12-08: W vs. [#23WW] B.J. Penn (16-9-2) via UD (30-26, 30-27, 30-26)
2012-04-21: W vs. [#89WW] Che Mills (15-6-0) via TKO (Punches) in 2:20 of round 2
2011-08-06: W vs. [#13WW] Mike Pyle (25-8-1) via TKO (Punches) in 3:54 of round 1

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Jake Ellenberger 133, Rory MacDonald 231
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: Even: Both have 1 win(s) against common opposition.
.

Welterweight (170)
[#11] Robbie Lawler (20-9-0, -265) vs. [#152] Bobby Voelker (24-9-0, +246)

Last 3 Fights: Robbie Lawler (2-1-0)
2013-02-23: W vs. [#17WW] Josh Koscheck (17-7-0) via TKO (Punches) in 3:57 of round 1
2012-07-14: L vs. [#25MW] Lorenz Larkin (13-1-0) via UD (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
2012-01-07: W vs. [#45WW] Adlan Amagov (12-2-1) via TKO (Flying Knee and Punches) in 1:48 of round 1

Last 3 Fights: Bobby Voelker (2-1-0)
2013-03-16: L vs. [#46WW] Patrick Cote (19-8-0) via UD (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
2011-07-22: W vs. [#259LW] Roger Bowling (11-4-0) via TKO (Knee and Punches) in 2:16 of round 2
2010-10-22: W vs. [#259LW] Roger Bowling (11-4-0) via TKO (Punches) in 3:58 of round 2

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Robbie Lawler 154, Bobby Voelker 133
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: No common opposition or both are winless against common opposition.
.
Keep Reading

Women Featherweight Championship (145)
[#1/#1DD] Marloes Coenen (21-5-0, 145.0lb, +650) vs. [#2] Cristiane Justino (11-1-0, 144.9lb, -675)
Marloes Coenen is the All-Time #4 ranked Women’s fighter.
Cristiane Justino is the All-Time #7 ranked Women’s fighter.

Last 3 Fights: Marloes Coenen (2-1-0)
2012-12-31: W vs. [#18FW] Fiona Muxlow (6-3-0) via Submission (Armbar) in 3:29 of round 1
2012-04-28: W vs. [#7FW] Romy Ruyssen (5-2-0) via UD (30-26, 30-26, 30-26)
2011-07-30: L vs. [#6BW] Miesha Tate (13-4-0) via Submission (Arm Triangle Choke) in 3:03 of round 4

Last 3 Fights: Cristiane Justino (2-0-0, 1 NC)
2013-04-05: W vs. [#18FW] Fiona Muxlow (6-3-0) via TKO (Knees and Punches) in 3:46 of round 1
2011-12-17: NC vs. [#8FW] Hiroko Yamanaka (12-3-0) via No Decision Overturned by CSAC in 0:16 of round 1
2010-06-26: W vs. [NA] Jan Finney (8-10-0) via KO (Knee to the Body) in 2:56 of round 2

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Marloes Coenen 194, Cristiane Justino 99
Previous Match-up Record: Cristiane Justino leads 1-0-0
Wins Against Common Opposition: Marloes Coenen leads 4-2
.

Women Strawweight (115)
[#2/#5DD] Ayaka Hamasaki (9-0-0, 115.3lb, +144) vs. [#8] Claudia Gadelha (10-0-0, 114.5lb, -140)
Ayaka Hamasaki is the All-Time #19 ranked Women’s fighter.

Last 3 Fights: Ayaka Hamasaki (3-0-0)
2012-12-15: W vs. [#12SW] Emi Fujino (12-6-0) via UD ()
2012-07-28: W vs. [#9AW] Lacey Schuckman (9-6-0) via Submission (Armbar) in 4:45 of round 3
2012-05-26: W vs. [#15SW] Yuka Tsuji (24-3-0) via Submission (Kimura) in 3:41 of round 1

Last 3 Fights: Claudia Gadelha (3-0-0)
2013-05-11: W vs. [#41SW] Herica Tiburcio (5-2-0) via UD ()
2012-09-21: W vs. [#54FLY] Adriana Vieira (1-1-0) via TKO (Punches) in 1:35 of round 1
2012-04-20: W vs. [#31BW] Valerie Letourneau (4-3-0) via SD (30-27, 28-29, 29-28)

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Ayaka Hamasaki 210, Claudia Gadelha 63
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: No common opposition or both are winless against common opposition.
.

Women Bantamweight (135)
[#9] Sarah DAlelio (7-3-0, 134.8lb, -145) vs. [#11] Lauren Taylor (6-0-0, 134.8lb, +146)

Last 3 Fights: Sarah DAlelio (2-1-0)
2013-01-05: W vs. [#19BW] Amanda Nunes (7-3-0) via UD (30-26, 30-26, 30-26)
2012-10-06: L vs. [#10BW] Shayna Baszler (15-8-0) via Submission (Rear Naked Choke) in 0:37 of round 2
2012-07-28: W vs. [#3FLY] Vanessa Porto (15-6-0) via Submission (Reverse Triangle Armbar) in 3:16 of round 1

Last 3 Fights: Lauren Taylor (3-0-0)
2013-04-05: W vs. [#25BW] Kaitlin Young (7-8-1) via UD (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
2013-03-01: W vs. [NA] Jennifer Scott (2-3-0) via TKO (Elbows) in 4:10 of round 1
2011-10-28: W vs. [NA] Julia Griffin (2-3-0) via TKO (Punches) in 4:26 of round 2

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Sarah DAlelio 189, Lauren Taylor 99
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: No common opposition or both are winless against common opposition.
.
Keep Reading

Middleweight Championship (185)
[#1/#2DD] Anderson Silva (33-4-0, -244) vs. [#3] Chris Weidman (9-0-0, +196)
Anderson Silva is the All-Time #1 ranked Middleweight and #1 ranked Absolute fighter.
Chris Weidman is the All-Time #22 ranked Middleweight fighter.

Last 3 Fights: Anderson Silva (3-0-0)
2012-10-13: W vs. [*] Stephan Bonnar (15-8-0) via TKO (Knee to the Body and Punches) in 4:40 of round 1
2012-07-07: W vs. [#14LHW] Chael Sonnen (27-13-1) via TKO (Knee to the Body and Punches) in 1:55 of round 2
2011-08-27: W vs. [#4MW] Yushin Okami (29-7-0) via TKO (Punches) in 2:04 of round 2

Last 3 Fights: Chris Weidman (3-0-0)
2012-07-11: W vs. [#14MW] Mark Munoz (12-3-0) via KO (Elbow and Punches) in 1:37 of round 2
2012-01-28: W vs. [#4WW] Demian Maia (18-4-0) via UD (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
2011-11-19: W vs. [#35MW] Tom Lawlor (9-5-0) via Technical Submission (Brabo Choke) in 2:07 of round 1

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Anderson Silva 266, Chris Weidman 360
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: Even: Both have 1 win(s) against common opposition.
.

Featherweight (145)
[#2] Frankie Edgar (15-4-1, -580) vs. [#33] Charles Oliveira (16-3-0, +414)
Frankie Edgar is the All-Time #19 ranked Absolute fighter.

Last 3 Fights: Frankie Edgar (0-3-0)
2013-02-02: L vs. [#1FW/#3DD] Jose Aldo (22-1-0) via UD (49-46, 49-46, 48-47)
2012-08-11: L vs. [#1LW/#6DD] Ben Henderson (19-2-0) via SD (46-49, 48-47, 48-47)
2012-02-26: L vs. [#1LW/#6DD] Ben Henderson (19-2-0) via UD (49-46, 48-47, 49-46)

Last 3 Fights: Charles Oliveira (2-1-0)
2012-09-22: L vs. [#7FW] Cub Swanson (19-5-0) via KO (Punch) in 2:40 of round 1
2012-06-01: W vs. [#99FW] Jonathan Brookins (13-6-0) via Submission (Guillotine Choke) in 2:42 of round 2
2012-01-28: W vs. [#148LW] Eric Wisely (21-8-0) via Submission (Calf Slicer) in 1:43 of round 1

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Frankie Edgar 154, Charles Oliveira 287
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: Frankie Edgar leads 1-0
.

Middleweight (185)
[#12] Roger Gracie (6-1-0, +122) vs. [#20] Tim Kennedy (15-4-0, -149)

Last 3 Fights: Roger Gracie (2-1-0)
2013-01-12: W vs. [#64MW] Anthony Smith (17-10-0) via Submission (Arm Triangle Choke) in 3:16 of round 2
2012-07-14: W vs. [#53MW] Keith Jardine (17-12-2) via UD (29-27, 30-27, 30-26)
2011-09-10: L vs. [#22LHW] Muhammed Lawal (10-2-0) via KO (Punches) in 4:33 of round 1

Last 3 Fights: Tim Kennedy (2-1-0)
2013-01-12: W vs. [#102MW] Trevor Smith (10-3-0) via Submission (Guillotine Choke) in 1:36 of round 3
2012-07-14: L vs. [#7MW] Luke Rockhold (10-2-0) via UD (49-46, 49-46, 49-46)
2011-07-30: W vs. [#11WW] Robbie Lawler (20-9-0) via UD (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Roger Gracie 175, Tim Kennedy 175
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: Even: Both have 1 win(s) against common opposition.
.
Keep Reading

This is not an attempt to suggest the rating system is more accurate than gambling odds.  Gamblers can analyze each fight individually, while the rating system uses a variety of mathematical routines to supply a primary fighter rating that is focused on ranking recent achievement, with a secondary priority of gauging future expectation.

With that said, there are some caveats to using the rating vs. odds comparison straight-up — the “Gotcha” list:

1. System inability to project the exact effects of a recent divisional change.
2. System inability to project the exact effects of recent inactivity or short-notice.
3. Poor matchmaking / limited careers / “changing of the guard”.
4. Notable home advantage.
5. System inability to project style differences.
6. System inability to factor in bad judging or overturned decisions.

But this stuff (especially #5) is pretty much common sense.  We try to partially factor in #1-#3 when we compute the ratings, but #5 and #6 is something that the human can factor in, that the system can’t.  For the sake of these articles, we’ll attempt to factor in #4 when relevant.  Home advantage can have a slight effect, but likely not enough to sway the “I’d bet on” decision.

Experienced gamblers know that it’s not about being right the most, it’s about making the most money.  So in the usual table, I’ll add the “I’d bet on” column and analyze the rating/odds gap plus points #1-4 that I listed above.  I’ll leave #5 and #6 to the fully subjective analyses — of which I’m sure there will be plenty.

The gotchas aren’t necessarily comprehensive, but I have noted them as I come across them and when they are considered in the decision.

Having said all that, let’s get started:

Ratings vs. Odds

The PASS suggests that the odds and ratings difference are nearly identical and/or there are too many gotchas, so neither fighter is a good bet.

Favorites to consider: Jimmo, Nelson

Underdogs to consider:

• Sexton over Davis – Davis holds the stark hometown advantage, but seems to be too large of a favorite.
  
• Jordan over Barry – A slight disagreement between odds and ratings that makes this worthy of a small bet.
• Henderson over Evans – See above.

Light Heavyweight (205)
[#3] Dan Henderson (29-9-0, -105) vs. [#6] Rashad Evans (22-3-1, -121)
Dan Henderson is the All-Time #8 ranked Light Heavyweight and #7 ranked Absolute fighter.
Rashad Evans is the All-Time #7 ranked Light Heavyweight and #21 ranked Absolute fighter.

Last 3 Fights: Dan Henderson (2-1-0)
2013-02-23: L vs. [#2LHW] Lyoto Machida (19-3-0) via SD (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
2011-11-19: W vs. [#7LHW] Mauricio Rua (21-7-0) via UD (48-47, 48-47, 48-47)
2011-07-30: W vs. [*] Fedor Emelianenko (34-4-0) via TKO (Punches) in 4:12 of round 1

Last 3 Fights: Rashad Evans (1-2-0)
2013-02-02: L vs. [#5LHW] Antonio Rogerio Nogueira (21-5-0) via UD (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
2012-04-21: L vs. [#1LHW/#3DD] Jon Jones (18-1-0) via UD (50-45, 49-46, 49-46)
2012-01-28: W vs. [#15LHW] Phil Davis (11-1-0) via UD (50-45, 50-45, 50-45)

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Dan Henderson 112, Rashad Evans 133
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: Rashad Evans leads 2-1
.

Heavyweight (265)
[#30] Shawn Jordan (14-4-0, -105) vs. [#47] Pat Barry (8-5-0, -119)

Last 3 Fights: Shawn Jordan (2-1-0)
2013-01-26: W vs. [#42HW+] Mike Russow (15-3-0) via TKO (Punches and Elbows) in 3:48 of round 2
2012-07-21: L vs. [#20HW+] Cheick Kongo (18-8-2) via UD (30-28, 30-27, 30-27)
2012-03-03: W vs. [#260HW+] Oli Thompson (10-5-0) via TKO (Punches) in 1:07 of round 2

Last 3 Fights: Pat Barry (2-1-0)
2012-12-15: W vs. [#112HW+] Shane del Rosario (11-2-0) via KO (Punches) in 0:26 of round 2
2012-05-05: L vs. [#46HW+] Lavar Johnson (17-7-0) via TKO (Punches) in 4:38 of round 1
2012-01-20: W vs. [*] Christian Morecraft (7-3-0) via KO (Punches) in 3:38 of round 1

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Shawn Jordan 140, Pat Barry 182
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: Shawn Jordan leads 1-0
.

Women Bantamweight (135)
[#5] Alexis Davis (13-5-0, -390) vs. [#3FLY/#8DD] Rosi Sexton (13-2-0, +308)
Alexis Davis is the All-Time #22 ranked Women’s fighter.

Last 3 Fights: Alexis Davis (2-1-0)
2013-01-05: W vs. [#10BW] Shayna Baszler (15-8-0) via Technical Submission (Rear Naked Choke) in 0:58 of round 3
2012-07-28: W vs. [#15BW] Hitomi Akano (18-10-0) via Submission (Rear Naked Choke) in 3:41 of round 2
2012-03-03: L vs. [#4BW] Sarah Kaufman (16-2-0) via MD (29-29, 29-28, 29-28)

Last 3 Fights: Rosi Sexton (3-0-0)
2012-06-02: W vs. [#14FLY] Aisling Daly (12-5-0) via UD (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
2011-02-26: W vs. [NA] Roxanne Modafferi (15-10-0) via UD (30-27, 30-28, 30-29)
2010-11-27: W vs. [#29SW] Sally Krumdiack (9-7-0) via TKO (Punches) in 4:07 of round 2

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Alexis Davis 161, Rosi Sexton 378
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: No common opposition or both are winless against common opposition.
.
Keep Reading

Welterweight (170)
[#18] Jon Fitch (24-5-1) vs. [#24] Josh Burkman (26-9-0)
Jon Fitch is the All-Time #3 ranked Welterweight and #24 ranked Absolute fighter.

Last 3 Fights: Jon Fitch (1-2-0)
2013-02-02: L vs. [#4WW] Demian Maia (18-4-0) via UD (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
2012-10-13: W vs. [#28WW] Erick Silva (15-3-0) via UD (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
2011-12-30: L vs. [#2WW/#8DD] Johny Hendricks (15-1-0) via KO (Punch) in 0:12 of round 1

Last 3 Fights: Josh Burkman (3-0-0)
2013-03-23: W vs. [#53WW] Aaron Simpson (12-5-0) via TKO (Knee and Punches) in 3:04 of round 1
2012-11-03: W vs. [#58WW] Gerald Harris (21-5-0) via UD (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
2012-08-25: W vs. [#345WW] Jamie Yager (6-4-0) via Submission (Guillotine Choke) in 3:25 of round 2

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Jon Fitch 132, Josh Burkman 83
Previous Match-up Record: Jon Fitch leads 1-0-0
Wins Against Common Opposition: No common opposition or both are winless against common opposition.
.

Welterweight (170)
[#50] Steve Carl (19-3-0) vs. [#240] Tyson Steele (10-1-0)

Last 3 Fights: Steve Carl (3-0-0)
2012-11-03: W vs. [#188WW] Ramico Blackmon (8-2-0) via Submission (Rear Naked Choke) in 2:11 of round 1
2012-08-11: W vs. [#242WW] Andrew Trace (7-2-0) via Submission (Rear Naked Choke) in 0:55 of round 1
2012-07-28: W vs. [NA] Vic Hall (3-14-0) via Submission (Rear Naked Choke) in 1:25 of round 1

Last 3 Fights: Tyson Steele (3-0-0)
2012-11-03: W vs. [#704WW] Gregor Gracie (7-3-0) via TKO (Knee and Punches) in 4:52 of round 1
2012-09-15: W vs. [#347WW] Jarod Milko (7-2-0) via UD (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
2011-10-01: W vs. [*] Ben Stewart (4-1-0) via Submission (Rear Naked Choke) in 0:54 of round 1

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Steve Carl 223, Tyson Steele 223
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: No common opposition or both are winless against common opposition.
.

Lightweight (155)
[#65WW] Lyle Beerbohm (21-2-0) vs. [#45] Jacob Volkmann (15-4-0)

Last 3 Fights: Lyle Beerbohm (3-0-0)
2013-03-30: W vs. [#1020WW] Justin Larsson (5-5-0) via Submission (Rear Naked Choke) in 2:42 of round 2
2013-01-12: W vs. [NA] Chris Ensley (5-24-0) via TKO (Punches) in 0:17 of round 2
2012-08-23: W vs. [#497MW] Kenny Ento (13-10-0) via Submission (Rear Naked Choke) in 4:28 of round 1

Last 3 Fights: Jacob Volkmann (1-2-0)
2013-02-02: L vs. [#26LW] Bobby Green (20-5-0) via Submission (Rear Naked Choke) in 4:25 of round 3
2012-10-05: W vs. [*] Shane Roller (11-7-0) via Submission (Neck Crank) in 2:38 of round 1
2012-05-26: L vs. [#66LW] Paul Sass (13-2-0) via Submission (Triangle Armbar) in 1:54 of round 1

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Lyle Beerbohm 76, Jacob Volkmann 132
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: No common opposition or both are winless against common opposition.
.
Keep Reading

This is not an attempt to suggest the rating system is more accurate than gambling odds.  Gamblers can analyze each fight individually, while the rating system uses a variety of mathematical routines to supply a primary fighter rating that is focused on ranking recent achievement, with a secondary priority of gauging future expectation.

With that said, there are some caveats to using the rating vs. odds comparison straight-up — the “Gotcha” list:

1. System inability to project the exact effects of a recent divisional change.
2. System inability to project the exact effects of recent inactivity or short-notice.
3. Poor matchmaking / limited careers / “changing of the guard”.
4. Notable home advantage.
5. System inability to project style differences.
6. System inability to factor in bad judging or overturned decisions.

But this stuff (especially #5) is pretty much common sense.  We try to partially factor in #1-#3 when we compute the ratings, but #5 and #6 is something that the human can factor in, that the system can’t.  For the sake of these articles, we’ll attempt to factor in #4 when relevant.  Home advantage can have a slight effect, but likely not enough to sway the “I’d bet on” decision.

Experienced gamblers know that it’s not about being right the most, it’s about making the most money.  So in the usual table, I’ll add the “I’d bet on” column and analyze the rating/odds gap plus points #1-4 that I listed above.  I’ll leave #5 and #6 to the fully subjective analyses — of which I’m sure there will be plenty.

The gotchas aren’t necessarily comprehensive, but I have noted them as I come across them and when they are considered in the decision.

Having said all that, let’s get started:

Ratings vs. Odds

The PASS suggests that the odds and ratings difference are nearly identical and/or there are too many gotchas, so neither fighter is a good bet.

Favorites to consider: NONE

Underdogs to consider:

• Mendez over Sarafian – A respectable flier on a big underdog that is comparable in ranking to the favorite.
  
• High over Silva – See above.  High has been on quite a streak as well.
• Brunson over Markes – Another case where the home fighter is getting (perhaps) a bit too much credit.
• Castro over Arantes – Arantes has a fraction of a rating point over Castro, while he is a -221 favorite.

Heavyweight (265)
[#5] Fabricio Werdum (16-5-1, -300) vs. [#10] Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira (34-7-1, +237)
Fabricio Werdum is the All-Time #9 ranked Heavyweight fighter.
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira is the All-Time #2 ranked Heavyweight and #5 ranked Absolute fighter.

Last 3 Fights: Fabricio Werdum (2-1-0)
2012-06-23: W vs. [#42HW+] Mike Russow (15-3-0) via TKO (Punches) in 2:28 of round 1
2012-02-04: W vs. [#9HW+] Roy Nelson (19-7-0) via UD (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
2011-06-18: L vs. [#6HW+] Alistair Overeem (36-12-0) via UD (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

Last 3 Fights: Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira (2-1-0)
2012-10-13: W vs. [#68HW+] Dave Herman (21-5-0) via Submission (Armbar) in 4:31 of round 2
2011-12-10: L vs. [#7HW+] Frank Mir (16-7-0) via Technical Submission (Kimura) in 3:38 of round 1
2011-08-27: W vs. [#16HW+] Brendan Schaub (9-3-0) via KO (Punches) in 3:09 of round 1

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Fabricio Werdum 350, Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira 238
Previous Match-up Record: Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira leads 1-0-0
Wins Against Common Opposition: Even: Both have 1 win(s) against common opposition.
.

Welterweight (170)
[#101LW] Leonardo Santos (11-3-0, -235) vs. [#577] William Macario (6-0-0, +182)

Last 3 Fights: Leonardo Santos (3-0-0)
2012-09-01: W vs. [#207LW] Mark Holst (12-5-0) via Submission (Arm Triangle Choke) in 1:15 of round 1
2012-03-10: W vs. [#1040FW] Gilmar Silva Milhorance (2-10-0) via Technical Submission (Arm Triangle Choke) in 1:47 of round 1
2011-05-21: W vs. [#364LW] Jason Ball (20-12-0) via UD ()

Last 3 Fights: William Macario (3-0-0)
2012-06-30: W vs. [#1062LW] Paulo Silva (5-5-0) via Submission (Rear Naked Choke) in 1:56 of round 1
2011-12-17: W vs. [NA] Roger Berger (0-1-0) via TKO (Punches) in 2:40 of round 1
2011-03-26: W vs. [#920WW] Gabriel Monkey (4-4-0) via TKO (Punches) in 0:46 of round 2

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Leonardo Santos 280, William Macario 343
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: Even: Both have 1 win(s) against common opposition.
.

Light Heavyweight (205)
[#21] Rafael Cavalcante (11-3-0, -203) vs. [#37] Thiago Silva (14-3-0, +167)

Last 3 Fights: Rafael Cavalcante (1-1-0, 1 NC)
2012-05-19: NC vs. [#19HW+] Mike Kyle (20-9-1) via No Decision (Overturned by CSAC) in 0:33 of round 1
2011-09-10: W vs. [#122MW] Yoel Romero Palacio (5-1-0) via KO (Punches) in 4:51 of round 2
2011-03-05: L vs. [#3LHW] Dan Henderson (29-9-0) via TKO (Punches) in 0:50 of round 3

Last 3 Fights: Thiago Silva (0-1-0, 2 NC)
2012-11-10: NC vs. [#97MW] Stanislav Nedkov (12-1-0) via Submission (Arm Triangle Choke) in 1:45 of round 3
2012-04-14: L vs. [#4LHW] Alexander Gustafsson (15-1-0) via UD (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
2011-01-01: NC vs. [#31LHW] Brandon Vera (12-6-0) via NC (Overturned by NSAC) in 5:00 of round 3

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Rafael Cavalcante 385, Thiago Silva 210
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: Even: Both have 1 win(s) against common opposition.
.
Keep Reading

This is not an attempt to suggest the rating system is more accurate than gambling odds.  Gamblers can analyze each fight individually, while the rating system uses a variety of mathematical routines to supply a primary fighter rating that is focused on ranking recent achievement, with a secondary priority of gauging future expectation.

With that said, there are some caveats to using the rating vs. odds comparison straight-up — the “Gotcha” list:

1. System inability to project the exact effects of a recent divisional change or missed weight.
2. System inability to project the exact effects of recent inactivity or short-notice.
3. Poor matchmaking / limited careers / “changing of the guard”.
4. Notable home advantage.
5. System inability to project style differences.
6. System inability to factor in bad judging or overturned decisions.

But this stuff (especially #5) is pretty much common sense.  We try to partially factor in #1-#3 when we compute the ratings, but #5 and #6 is something that the human can factor in, that the system can’t.  For the sake of these articles, we’ll attempt to factor in #4 when relevant.  Home advantage can have a slight effect, but likely not enough to sway the “I’d bet on” decision.

Experienced gamblers know that it’s not about being right the most, it’s about making the most money.  So in the usual table, I’ll add the “I’d bet on” column and analyze the rating/odds gap plus points #1-4 that I listed above.  I’ll leave #5 and #6 to the fully subjective analyses — of which I’m sure there will be plenty.

The gotchas aren’t necessarily comprehensive, but I have noted them as I come across them and when they are considered in the decision.

Having said all that, let’s get started:

Ratings vs. Odds

The PASS suggests that the odds and ratings difference are nearly identical and/or there are too many gotchas, so neither fighter is a good bet.

Favorites to consider: Nurmagomedov, Cerrone, dos Santos

Underdogs to consider:

• Silva vs. Velasquez – Velasquez is the strong ratings favorite, but a “shot in the dark” is warranted as Silva is a strong contender — ratings-wise.
• Holloway over Bermudez – Bermudez is favored by the ratings, but is close to 50/50.
• Grant over Maynard – See above, same deal but a slightly better wager.
• Pyle over Story – The only real disagreement between ratings and odds on this card with no gotchas.

Heavyweight Championship (265)
[#1/#2DD] Cain Velasquez (11-1-0, -701) vs. [#4] Antonio Silva (18-4-0, +490)
Cain Velasquez is the All-Time #6 ranked Heavyweight fighter.
Antonio Silva is the All-Time #23 ranked Heavyweight fighter.

Last 3 Fights: Cain Velasquez (2-1-0)
2012-12-29: W vs. [#2HW+/#7DD] Junior dos Santos (15-2-0) via UD (50-45, 50-44, 50-43)
2012-05-26: W vs. [#4HW+] Antonio Silva (18-4-0) via TKO (Punches) in 3:36 of round 1
2011-11-12: L vs. [#2HW+/#7DD] Junior dos Santos (15-2-0) via KO (Punches) in 1:04 of round 1

Last 3 Fights: Antonio Silva (2-1-0)
2013-02-02: W vs. [#6HW+] Alistair Overeem (36-12-0) via KO (Punches) in 0:25 of round 3
2012-10-05: W vs. [#12HW+] Travis Browne (14-1-1) via TKO (Punches) in 3:27 of round 1
2012-05-26: L vs. [#1HW+/#2DD] Cain Velasquez (11-1-0) via TKO (Punches) in 3:36 of round 1

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Cain Velasquez 147, Antonio Silva 112
Previous Match-up Record: Cain Velasquez leads 1-0-0
Wins Against Common Opposition: No common opposition or both are winless against common opposition.
.

Heavyweight (265)
[#2/#7DD] Junior dos Santos (15-2-0, -397) vs. [#8] Mark Hunt (9-7-0, +311)
Junior dos Santos is the All-Time #4 ranked Heavyweight and #25 ranked Absolute fighter.
Mark Hunt is the All-Time #18 ranked Heavyweight fighter.

Last 3 Fights: Junior dos Santos (2-1-0)
2012-12-29: L vs. [#1HW+/#2DD] Cain Velasquez (11-1-0) via UD (50-45, 50-44, 50-43)
2012-05-26: W vs. [#7HW+] Frank Mir (16-7-0) via TKO (Punches) in 3:04 of round 2
2011-11-12: W vs. [#1HW+/#2DD] Cain Velasquez (11-1-0) via KO (Punches) in 1:04 of round 1

Last 3 Fights: Mark Hunt (3-0-0)
2013-03-03: W vs. [#13HW+] Stefan Struve (25-6-0) via TKO (Punches) in 1:44 of round 3
2012-02-26: W vs. [#19HW+] Cheick Kongo (18-8-2) via TKO (Punches) in 2:11 of round 1
2011-09-24: W vs. [#25HW+] Ben Rothwell (32-9-0) via UD (29-28, 29-27, 30-27)

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Junior dos Santos 147, Mark Hunt 83
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: Even: Both have 2 win(s) against common opposition.
.

Light Heavyweight (205)
[#10] Glover Teixeira (19-2-0, -284) vs. [#19] James Te Huna (16-5-0, +229)

Last 3 Fights: Glover Teixeira (3-0-0)
2013-01-26: W vs. [#12LHW] Quinton Jackson (32-11-0) via UD (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
2012-10-13: W vs. [#56LHW] Fabio Maldonado (19-6-0) via TKO (Doctor Stoppage) in 5:00 of round 2
2012-05-26: W vs. [*] Kyle Kingsbury (11-5-0) via Submission (Arm Triangle Choke) in 1:53 of round 1

Last 3 Fights: James Te Huna (3-0-0)
2013-02-16: W vs. [#24LHW] Ryan Jimmo (17-2-0) via UD (29-27, 29-28, 29-28)
2012-07-11: W vs. [#64LHW] Joey Beltran (14-8-0) via UD (30-26, 30-27, 30-27)
2012-03-03: W vs. [#71LHW] Aaron Rosa (17-5-0) via TKO (Punches) in 2:08 of round 1

Days Since Last Pro Fight: Glover Teixeira 119, James Te Huna 98
Previous Match-up Record: No previous match-ups.
Wins Against Common Opposition: No common opposition or both are winless against common opposition.
.
Keep Reading