UFC 88 Preview: Chuck Liddell vs. Rashad Evans

Chuck Liddell (21-5, 16-4 UFC) vs. Rashad Evans (11-0-1, 6-0-1 UFC)

It is such a shame that the UFC's debut in Atlanta contains such a mediocre main event. Chuck Liddell should win this fight, if he doesn't it would be a bigger upset than Serra over GSP (though the odds are not so one sided). There is no reason to focus on Liddell, as long as he comes to the fight in shape and not more concerned with partying he can take care of business. Considering that the UFC will give Liddell a title shot if he wins there should be plenty of motivation.

The only way Rashad can conceivably win is to incorporate Keith Jardine strategy of kicking and striking while moving away. Perhaps this is why the odds are lower, perhaps the oddsmakers realize that Rashad and Jardine fight out of the same camp and will most likely talk about effective strategies. But it seems unlikely that Liddell will fall for the same trick twice.

Rashad has never lost a fight and every time he appears to be out matched he somehow wins, or forces a no contest, way to go Tito Ortiz. Rashad struggled with taking down Ortiz so how will he take down Chuck Liddell with his legendary sprawl.

The only way Rashad can win this fight is if it goes to decision.

Odds are -260 for Liddell and +200 for Evans

Pick: Liddell TKO round 2