We are less than a week away from UFC 98 and the light heavyweight title bout between Champion Rashad Evans and Lyoto Machida. And the current champion is getting no respect from Vegas.

Lyoto Machida is currently the favorite with odds at -210 to +160.

Why so little respect for Rashad Evans?

Most of it must come from his opponent. Machida is an enigma and no fighter, with the exception of Tito Ortiz's last gasp triangle choke, has been able to fight well against 'The Dragon'. So this really comes as no surprise to the champion.

Perhaps this slight by the bookies is a good thing. If we look back at the past four light heavyweight title defenses, the champion has been favored every time, losing three of four. If this trend holds true then maybe Rashad Evans is exactly where he should be.