As expected, the "Pitbull" is leashed to a -210 betting line and has likely come into his Memorial Day Weekend scrap as the odds-on favorite based on his Octagon experience and level of competition.
And putting an end to "Doomsday" back at UFC 124 certainly didn't hurt.
The Story book has a +175 underdog as its lead character in spite of the "Horror" he's caused the 170-pound division over the past 18 months. His level of competition isn't comparable to the Brazilian's, but he's secured the win in each of his past five fights.
Are the oddsmakers calling it like they see it? Or playing it safe? Take a look at how these two welterweights stack up and decide for yourself.
170 lbs.: Thiago Alves (18-7) vs. Ricky "Horror" Story (12-3)
Backgrounds (last five fights):
Alves:
Record: 3-2Story:
Notable wins: Reinvented himself with a dominant performance against John Howard at UFC 124.
Notable losses: Manhandled by the wrestling of Georges St. Pierre (UFC 100) and Jon Fitch (UFC 117).
Strengths: Devastating Muay Thai, strong and accurate striker, seems to have his weight under control.
Weaknesses: Can get flustered in the face of good wrestling.
Record: 5-0Thiago Alves (-210) vs. Ricky Story (+175) at UFC 130.
Notable wins: Outlasted Johny Hendricks at the TUF 12 Finale, creamed Dustin Hazelett at UFC 117.
Notable losses: Hasn't tasted defeat since dropping a unanimous decision to John Hathaway at UFC 99.
Strengths: Well rounded, never been finished, good cardio.
Weaknesses: Hasn't faced (or defeated) an elite fighter.
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