The NHL has its dream Stanley Cup Final odds rematch with Pittsburgh and Detroit, and the UFC has its own dream matchups for UFC 100, but those who frequent their sportsbook online shouldn’t forget about UFC 99. Sure, it doesn’t have any big title fights, but it should be an extremely entertaining card, featuring a plethora of aggressive fighters with a lot to prove. Let’s make some UFC odds picks.

Rich Franklin (26-4) vs Wanderlei Silva (32-9-1)
Sportsbook online odds: Franklin -140, Silva +110

The main event for UFC 99 pits two sluggers against each other in a battle of storied fighters who may be exiting their primes. Franklin has had a dominant career but hasn’t been the same since Anderson Silva pummeled him twice at middleweight. He jumped up to 205 pounds and destroyed Matt Hamill before losing a questionable decision to Dan Henderson. Yet Franklin, a former math teacher, is one of the most likeable guys in MMA betting, with exciting knockout power.

He faces the always-intimidating Wanderlei Silva. Known for his heavy hands, Silva is among the most aggressive fighters on the planet, rarely taking a step backward in the octagon. He’ll certainly flash big power in this catch-weight fight (195 pounds), so Franklin will have to keep his head up. However, Wanderlei is an ancient 32 years old, having fought professionally since he was a teenager. He’s lost a step and hasn’t looked like his old powerhouse self in recent years, losing four of his last five fights (albeit against elite competition). Franklin is the better defensive fighter and can almost match Silva’s power, so look for him to come out on top.

Sportsbook online pick: Franklin -140

Cheick Kongo (24-4-1) vs Cain Velasquez (5-0)
Sportsbook online odds: Kongo -170, Velasquez +140

It’s been a long and winding road for the hulking Frenchman Kongo. After looking uninspired in a loss to Heath Herring at UFC 82, Kongo rattled off three straight wins, the last two of which were eye-popping ground-and-pound beatdowns. He’s almost gone from overrated to underrated, and here he faces one of the most overhyped fighters MMA betting has seen for a while. Cain Velasquez does give fight fans a lot to get excited about, with his combination of knockout power and wrestling ability, but he only has five fights under his belt. Herring was an appropriate matchup for him at this juncture of his career, but a training injury to Herring thrust Kongo into the fight. I’m not convinced Velasquez is ready for a fighter of Kongo’s caliber, who is big enough to compete on the ground and has a very strong chin.

Velasquez is a future star in UFC betting but he’s facing Kongo too early in his career. Kongo will grind out a rugged victory and reportedly will earn a heavyweight title shot if he does so.

Sportsbook online pick: Kongo -170

OTHER UFC 99 LINES

Marcus Davis (-220) vs Dan Hardy (+180): My pick for fight of the night. Two rough, tough boxers will stand up and pound each other for three rounds. Hardy is flashy but whom has he beaten? Davis’ experience and better all-around skills will prevail here. Make “the Irish Hand Grenade” your sports wagering choice.

Mike Swick (-225) vs Ben Saunders (+185): Here’s another evenly matched fight. “Quick” Mike Swick made a name for himself faster than Rachel Alexandra before the Belmont Stakes odds by winning fight after fight in the opening minute, but he’s slowed down considerably now that he’s facing tougher competition. Ben Saunders isn’t a household name yet but he’s a unique, well-rounded fighter who combines elements from many different MMA disciplines. If he can dodge Swick’s kicks, he can do some real damage in the clinch or on the ground. Bet on Saunders to shock Swick.