Strickland vs Rockhold Betting Predictions – The Former Champ Loses

Strickland vs Rockhold betting predictions is now available for you to place your bets on. The two mixed martial artists are at different stages in their careers. Strickland is a young motivated and hungry fighter who is looking to get to the title by any means necessary. On the other hand, Rockhold is a veteran of the sport and former champion who has had his share of bad luck in recent years. History has shown that the younger fighter usually gets the better of those matchups, so how do you see this fight playing out?

UFC Fight Night Betting: Strickland’s Rise to the UFC

Sean Strickland has had a relatively slow and gradual rise to the top of the middleweight division. The American mixed martial artist joined the UFC in 2014 with an undefeated record of 13-0. With an impressive rear-naked chock finish debut against Robert McDaniel, Strickland started paving his way to the top of the division. He has had a few bumps and setbacks along the way. Strickland has had three losses so far against Santiago Ponzinibbio, Zaleski Dos Santos, and current welterweight champion Kamaru Usman. However, the 30-year-old always managed to find a way to the win column again.

With a record of 24 wins and 3 losses, Strickland is currently in the #8 spot of the UFC middleweight rankings. With latest his win against Uriah Hall, Strickland proved that he belongs with the top guys in the division. He is on a 5-fight win streak after his latest loss in May of 2018. Therefore, with two or three more wins, we might see him fight for the title soon. However, he must get through one of his toughest challenges yet. So, what do the Strickland vs Rockhold betting predictions say?

Rockhold Trying to Reset and Reinvent

During his prime years, Luke Rockhold had an aura of invincibility around him and was one of the best the UFC has to offer. The American mixed martial artist was tearing through the competition with ease. After making his UFC debut in February of 2008, Rockhold went on a 9-fight win streak with many ending via KO/TKO or with his signature submission move the rear-naked choke. He was one of the few “all-around” mixed martial artists that are exceptional with striking, wrestling, and grappling. Regardless of where the fight went, Rockhold was always one step ahead of his opponent.

Unfortunately for him, after losing the belt to Michael Bisping in 2016, Rockhold’s confidence was shaken. In the past 5 years, the 36-year-old fought just three times inside the UFC octagon. Although he bounced back with a win against David Branch in 2017, Rockhold went on to lose twice against Yoel Romero and Jan Blachowicz via KO. Therefore, he took some time off and moved back to the middleweight division to reset and reinvent. However, his opponent is a young hungry fighter, so it will be a tough challenge to overcome as the Strickland vs Rockhold betting predictions suggest.

Strickland vs Rockhold is Somewhat of a Marketing Fight

The UFC usually organizes matches between fighters of similar rankings. However, this matchup is one of the few exceptions. Although Rockhold is out of the top 15 middleweight rankings, he is matched up against a top 10 fighter. Although it is an exciting one, the fight does not make sense from the ranking’s perspective. This begs the question of why it is happening! The only logical reason this is happening is for marketing reasons. Rockhold is a former champion; therefore, Strickland’s popularity will significantly increase if he wins. On the other hand, a win for Rockhold marks the return of a former champion looking to regain his title back. It is a win-win situation for the UFC, but not for the fighters. What happens when a young talented fighter clashes with an older more experienced one?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xm5rn9ccTXM

Strickland vs Rockhold Betting Predictions and Odds

Luke Rockhold’s inactivity and recent losses will be a significant factor when predicting this matchup. There is a general belief that Rockhold’s chin is no longer durable and he will go down when things get heated. Additionally, history has shown that when an old fighter takes time off to reinvent, things do not usually go his way. Therefore, Strickland’s speed and power will be too much to handle. The general MMA community seems to agree with this assessment. A poll on topology asking fans to predict the winner indicated a significant advantage for Strickland. Results revealed that 75% predict a win for the #8 contender, while only 25% voted in favor of Rockhold.

Bookies and online sportsbook sites in the United States agree with this assessment. Strickland seems to be better in all aspects of mixed martial arts, so he will be comfortable regardless of how the fight plays out. As a result, 22BET Sportsbook has him open as the significant favorite in the Strickland vs Rockhold betting predictions at 1.54. On the other hand, the former champion opens as the underdog with odds at 2.38. Do you agree with those predictions and odds? How do you see this fight playing out?

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