UFC 131: Odds may be Good for Junior Dos Santos

When we look on paper at Saturday night’s UFC 131 fight between Junior Dos Santos and Shane Carwin, it’s a wonder why Dos Santos would be such a lofty 2/1 underdog, or close to it at +180 (Junior Dos Santos chance de ganhar UFC 131 2/1)

While it is true that Dos Santos, with his 12-1 record, has yet to fight champion caliber opponent and Carwin may be among the most dangerous fighters in the first round, on paper at least, Dos Santos looks like the favorite to win.

A number of experts, including both trainers and fighters, believe Dos Santos can win UFC 131.  Therefore, we do see some terrific value in the 2/1 odds being offered. 

Trainer Matt Pena had this analysis for Sherdog.com: 

“Having seen JDS train on a couple of occasions, I’m convinced that folks have no idea exactly how good his standup really is. Sure, he’s impressed folks in fights, but I promise you, unless you have been in the gym with him that you haven’t seen the angles, movement and speed that JDS uses. It’s better than any other heavyweight in the division. The real question is how tentative can Carwin make JDS of his takedown attempts. My eye tells me that JDS has seen many heavy-handed fighters in his upbringing, so he will be able to handle a powerful puncher, skill-wise.”

The Pit boss John Hackleman offered:  “It appears to me that Junior has [better] athleticism and better technical boxing skills with the knockout punch. If he keeps the speed on or keeps the distance, I think he will either outpoint or find the chin of Carwin and knock him out. But if Carwin uses his superior strength and overall athleticism -- he has just as much but in a different way -- and gets inside, roughs him up and lands that hammer-like right hand, I think he can knock out Junior.”

- Tyrone Black, Gambling911.com