Franklin vs. Le Betting – Can Le Upset the Odds?

Franklin vs. Le Betting – Can Le Upset the Odds?

By Michael Gales Oct 24, 2012

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UFC Macao betting sees the former UFC Middleweight Champion, Rich Franklin, take on the former Strikeforce champion on November 10th. Franklin is the 1.350* favourite on the UFC betting at Pinnacle Sports, with Le the 3.530* underdog.

UFC On Fuel TV 6 is the first time the franchise has held an event in China; read on for the key battles that may decide the Franklin vs. Le betting winner.

Franklin vs. Le Betting History

Rich Franklin (29-6) has fought the best talent in the UFC over the course of his 13-year career, with notable wins against UFC titans Chuck Liddell, Wanderlei Silva and Matt Hamill.

His opponent, Vietnam-born American Cung Le, is a former unbeaten world Kickboxing champion and holds a mixed martial arts record of (8-2).

Franklin is the clear 1.350*. favourite for when the two meet in the octagon, his odds having shortened from their opening position of 1.380. Le – who is at 3.530* for the contest – opened at 3.350.

Franklin’s lost his last two fights as favourite, while Le has won both his contests as the underdog.

Looking back at their individual histories has shown that Franklin can often upset bettors. He’s lost his last two fights as favourite, while Le has won both his contests as the underdog.

Will the favourite tag weigh heavy on the 38 year-old for UFC Macao betting?

Grappling: Franklin Has The Edge

While Le is impressive to watch with his array of Sanshou throws, Franklin is widely considered to hold the grappling edge.

Franklin is a shrewd strategist, and will look to lure Le into engaging in a wrestle. Le has never fought anyone with Franklin’s work ethic and stamina, while the best grappler he has fought was Frank Shamrock who failed to take the fight to the mat.

Submissions: Le Must Avoid The Mat

If the fight is decided on the mat, Le will be in unchartered waters, as he has never needed to implement a submission game.

While Le will have practiced his submissions, Franklin is skilled in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and has 10 career submission victories (34% of victories). Nevertheless, five of those submission wins were initiated through strikes – and he hasn’t submitted anyone since December 2004.

Striking: Le Can Strike It Lucky

Both fighters possess accomplished striking ability, but Le most likely holds the advantage due to his kickboxing background.

Seven of Le’s wins have come by way of TKO, which is an impressive 88% of his victories. Le has an array of stunning attacks and is backed up by a successful strike rate.

In comparison Franklin is a more unorthodox striker, but has the punch power to knock out the most hardened opponent.

Championship Rounds: Fitness Could be an Issue

Despite both fighters previously holding a championship belt, only Franklin has fought the five, five-minute rounds, which will be the duration for the main event.

Le will prepare physically for the five rounds, but at 40-years-of-age he could struggle to last with the pace that Franklin will set.

Franklin has gone the distance six times in his UFC career, including two 25-minute bouts.

*Odds subject to change

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