UFC 133: Nogueira Vs. Franklin Odds Prediction

Rich Franklin and Antonio Rogerio Nogueira are two of the bigger names in the UFC's light heavyweight division but both have hit a rough patch.

However, the UFC 133 Nogeuira vs. Franklin fight has the potential to be one of the best fights of the year and one of the pivotal fights in each man's career.

The odds favor Nogueira early but Franklin is a former champ who is capable of competing with the best of the best. This one pits the superior grappler in Nogueira against Franklin, who is one of best all-around fighters in the class skill wise and one of the most experienced.

This one will probably be a slugfest on the feet and the ground game will not likely factor in as much since Franklin knows so many tricks of the trade.

Nogueira is confident in his boxing against just about anyone as he is one of the most credentialed boxers in the UFC today. Franklin will likely mix in more kicks in this one and he has no problems brawling.

Against Nogueira, that's probably not a good idea, however. Franklin may take a page out of the gameplan of Jason Brilz and Ryan Bader and try for the takedown but that's still dangerous against such a quality BJJ fighter in 'Lil Nog.

In the end, this UFC 133 fight will come down to the feet and who can land the most clean shots. With Nogeuria's combination of boxer and technical boxing prowess, 'Lil Nog has the edge going in.

Expect a decision win for the "other" Nogueira as he heads back up the light heavyweight ladder and gets a big bounce-back win over a fellow star.

Nogueira is the best odds pick going into UFC 133 and he will prove it with a close win this time around in Philadelphia.