GSP vs. Diaz Fight Card: Final Odds and Predictions for UFC 158

UFC 158 is upon us. 

With a trio of high-profile welterweight fights leading the card, the UFC's latest foray into Canada promises to excite and to satisfy.

In addition, plenty of fighters on the night's card will enjoy a significant home-court (home-cage?) advantage, and the crowd's enthusiastic cheers and boos will define the fights on tap.

Who will seize the moment and emerge victorious? 

Who will falter under the bright lights?

Start the slideshow to check out the final betting odds and predictions for the UFC 158 main-card fights. 

Note: All betting lines pulled from sports.bovada.lv. 

Mike Ricci vs. Colin Fletcher

Betting Line

Mike Ricci: -325

Colin Fletcher: +250

Prediction

Former The Ultimate Fighter finalists Mike Ricci and Colin Fletcher kick off main-card festivities at UFC 158. 

Ricci is the heavy favorite in this matchup, and for good reason. 

A welterweight competitor on TUF, Ricci dropped to lightweight for this matchup, where he will enjoy a significant strength advantage. 

Fletcher is a well-rounded mixed martial artist, and his lanky frame poses a challenge for some opponents, but Ricci should have no problem dominating the stand-up game and avoiding any precarious positions against the Brit Fletcher. 

Fletcher has only been stopped once via strikes, but with the Canadian crowd's support, Ricci is primed to add TKO loss No. 2 to the eccentric fighter's resume. 

Ricci via TKO, Round 2

Nick Ring vs. Chris Camozzi

Betting Line: 

Ring: -130

Camozzi: Even

Prediction: 

Nick Ring boasts an impressive 3-1 record inside the Octagon, but records can be deceiving. 

Ring has never looked outstanding in his fights, and he has taken home some questionable decisions, most notably his most recent win over Court McGee at UFC 149. 

Camozzi, on the other hand, currently finds himself riding a three-fight winning streak, and he has shown marked improvements in each consecutive bout. 

The Canadian fans won't be happy, but I have to side with Camozzi in this one. 

Chris Camozzi via split decision 

Jake Ellenberger vs. Nate Marquardt

Betting Line: 

Jake Ellenberger: -170

Nate Marquardt: +140

Prediction: 

At one point in time, this betting line would seem fair, but Nate Marquardt looked terrible against Tarec Saffiedine in his most recent fight, and I think his time as an elite fighter is dwindling. 

Jake Ellenberger did not look too impressive in his last outing against Jay Hieron, either, but "The Juggernaut's" power and athleticism will be the difference in this fight. 

I think Ellenberger possesses a power advantage in both striking and grappling, and Marquardt will be forced to fight on the defensive for the bout's duration. 

Look for Ellenberger to impose his will and move one step closer to title contention. 

Jake Ellenberger via unanimous decision 

Johny Hendricks vs. Carlos Condit

Betting Line: 

Hendricks: -140

Condit: +110

Prediction

Again, this betting line seems a bit off to me. 

Yes, Hendricks is on a tear, and yes, his left hand delivers one of the most powerful strikes in MMA, but when one evaluates the total skill set possessed by each fighter, Condit seemingly has the upper hand. 

There is little technique behind Hendricks' H-bomb 2.0, and Condit is an experienced veteran who will wisely avoid punishment. 

On top of this, I think Condit can either avoid the takedown altogether or work for a submission/escape from his back if need be. 

Condit's technical striking will be the difference in this one, and his ability to use his range and deliver a crushing blow will spoil Hendricks' chance at UFC gold. 

Carlos Condit via TKO, Round 3

Georges St-Pierre vs. Nick Diaz

Betting Line: 

Georges St-Pierre: -500

Nick Diaz: +350

Prediction: 

Here is a betting line that makes sense. GSP presents the perfect foil for Nick Diaz's weak wrestling base, and fans and critics are wise to expect another unanimous decision victory from the longtime welterweight champion. 

It is not guaranteed—Diaz can end this fight at any time via submission or via knockout—but I simply see GSP's wrestling, strength and top control providing an insurmountable task for the Stockton native in this one. 

I will be on edge the entire bout, but I feel confident in this prediction. 

Georges St-Pierre via unanimous decision