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Strikeforce: Fedor Emelianenko Vs. Antonio Silva Betting Lines

Joshua CareyFeb 10, 2011

The time is rapidly approaching for former Pride heavyweight champion, Fedor Emelianenko, to step back into the cage as he faces Antonio Silva on Saturday, February 12.

Fedor and Silva will headline the card as part of the organizations heavyweight gran prix and their will be eight additional heavyweights looking to put their stamp on the division Saturday night.

Odds on each of the event's five main card heavyweight fights are provided and their are some heavy favorites.

Fedor Emelianenko Vs. Antonio Silva

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Favorite -- Fedor "The Last Emperor Emelianenko: -500

Underdog -- Antonio "Pezao" Silva: +350

While Fedor may of lost his last fight, that does not prevent the fact that Silva was dropped in his last fight against Mike Kyle and while taking nothing away from Kyle, he simply does not hit with nearly the crushing force that Fedor does and to top it all off "The Last Emperor" is a much more well-rounded fighter.

In addition, it has been nearly six years since a fight involving Emelianenko has seen the judges scorecards and until the loss to Werdum, he was successful in all of those fights. With that being said, time eventually catches up with every fighter and Silva will be looking to put that to the test with his solid striking.

The problem is that Fedor has never been knocked out during his professional career and Silva has (Eric Pele - 2006).

Betting on Silva is attractive, especially at +350 but he has never faced an opponent like Fedor and with Emelianenko coming off the first true loss of his career, one can expect a revived heavyweight looking to get back the his dominant self.

Bet: Take Fedor "The Last Emperor" Emelianenko at -500

Andrei Arlovski Vs. Sergei Kharitonov

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MANCHESTER, UNITED KINGDOM - APRIL 21: Andrei Arlovski of USA and Fabricio Werdum of Brazil in action during a Heavyweight bout of the Ultimate Fighting Championship at the Manchester Evening News Arena on April 21, 2007 in Manchester, England (Photo by G

Favorite -- Sergei Kharitonov: -120

Underdog -- Andrei "The Pitbull" Arlovski: -110

The Pride veteran (Kharitonov) is a slight favorite over Arlvoski and that is not much of a suprise considering that the former UFC heavyweight champion has dropped his last three fights.

Kharitonov has one strike knockout power that can put nearly anyone in the sport to sleep and is 4-1 over his last five fights. During that span he defeated tournament favorite, Alistair Overeem by KO and UFC heavyweight Mike Russow (Submission - Armbar).

Arlovski on the other hand, has not been as successful but has arguably faced stiffer competition over his last five fights. While he has lost three straight (Antonio Silva, Brett Rogers, Fedor), he also defeated Roy Nelson and Ben Rothwell prior to the aforementioned losses.

One thing to note, is that Arlovski spent a considerable amount of time preparing for this fight at the famed Jackson-Winkeljohn gym in New Mexico and it is no secret that coach Jackson is a master gameplanner.

Bet: Take Andrei "The Pitbull" Arlovski at -110

Del Rosario Vs. Johnson, Overeem Vs. Sefo, Griggs Vs. Villante

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PHOENIX - AUGUST 13: Jason Richey is introduced to the Strikeforce Challengers Undercard bout at Dodge Theater on August 13, 2010 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Favorite -- Shane Del Rosario: +155

Underdog -- Lavar Johnson: -185