MMA Odds – Bellator Featherweight Belt on the Line – Soto vs. Warren
by Dave Bond
Joe “The Hammer” Soto will be making his first title defense tonight against Season Two Featherweight Tournament Champion Joe Warren and the MMA Odds reflect the notion that this will be a very close fight.
If you haven’t seen the 145 pounders in the Octagon, tune in to Fox Sports Net and watch the relentless action.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Majestic Theatre
Bellator 27
San Antonio, Texas
Broadcast: Fox Sports Net
Joe Warren (5-1): -125
Joe Soto (9-0): -105
Joe Warren earned a title shot by smothering his way to the Season Two Featherweight Tournament Championship. Warren is a former Greco Roman wrestling World Champion whose transition to MMA has been rapid and successful.
He is a grinder that relies on a strong work ethic and peak conditioning for success.
There is no secret as to what Warren will want to do in this fight. MMA betting lines are that he will try to get in close, take the fight to the mat and employ his superior wrestling techniques and excellent Ground and Pound.
His striking is OK, and act more as a set up for his take downs than anything else. Warren’s knowledge of submissions and submission defense is rudimentary at best. He is a fish out of water when it comes to a submission game.
Joe Soto is another in the long line of MMA fighters that has a wrestling pedigree. The difference between Soto and Warren however is that Soto has developed some submission awareness along the line. He’s also got power in his hands.
Soto is undefeated in him pro career (9-0) with four KO/TKO wins and four submissions to his credit.
MMA odds are that Joe Soto, despite having a good all around game will likely be looking to keep the fight standing. Although he is dangerous in top control and off his back, his mat skill are not in the same league as Warren`s.
If Soto can keep his distance with strikes and score a few points, it may open him up to attempt a takedown or two. Soto is definitely the better striker of the two, but just may be outclassed on the ground.
MMA Odds Outlook:
I know that it is a bit of a cliché in MMA but the fighter who can impose his will should prevail. Both of these fighters have a wrestling background but only one fighter possesses a varied skill set.
Joe Warren in the quintessential “one trick pony” who will certainly have trouble with the well rounded Soto. I like Soto’s cerebral approach to overcome the relentlessness and carelessness of Joe Warren. Soto is strong anywhere this fight chooses to go – Warren is not!
MMA Odds Pick: Greg Soto -105
