Oh look, UFC 104 odds have arrived! Wherefore were thou, UFC? It was a whole two weeks without any Fight Nights, Fight For The Troops, Ultimate Fighter Super Battle Showdowns… I was getting worried. You know I worry about you, UFC. I almost had to get into betting on boxing…who knows how THAT would turn out. Even though I know just to always put money on Pacquiao, all the time.

Anyway, here we are with UFC 104 action, so I figure it’s worth taking a look at the main two fights on the card. Although I’m thinking we’ve still got a few more events to go before the UFC stable of fighters recharges completely – and then we’ll get back quality fighters like GSP and Brock Lesnar – the main matchup of Machida vs Rua is a quality one in itself. Lyoto Machida is one mean, mean defender, and that’ll definitely be put to the test against Shogun Rua.

Shogun’s a brutal fighter himself, but his main tactic is to wait for an opening – or to take advantage of a slower, older opponent – and he’ll have none of that in Machida. Machida’s got the talent and the skills, and most impotantly, the patience. He’ll be like a cobra, just waiting to strike. (Cheesy, I know. Sorry.)

Now, it’s not really marquee, but I also want to take a look at Joe Stevenson vs Spencer Fisher for a sec. I’ve always thought Daddy was a solid fighter, even though he’s had a few ups and downs lately. He’s strong, but he might have some problems going up against the technical prowess of Fisher. Daddy’s best bet will be to take him to the mat, but good luck with that. I’m thinking Fisher may outstrike him this time around.

Now, go forth and bet on UFC! You know it’ll be a good one.

I think I’ve found the perfect cure for the winter blahs, and it’s copious amounts of MMA every few weeks. Really, if you’re going to suffer through cabin fever at the brutal hands of old man winter, why not spend it watching a pair of UFC monsters suffer at each others’ brutal hands? It just makes everything better, somehow. Way to take out our vicarious anger at the dark, cold winter on each other, guys!

This is, of course, a leadup to a brief chat about the UFC 95 lines this Saturday. Aside from the excellent news that the event’s being shown for free on Spike – no shelling out ridiculous “cover” fees at a pub just to watch PPV! – the toplining matchup on this one is yet another big event: Daddy vs Nightmare, otherwise known as Joe Stevenson vs Diego Sanchez.

Of course, given that both fighters are wrestling specialists (minus the spandex tights and flying clotheslines), you could understandably figure that this match might be more snoozy than doozy. Yet I’m willing to give Sanchez an edge here, and not just because he’s got the cooler nickname — Stevenson hasn’t been able to measure up as well on the big stage, whereas Sanchez is just starting to find his true potential. He’s on his way up, and I’ve got the feeling he’ll be using Daddy as his next stepping stone.

As far as deeper UFC 95 picks go, my other focus is going to be on the Koscheck vs Thiago match. The savvy sportsbook guru knows that Koscheck’s odds have been looking pretty hot lately, and I’m willing to bet they’re just going to keep rising. Plus come on, how can you argue with a guy who looks like this?

Needs a fresh dye job to get rid of those roots, but somehow I doubt one’s hair color matters when you’re busy pounding a dude’s face into the mat. Saturday!