UFC 121 MAIN EVENT CARD SET TO EXPLODE

 
It's time to get excited because we're only a few hours away from the widely-anticipated UFC 121. With a west coast event meaning a later start than many of us are used to, you reckon that plenty of folks will be having a few refreshments in the build-up to this one and this is definitely a UFC card that could be deemed toast-worthy. 
While Lesnar vs Velazquez is probably one of the most exciting-looking heavyweight bouts in UFC history, there's still plenty of action on the main card (we've already profiled the entire undercard) and it's got a bit of an international flavour to it as we've got two Brazilians and a Danish citizen set to do battle. 
The Diego Sanchez vs Paulo Thiago welterweight fight looks like it's split right down the middle with the bookmakers not seeing a single thing between both fighters-pricing them each at 5/6.
Neither fighter comes in off a victory but one unifying factor is that both fighters tend to have their matches go on for a while so a decision isn't out of the question here at all. This bout is odds-on at 4/6 to go the distance. 
Tito Ortiz vs Matt Hamill is tilted in favour of Hamill with 4/7 odds indicating he's a solid favourite. Hamill has the punching power and striking ability to trouble Ortiz and his record is definitely solid. 
This is a possible figh to of the night contender if Ortiz comes out all-guns-blazing but he may find himself outmatched against a more progressive opponent. Ortiz hasn't won since beating Ken Shamrock back in 2006. 
Brendan Schaub vs Gabriel Gonzaga is looking like it's the Brazilians fight to win. He's priced at around 8/15 while Schaub sits at 11/8. Gonzaga boasts a nice blend of striking and submission skills while Schaub will probably try to out-brawl his opponent. This one might be a bit closer than it looks but don't count on it lasting more than a round. 
Jake Shields is a big favourite over Martin Kampmann with the bookmakers pricing him at 4/11 for the outright victory. The Dane is trading at 15/8. It's understandable why Shields is so favoured, he hasn't lost a fight in six years but it must be noted that this is his UFC debut. Kampmann definitely has what it takes to win this but he is vulnerable to strikes so that gives Shields a distinct edge here. 
Stay tuned for our full preview of Lesnar vs Velasquez!