The First Ever MMA & American Idol Capping Write-up

Christopher Columbus, Thomas Edison and Cain are all famous for being the first to do something amazing. I will now join those ranks by becoming the first human ever to write a single gambling article on MMA and American Idol. The two go together like killer whales and captivity, after all. They also happen to be the two things that I’m actually good at capping. Some guys can nail football winners. Good for them. This is my gift, and I’m here to share.

Showtime will broadcast Strikeforce: Challengers on Friday night. There are no big names to be found, but that matters not when you’re cashing tickets. Also, you might’ve heard that American Idol is underway once again. If it makes me gay to make money off of this show, then so be it. Everyone knows that gay guys throw the best parties anyway.

Trevor Prangley -380
Karl Amoussou +315

Amoussou (11-2-1) is a big dog and he deserves to be. Trevor Prangley (22-5-0) has squared off against some recognizable guys like Chael Sonnen (twice), Jeremy Horn and Travis Lutter. He even defeated Sonnen in their first meeting way back in 2003. Sonnen is the talk of the town these days after pulling the upset against Nate Marquardt. When you don’t have much to go on, this is good enough for me, as Amoussou hasn’t faced anyone of note. Throw Prangley in those parlays.

Winner of American Idol
Casey James +700 (Matchbook)
Andrew Garcia +280 (Matchbook)


After tonight’s elimination show these odds will start to shape up a bit. There isn’t much out there yet, but once they start to pop up, Garcia will go much higher than +280. Who knows where James will settle, but at +700 I’ve got to get me some of that action.

All the talk has been about how horrible the guys are this year. And yes, there are about 7 dudes who should be punched in the mouth anytime they attempt to belt a tune. The girls as a unit are exponentially better this season. But I feel that the top two guys are better than any female representative.

Casey James will have the little girl text vote every week. Good looks and he can sing too. He should be shipped somewhere far away for the sake of guys’ sex lives everywhere, but he is here to stay. Perhaps all the way to the end.

Andrew Garcia came out of the gate a bit shaky last night, but I’ve seen what he can do during the preliminary shows. He will shine as the show goes on. He will also garner the Latino vote, which is growing in this country every day. He has also been featured in a sympathetic light by the producers for his rough upbringing. That can only help. I will probably try to take advantage of some early plays on both of these fine fellows.

Sarah Kaufman -600
Takayo Hashi +450

Girl fight tonight! These are always fun. In Kaufman (10-0-0) you have the world’s #1 ranked little girl. This fight will determine Strikeforce’s first ever Women’s Bantamweight Champion. Who cares about the Winter Olympics? This is important shit here!

Kaufman is a beast. She started her career with eight KO/TKO finishes. Add to the fact that her opponent is an Asian, and that I’ve banked more money blindly fading Asian MMA fighters, and it seems like a sure thing for Kaufman, right? Not so fast, grasshopper.

Takayo Hashi (12-1-0) once held the title of Smackgirl Grappling Queen. I have no clue what that is, but it sounds awesome. I’m going to take a shot at the underdog. I mean, it’s a girl fight. Anything can happen, right? GO SMACKGIRL GRAPPLING QUEEN!

Winner of Idol will be:
Male +148
Female -165

These odds can vary quite a bit. For example, at Sportsbook.com a male winning the show is only at even money. Big difference. If you read what I said up above, which I understand is asking a bit much, you know that I’m digging my chances of a guy winning the title for the third year in a row.


Luke Rockhold -210
Paul Bradley +175

Luke Rockhold (6-1-0) has an amazing porn name and an up-and-coming career. He has been featured on these Challenger shows a few times and is probably the best known fighter on this card. He is 5-0 since joining Strikeforce, and won his last four via rear naked choke. Good for him. Tonight he loses.

Paul Bradley (12-1-0) might look familiar to MMA fans. He actually qualified to get in the house on UFC’s The Ultimate Fighter Season 7, but had to leave when a skin condition developed. No, this isn’t the guy that had a form of herpes on his head. Different guy with a skin condition.

He has resurfaced now with Strikeforce. He has a background in wrestling as a two-time All-American with Iowa. He looks considerably bigger than Rockhold, and half of his fights have ended by TKO or submission. If he can just keep Rockhold in front of him, he should have a decent chance to K him TFO.

Idol Contestants to be Eliminated
Lacey Brown +128
Paige Miles +120
Aaron Kelly +500
Tim Urban +110

I know it’s short notice, and there isn’t much available right now, but those are my picks to go home tonight. Matchbook is a lot of fun if you enjoy playing these. It’s always been kind to me.
.
.
.