Knucklemania 5-Philadelpia Best Bets and more

Today marks a historic day in BKFC history in which they have laid claim to the largest combat sports event in the city of Philadelphia's history with an attendance of 17800 people. South Philly was the birthplace of the BKFC vision according to President David Feldman and was also the place that denied them license to hold events the most based off of the old boxing commissioner but was able to final make it happen due to current boxing commissioner of PA Ed Kunkle. The sport is currently sanctioned in 26 states and continues to grow domestically and internationally. This card is loaded with great action headlined by Philly's own Eddie Alvarez and longtime UFC veteran and fan favorite Jeremey Stephens. It also has a heavyweight championship bout between current BKFC Champ Mick Terrill and longtime UFC Heavyweight contender and undefeated BKFC fighter Ben Rothwell. But due to the nature of the event and the newness of the sport it makes it probably one of the most enticing events to bet on due to juiced odds for what is considered unknown. The books aren't privy to all the details, so it leaves us to some very interesting spots earlier in the card.

Eddie Alvarez (+128) vs Jeremey Stephens (-148)

Starting with the main event it feels as if we are in for a letdown for the fans in Philly with lines opening practically at even money and moving closer to closer to Stephens as a big favorite. If I could have caught sniped Stephens, I would have but right now I have to ride with the younger fighter going into hostile territory who has found success since leaving the UFC with 2 competitive boxing matches 1 being a draw against Jose Aldo who was heavily favorited and a 2-0 record in BKFC. Alvarez has been involved in 2 wars with the organization picking up a win against Chad Mendes in a narrow decision and a corner stoppage against Mike Perry. I do not believe we see a finish here, but I am confident the spend and power of Stephens will be too much for Alvarez to combat. I have a pick but will avoid betting this due to odds not presenting a great opportunity. Expect Stephens by UD.

Jeremy Stephens (-148)

Mick Terrill (-270) vs Ben Rothwell (+220)

I really be clear the best heavyweights are not competing in BKFC but at least a name like Ben Rothwell brings notoriety and a level of star power to the division. Mick Terrill has more of a striking pedigree due to his kick boxing background and did avenge his lone loss in BKFC against Arnold Adams just 2 fights ago but the difference between power and overall fight experience between the two heavyweights is clear. The shape of Rothwell will definitely be in question but the power and size of Rothwell who has a 4-inch reach advantage I believe will prove to be far too much at such a great value. Expect Rothwell by Round 1 TKO.

Ben Rothwell (+220) 1u

Bec Rawlings (-205) vs Taylor Starling (+170)

This fight seems like the oddsmakers haven't watch the fights and are merely going off of pedigree of each fighter's career. There is no reason Starling should have this much juice after arguably beating Britian Hart and with a year layoff and 3 straight losses in BKFC the 35-year Bec Rawlings seems primed to show us exactly where she left off and that is a loser. Yes, the sport is growing and figures like Rawlings are important to keep around to give some familiar faces, but the odds makers got this one wrong. Expect Starling by UD.

Taylor Starling (+170) 2u

Wildcard Matchup

The early bout I am most interested and am essentially willing to bet blind not knowing much about each fighter is Kane Tomlinson Jr (+110) over Pat Sullivan (-130). Tomlinson has some experience in the BKFC arena not being an impressive figure but actually reps in the sport while Sullivan I have legitimately not been able to find anything but hockey fights. He has a social media following and is from the city so he may be swaying whatever little money is on this fight his way which puts us in a great spot to capitalize. Expect Tomlinson Jr by Round 2 Corner Stoppage.

Kane Tomlinson Jr (+110) 1u

Big Dog Parlay

I hate to make a parlay for dogs especially when I don't believe all of these will win but the value is there on all of these picks and I just think it would be idiotic to not put .25u on it. Joey Dawejko being -700 over BKFC vet Steve Banks (+500). Then another disgusting line comes from the Dustin Pauge and JD Burns matchup where another matchup is far too lopsided considering Burns experience in the BKFC arena. Lastly, we add our favorite dog of the night Taylor Rawling just to put a little more juice behind the names and a great hedge opportunity later in the night. For my $illr stockholders maybe we can make back all of the money we lost this week.

Steve Banks, JD Burns, Taylor Starling (+7190) .25u