(Think of it this way: if Gilbert asked to "borrow" money, would you consider that a good idea?  It’s the same with betting on him.)

Just in case picking the winners in our official Affliction Pick-em Contest isn’t enough action for you (after all, you don’t stand to lose anything except time and self-respect), you can also wager actual money on the proceedings thanks to the internet and the wonder of off-shore gambling.  Here are the best betting lines on the World Wide Web, thanks to BestFightOdds.com:

Fedor Emelianenko (-350) vs. Andrei Arlovski (+336)
Josh Barnett (-500) vs. Gilbert Yvel (+491)
Vitor Belfort (+160) vs. Matt Lindland (-160)
Renato Sobral (-155) vs. Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou (+125)
Chris Horodecki (-220) vs. Dan Lauzon (+180)
Paul Buentello (-200) vs. Kiril Sidellnikov (+160)
Antonio Rogerio Nogueira (-110) vs. Vladimir Matyushenko (-120)
Jay Hieron (-275) vs. Jason High (+215)
Bao Quach (+160) vs. L.C. Davis (-200)
Albert Rios (+195) vs. Antonio Duarte (-245)
Brett Cooper (-200) vs. Patrick Speight (+160)

Thoughts…

- It’s tempting to take the long odds on Arlovski.  I mean, Freddie Roach says he’s a great boxer and isn’t at all worried about Fedor’s armbars (or whatever they’re called), and you’ve been watching those hype videos for weeks now with Arlovski’s entourage calling him everything but the son of God, so he sounds like he’s worth the risk, right?  Maybe, but ask yourself this: when was the last time it proved to be a good idea to bet against Fedor?  Then imagine what an asshole you’ll feel like when he wins and that outcome seems obvious in retrospect.  Throw ten bucks down if you must, but consider it gone as soon you do.

- Absolutely don’t bet on Gilbert Yvel.  The only way he wins this is if Barnett is dumb enough to stand with him the entire fight, and Barnett isn’t known as a foolish man.  Yvel’s too one-dimensional and hasn’t fought anyone of Barnett’s caliber in a long time, if ever.  Put it out of your mind.

So who should you bet on?  Thought you’d never ask:

- I like Vladimir Matyushenko over Little Nog.  Vladdy will grind out a win, probably via decision, and it may not be a thriller but it is as close to a sure thing as you’ll get with odds that are still beneficial.  

- I also like Vitor Belfort to beat Matt Lindland, despite being the slight underdog.  “The Law” just isn’t as explosive as he used to be.  He looked slow and sloppy against Fabio Nascimento, while Belfort looked sharper than he has in years against Terry Martin.  As long as he’s drilled his takedown defense to the point where he sprawls in his sleep, Belfort should take this one.

- Lastly, put me down for Renato “Babalu” Sobral over Sokoudjou.  My guess is Sokoudjou will come out like an ornery bull, then run out of steam and confidence when Sobral doesn’t up and quit in the first three minutes.