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Many online sportsbook betting mixed martial arts betting enthusiasts were surprised when Dan Henderson lost to Strikforce Fighting championship belt holder Jake Shields in the formers debut at the Strikeforce event in Nashville. Shields and Henderson hooked up as one of three title fights that were featured on the card, and to say that promoters are disappointed by the result may be an understatement.

After promoting the arrival of Dan Henderson as one of the fresh new faces in the promotion from the UFC odds stable, capable of helping carry it to another level, Strikeforce made the mistake of pushing Henderson as the number one contender for Shields' title immediately after he signed on for a deal to participate in several fights. Henderson was appointed the heavy favorite in his match with Shields, given odds as high as 4-1 by some MMA betting sports books, but that appointment failed to come through after the bell rang as Henderson veered away from his usual style and was not able to end the fight after rattling Shields early.

Henderson has admitted since the fight that he struggled mightily with cutting his weight down to fight at the Middleweight level. He also told fans that after the first couple of rounds he for some reason became extremely tired, and was unable to compete at the same level throughout the remainder of the fight. While Shields' contract with Strikeforce has expired, and he faces an unclear future, its not nearly as complicated as Henderson, who will not try to bounce back in his next fight to regain his status atop the middleweight division.

Frankie Edgar and BJ Penn's fight at UFC: 112 provide Mixed Martial Arts enthusiasts with an exciting UFC betting result, but the fight itself may not have been the most exciting. With Anderson Silva's domination of Demian Maia, and Matt Hughes taking apart Renzo Gracie in the latter's debut, the term Invincible was the perfect catch name for the event, but that didn't make for much in the way of excitement and upset during the action. Perhaps these three upcoming fights will give MMA sports betting enthusiasts a better fix.

Shinya Aoki (23-4-0) vs Gilbert Melendez (17-2-0)

Strikeforce: Nashville - April 16

Strikeforce heads to Nashville for its latest event this Friday April, 16, and while a middleweight championship fight between Jake Shields and Dan Henderson is the main event, this fight between the Dream Lightweight title holder Aoki, and the Strikeforce lightweight title holder Melendez could be the most exciting. Known at the, "Master of Flying Submissions", Aoki will be making his fighting debut on North American soil.

Muhammed Lawal (6-0-0) vs Gergard Mousasi (28-2-1)

Strikeforce: Nashville- April 16

"King Mo" is one of the fastest rising stars in the world of MMA, and with a perfect six wins already, five of which were earned knockout (Four in the first round), Lawal will get his first title shot when Mousasi puts his Strikeforce light heavyweight belt on the line.

Jose Aldo (16-1-0) vs Urijah Faber (23-3-0)

WEC 48 - April 24

The number one ranked featherweight in the world Jose Aldo puts his WEC title on the line against the world's number three-ranked featherweight, Urijah Faber.

While the UFC's first trip to Abu Dhabi on Saturday boasts a number of interesting and intriguing fights, perhaps the most interesting match up will be the one pitting the UFC itself against mother nature.

Saturday's show from Ferrari World (yes, Ferrari World), marks the first time the UFC will hold an event outdoors, prompting speculation from many a fan and media pundit on what to expect.

As you might imagine, the desert is hot. Temperature was the initial concern for organizers and fighters booked for the card. We have been assured however, that the show - being held after dark, will not be hampered by high temperatures. While a mid-70s temperature is in the forecast, so is something that may cause considerably more trouble: rain.

There is a 30 percent chance of rain forecast for the evening of the show in Abu Dhabi, a fact which immediately evokes memories of King of the Cage's Wet and Wild debacle. Despite the awesomeness of seeing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu on a crocodile mile, rain could spell disaster for the UFC's first show in Abu Dhabi - the UFC has never canceled a show the day of in the promotion's history.

Regardless of whatever monkey wrenches mother nature might throw Dana White's way, the card will see UFC champions Anderson Silva and BJ Penn defend their titles against challengers Damien Maia and Frankie Edgar, respectively. While certainly not mismatches, the champions aresportsbook favorites, and most of the intriguing action from the standpoint of ufc betting takes place on the undercard. Terry Etim and Rafael dos Anjos should provide some serious action. Etim should use his reach to pick dos Anjos apart on the feet. While he may not be able to submit do Anjos, Etim definitely has the chops to hang with him on the ground, should it go there. While Dos Anjos can take punishment, Etim will prove too much - look for the Brit to stop dos Anjos with strikes in the second.