UFC Fight Night: Why is Shevchenko favored over Pena?

What: UFC Fight Night

When: Sat., Jan. 28

Where: Denver, Colo.

Times: Prelims 5 p.m. ET; Main card 10 p.m. ET

Odds: Shevchenko (-130), Pena (Even)

Odds courtesy of Stratosphere Sportsbook

Our hot start to 2017 continued last Saturday as Tito Ortiz finished Chael Sonnen in the first round. Public and sharp money were all over Sonnen, leaving Tito a nice +200 dog by fight time.

This Saturday a big fight in the women's Bantamweight division between Valentina Shevchenko and Julianna Pena highlights a good card from Denver.

Shevchenko is 2-1 in her UFC career, the loss coming to current champion Amanda Nunes. Her best moment was a five-round unanimous decision win over former champion Holly Holm.

Pena, the first woman to win The Ultimate Fighter, has won all four of her UFC fights and should be full of confidence coming into this fight.

Shevchenko is getting too much respect in the line based on her win over Holm, whom I view as a one-dimensional fighter. Take Pena, who could easily be the favorite, at even money in the main event.

PICK: Pena (Even)

Also on the card, Donald "Cowboy" Cerrone faces Jorge Masvidal in a Welterweight fight.

Masvidal is always a tough competitor, but Cerrone has won 12 of his last 13 fights and should prevail here. He'll move on to bigger fights down the road.

PICK: Cerrone (-165)

There's one more on the undercard that I like: a middleweight fight between Sam Alvey and Nate Marquardt.

Alvey, who has won three in a row, has some upside. Marquardt's best days are far behind him. The price seems short on Alvey.

PICK: Alvey (-155)