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UFC 150: Henderson Vs Edgar 2 Predictions 8/11/12 |
As UFC 150 draws closer, one can’t help but think about the possible scenarios how this card will turn out especially for the main card which involves an encore performance between the top two competitors who now swap positions as champion and contender. It’s a repeat clash between Benson “Smooth” Henderson and Frankie “The Answer” Edgar; both of whom believe that they deserve to be recognized as the best in their weight class.
THE MAIN EVENT PREDICTION: HENDERSON VS EDGAR 2
It wasn’t that long ago that Benson Henderson became the newly crowned UFC Lightweight Champion by sweeping a unanimous decision win against former champ Frankie Edgar at UFC 144 last February of this year. The judges’ decision came to a shock to most as the five-round title bout quite apparently swung both ways (for me, at least) and honestly, I felt that the fight should have been a split decision at best. As to “in favor of who”, well I gave that fight to Edgar BASED on the number of points scored (which it SHOULD BE). The judges may have based the fight on the damage inflicted by each fighter and clearly, Henderson struck stronger than Edgar, but nobody said it was a battle of “strength” rather than points, right? That’s just what I think.
Obviously, both camps will try tweaking their techniques in order to get that belt again, but once they engage, I’m seeing this fight being like the last. Whatever gameplans they have, it won’t be applicable as their pace will render them to just throw the rulebook out the cage… or better yet, at each other. Nevertheless, keys to winning are still at large here and allow me to share MY thoughts and analysis.
KEYS TO VICTORY
For Henderson, he must capitalize on his size advantage and try outwrestling Edgar rather than try picking the latter apart in the pocket like in the previous title matches (though I see that Edgar’s speed highly contributes to the adjustment and his counterpart’s failure to keep the fight within the clinch). Should Henderson’s attempts in making this fight into a wrestling match be limited because of Edgar’s speedy footwork, an unpredictable rhythm for his punches and kicks are in order. The last time, Edgar figured out the timing of the current champion’s kicks which allowed the former to constantly get a hold of those legs and break the cadence in Henderson’s mode of offense; thus, getting those inside punches while holding on to the leg.
Henderson should also try cutting Edgar’s “flow” and cut him from establishing those crazy angles where he gets off those speedy shots.
As for Edgar, he just needs to maintain being a boxer who automatically flickers in and out of Henderson’s range like he did the last. Once Henderson gets frustrated, Edgar just needs to wait for the former to either come forward allowing him to counter OR he can just wait and catch Henderson’s legs if he throws any of those leg kicks or kicks to the midsection. Once he baits him and snags a leg, a deserving trip should follow which should ground Henderson disallowing him to be the standing aggressor. Should Henderson decide to keep the fight standing and constrict his offense to just boxing, he may find himself in a lot of trouble as Edgar is a crafty boxer in the punching exchange.
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All in all, Edgar just needs to be more visibly dominant over Henderson because after the dust settles in this fight, Edgar’s face will end up battered similar to his previous matches (rematches) against Penn and Maynard. He may probably have more of the points, but ultimately the judges will always look on the damages and significant strikes as against the number of points.
Above and beyond, this will be a battle of wills. On one end, as long as Henderson keeps his pace and weathers all other blitzes from Edgar, he should come out of this battle retaining the belt. On the other side, if Edgar lands more shots or gains control and the rhythm of the fight, he should have his hand raised with Dana White strapping the belt around his waist once again. This should be a bell-to-bell (horn to be more correct) all-out war between these two hungry lions, so don’t think of taking a bathroom break once this feud gets underway.
Fight Prediction: Ben Henderson DEFEATS Frankie Edgar via UNANIMOUS DECISION.
With This Being Frankie Edgar’s (right) Third Rematch Title Fight (With Him as the Challenger This Time), Will He Pull It Off Against the Impressive Current Champion Benson Henderson (left) and Regain The Title Come August 11th?
Here are some pre-fight teaser videos that might get you riled up heading into this weekend’s fight extravaganza.
Get your latest updates here on Nerdles.com about “UFC 150: Henderson Vs Edgar 2″ as the actions happens at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado on Saturday, August 11, 2012 at 10PM ET / 7PM PT. Follow me on Twitter (@DJHeinie666) or wait for my play-by-play feature article to know latest.
Photo Courtesy of the UFC
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About Heinie Brian Hartendorp
Heinie is one busy guy. He’s been in radio for over a decade producing commercials and imaging materials for national radio stations. When the MMA crossed his line of sight in 2005, a new passion lit up inside of him. MMA training? Hell no! Just an addiction for the most honest brutality that ends in fair sportsmanship. Busy as he is, all his responsibilities go out the window for the MMA – UFC, Bellator, Strike Force, Super Fight League, WEC – all of it! For all the MMA rumors, breaking news, and live recaps, he’s our go-to guy! Find out more about Heinie on our Staff page, or connect with him via the links provided below.
