UFC Welterweight bout: Chris Lytle vs. Brian Ebersole
Odds: (-265 Lytle /+205 Ebersole )
Betting Pick: Lytle
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In the second televised bout, two of the UFC’s most grizzled veterans will go at it as Chris Lytle takes on Brian Ebersole. These guys have a combined 115 fights and over 20 years of fighting experience, which is just ridiculous. Both guys are riding win streaks right now, but Lytle has been fighting much better competition, so it’s interesting to see how Ebersole handles the step back up in competition.
Brian “Bad Boy” Ebersole is making his first appearance in the UFC, but he has been fighting for over a decade in shows all over the world, from Shooto to the IFL. With over 60 fights under his belt, Ebersole is probably the most experienced fighter making his UFC debut in the company’s history. He has a very well-rounded skillset, with decent wrestling and solid, heavy-handed boxing to go along with very effective submissions. The big question mark for Ebersole, aside from how well he will handle the step up in competition and the pressure of the big show, is how well his somewhat spotty submission defense will hold up on the ground against Lytle, one of the most prolific submission finishers in the sport’s history.
Chris “Lights Out” Lytle is one of the toughest and most seasoned fighters in the world, much less the UFC. A prolific grappler who is a threat to finish with submissions from any conceivable position, Lytle also has an iron chin, heavy hands, and a willingness to stand toe to toe and trade with anyone he fights. He isn’t a big finisher in the standup, but he does have the power to hurt his opponents and he can take a shot like few others. Most importantly, he has been fighting the best in the world for years, which is a huge advantage over a guy like Ebersole.
I think Ebersole, for all of his experience, is going to have a rough time here. Not only is Lytle a big step up in competition for him, and not only is he facing the notoriously tough pressure of a UFC debut, but I think Lytle is just a little bit better than he is at everything. Ebersole isn’t a powerful enough striker to overwhelm Lytle, and in fact will probably lose most of the striking exchanges. More importantly, I don’t think he has any way to stop Lytle from taking him down and submitting him. Lytle by submission.
Prediction: Chris “Lights Out” Lytle via second round rear naked choke.
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