UFC Lightweight bout: Clay Guida vs. Benson Henderson
Odds: (+220 Guida /-280 Henderson )
Betting Pick: Henderson
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In the semi-main event, two exciting young Lightweight wrestlers will try to establish themselves as title contenders as WEC veteran Ben “Smooth” Henderson faces aggressive wrestler Clay “The Carpenter” Guida. Both of these guys are aggressive, extremely athletic wrestlers with very similar styles. This is going to be a fast-paced and physical match, and whichever guy can control position when it goes to the ground will be in a great position to win.
Clay “The Carpenter” Guida is one of UFC’s most recognizable stars. With his wild mane of hair and his hyper-aggressive fighting style, Guida has gained quite a following. Guida is an excellent wrestler with underrated submissions and amazing cardio who can keep up a relentless pace foras long as a fight goes. On the ground,he has solid submissions and can do a lot of damage with ground and pound. His standup is fairly rudimentary and not very powerful, and there aren’t many guys that he is going to consistently outbox. Against Henderson, who has great submissions from top position and is a superior striker, it is vitally important that Guida press the issue and try to secure takedowns as early and often as possible.
Ben “Smooth” Henderson was one of WEC’s top lightweights,and has continued his success in the UFC. Aside from a setback against Anthony Pettis, Henderson has looked spectacular, using athleticism, wrestling, great submissions, and solid technical boxing to secure himself a spot as one of the world’s top 155pounders. What makes Henderson so dangerous is that he has no real holes in his game and his freakish physical abilities. Against Guida he will be the more versatile fighter, and will probably enjoy a significant advantage in the striking technique department. As long as he doesn’t give up any big mistakes and tries to nullify Guida’s takedown attempts, Henderson has the tools to win this fight.
I think this fight is going to be all Henderson. These guys have very similar styles, but Henderson is the stronger and faster of the two and has better hands. I don’t think Guida will be able to consistently take Henderson down or keep him there, and if he telegraphs his takedowns he will be setting up one of Henderson’s lethal guillotine chokes. I just think Henderson is the superior fighter and will outpoint Guida for a unanimous decision.
Prediction: Ben Henderson via Unanimous Decision.
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