
Music to listen to: Why Me? by the Memorials
Time for a quick preview of UFC Live 5
Dan Hardy vs. Chris Lytle: This matchup has the potential to be the fight of the night for two reasons. First, both men like to be aggressive in the standup, meaning that it will most likely be a slugfest that will please the fans visually. Second, both of these men are desperate for a win and really need a victory for their careers. Hardy is coming off of three straight losses and while he may not be a candidate to get cut from the UFC (he’s still a major draw in Europe, especially England), a loss here would relegate Hardy to fighting in prelims that only air on Spike or Facebook. For Lytle, the veteran had a nice four-fight winning streak before dropping a decision to Brian Ebersole at UFC 127 in February. If he hopes to move up the welterweight division in the UFC, a victory over Hardy is essential.
This will be one of those fights where all three rounds will look similar because each man will get some good shots in but end the round closely. We’ve seen Hardy struggle on the ground and Lytle has the skill set to take advantage of this weakness and I think we’ll see some of this as the deciding factor.
Prediction: Lytle by decision
Jim Miller vs. Benson Henderson: These guys are very similar in the fact that they both like to be aggressive in the standup game, have solid wrestling, outstanding stamina and are even both left handed.
With the Frankie Edgar and Gray Maynard stallmate at the top of the lightweight division, this fight may determine who’s next to get a title shot after Clay Guida, especially if Miller gets the victory. If Henderson gets the win, it may elevate him back into the top-five in the division within the UFC.
We’re going to see a fast-paced contest where I think Henderson’s improved standup and overall strength advantage will be the difference.
Prediction: Henderson by decision
Duane Ludwig vs. Amir Sadollah: I think Sadollah is stronger, has better standup and is the better overall fighter.
Prediction: Sadollah by TKO
Donald Cerrone vs. Charles Oliveira: I think that Oliveira is a major prospect at lightweight but Cerrone is more experienced and has a better ground game.
Prediction: Cerrone by submission
Joseph Benavidez vs. Eddie Wineland: Wineland gets to face his second straight opponent from the Team Alpha Male camp in Benavidez.
Wineland lost a tough decision to Urijah Faber at UFC 128 in March, but showed tremendous skills in the loss. Benavidez will pose the same stylistic problems as Faber did for Wineland, especially when trying to get takedowns and keep his opponent on the ground.
Wineland has a strong right hand that can knock out anyone in the division but I expect Benavidez to mix up his attacks and do just enough to earn the decision victory.
Prediction: Benavidez by decision
Those are my thoughts, what are yours?
Leave a comment