UFC on FOX will showcase a lightweight bout between Benson Henderson and Clay Guida, which will likely determine the next challenger for UFC lightweight champion Frankie Edgar.
Henderson and Guida have become two of the division’s top stars and implement similar strategies and styles when they are competing. Therefore, a bout between both of them seems inevitable.
While Guida has comfortably enjoyed a three-fight winning streak over some credible opponents, including Anthony Pettis and Takanori Gomi, he doesn’t boast the same credentials and skills as Henderson to be considered a legitimate threat to Edgar.
Henderson’s pace and style blend well together and it forces his opponents to be more persistent and aggressive in their attack than usual, something Edgar is not relatively known for. The champion is patient and utilizes quick footwork as he anticipates his opponent’s attack and counters with fast, technical combinations.
Henderson also implements fast movement and is constantly moving inside the pocket and around the Octagon, again, establishing a frenetic pace which his opponents aren’t accustomed to. Guida implements a similar approach but is fairly easier to hit and consumes a lot more damage, making him an easier target for Edgar to hit.
Also, Henderson is an effective grappler and he will not hesitate to impose his will or attempt a submission when the opportunity arises. Guida has improved his game dramatically since training with Greg Jackson, but he is not as polished in certain areas like Henderson.
Again, Henderson and Guida will certainly put on one of the most entertaining bouts of the year. They are two of the most accomplished and talented fighters to compete in the UFC today. They both present similar styles, and Guida is a well-rounded fighter, but Henderson displays more tools and a superior skill set that presents him as more of a threat to the champion than Guida.
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