UFC Welterweight bout: Duane Ludwig vs. Josh Neer
Odds: (+110 Ludwig /-140 Neer )
Betting Pick: Neer
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In the semi-main event, striking phenom Duane “Bang” Ludwig will face tough, seasoned veteran Josh “The Dentist” Neer in a featured Welterweight matchup. Ludwig is with out a doubt one of the most dangerous strikers ever to compete in Mixed Martial Arts, but his chin, takedown defense, and ground game are all more than suspect. Neer isn’t as good at anything as Ludwig is at throwing punches, but he is a formidable striker in his own right with a rock-solid chin, good wrestling, and effective submissions. It remains to be seen whether Ludwig’s one outstanding skill will be enough to trump Neer’s superior versatility.
Duane “Bang” Ludwig is an extremely dangerous kick boxer with blazing hand speed, pinpoint accuracy, and a surplus of knockout power. While he is undeniably effective at dolingout punishment on the feet, his defense is lackluster and he has a glass jaw. His takedown defense is horrible and, while he does have some submissions, he is easily controlled on the ground and is not good at all off his back. Basically, Ludwig is a glass cannon and a one trick pony, but that one trick is extremely good. If Ludwig can connect with a power shot, Neer is probably in big trouble, no matter how good his chin is. The question is whether Ludwig can get his punches off before Neer lands a few of his own or forces this fight to the ground.
Josh “The Dentist” Neer is one of the toughest and most well-rounded veterans in the sport. With over 40 professional fights under his belt, Neer has been around the block more than once. Neer is also one of the more versatile fighters at Welterweight, with punishing boxing, effective wrestling,and good submissions to go along with an iron chin and a lot of heart. Against Ludwig, it is entirely possible that Neer has the power and technique to exploit “Bang’s” glass jaw, but he would be silly to even run the risk of getting clipped when he has all the tools to take Ludwig down and brutalize him from top position.
I don’t think this is a very favorable matchup for Ludwig. “Bang” shines when guys are willing to stand in front of him and let him exploit their poor stand up technique, but Neer’s chin and more importantly, his ability to easily take Ludwig down and beat him up, are going to cause Ludwig fits. I don’t think Ludwig is going to be on his feet long enough to showcase his striking, and on the ground this fight is going to be all Neer. Neer by submission.
Prediction: Josh “The Dentist” Neer by first round rear naked choke.
Note: Neer went from +105 to now the Fav at -130
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