Author: MMA Betting

UFC Welterweight Title Bout:  Johny Hendricks vs. Robbie Lawler

Odds:  ( -225 Hendricks / + 175 Lawler )

Betting Pick:  Hendricks

Bet on this fight at Bovada

Coming to us LIVE from Las Vegas, NV the rematch many of us have been waiting for – Hendricks vs. Lawler II. This fight will be for the UFC Welterweight Championship and could possibly be the fight of the year. Many UFC diehards have been waiting for this rematch ever since UFC 171 and rightfully so. Hendricks vs. Lawler I showed the world the absolute talent each fighter had and how much they hate to lose. Nearly the entire fight was a back-and-forth slugfest of brilliant combinations landed by each fighters. Each Hendricks and Lawler arguably come into this fight in the apex of their prime and all us expect nothing less than for their refined skills to shine. Now lets break down each fighter and make a prediction…

Robbie “Ruthless” Lawler 24-10-0 #1 Contender

His striking is his bread and butter which is why I feel Lawler has neglected to refine his wrestling over the years.  Lawler is going to rely on the skill that made him the fighter he is today. He will want to keep this fight standing and use his plethora of striking skills to wear down Hendricks, as he has done before. Lawyer has amazing power behind each of his punches and the rare ability of quick hands behind them. Another skill that fighters such as Lawler must contain, is takedown defense. Lawlers’ takedown defense is significant factor of the success of his career. Many fighters have the ability to knockout another with one blow, but Lawler is part of a rare bread that can keep the fight on his feet with his defensive skills and give himself numerous opportunities to pick his spots for those brutal knockout punches. 

Johny “Bigg Rigg” Hendricks 16-2 Welterweight Champion

Hendricks brings many of the same skills as Lawler to the Octagon but with one slight advantage, defense. Many see Hendricks for his strong chin and quick hands, but his ability to avoid significant strikes may be the difference in this fight. If Hendricks is able to take Lawler to the ground, We might see this fight end sooner than their last bout. Hendricks wrestling skills and overall brute strength will give him the advantage to control the fight if and when it does end up on the mat. Lastly, I’d like to return to the striking ability of Hendricks. Although the power of each strike doesn’t equal to that of Lawler, Hendricks ability to place significant strikes will dominate the poor striking defense of Lawler. My advice for Hendricks would be to take this fight to the mat if needed. Hendricks can control the fight from on the ground without any worry. We haven’t seen much from Lawler throughout his career and wouldn’t expect to see much of a significant change. 

I can’t imagine this fight differing much from their previous fight at UFC 171. If Hendricks sticks to the game plan he had in the last meeting, I believe the result will be the same. Lawler’s striking defense will become victim to the increased striking ability of Hendricks and round-by-round Lawler will wear down. Hendricks needs to stay on the grind though, Ruthless’s heavy hands and the ability to end a fight with his uncanny quickness is always lurking. Hendricks will land enough significant blows while using his wrestling which will open opportunities to end this fight sooner than the last.

Prediction: Hendricks by KO/TKO in the 3rd Round.

UFC Featherweight Bout:  Frankie Edgar vs. Cub Swanson

Odds:  (-210 Edgar / +170 Swanson )

Betting Pick:  Swanson

Bet on this fight at Bovada

Coming to us LIVE from the great state of Texas, UFC Fight Night bring us Frankie Edgar vs. Cub Swanson. Two of the most prolific MMA fighters in the world will try and prove they’re the one that deserves a shot at the Featherweight Title.  Lets analyze these fighters and pick a winner…

Frankie “The Answer” Edgar 16-4-1

When you’re trying to analyze a fighter such as Frankie Edgar, deciding where to start is the most difficult part. Edgar can move, jab, counter, grapple, and shoot with the best in the world. With such a plethora of strengths, it makes you wonder where his faults lie. Watching Frankie Edgar live and on the big screen numerous time, I believe his overall strength makes him vulnerable while in certain positions. If Cub Swanson is able get Frankie Edgar near the cage or is skilled enough to be on bottom and use strength to switch positions, that’s where you’ll see this fight turn. Edgar wants to move, throw jabs, and shoot for points whenever he possibly can. One aspect of Edgar that isn’t spoken about often is his ability to frustrate the other opponent. Typically when we speak defense, we’re talking about to ability to defend against the takedown. In our case, we’re talking about what happens after the take down. As a former Colligate Wrestler Edgar has been taught how to escape from nearly everything. Go back and watch some prime Frankie Edgar fights and watch his ability to get back on his feet quickly after being on back. Edgar needs to pick his spots carefully. Cub could possibly be one of the most dangerous fighters in the Featherweight right now, and one slip could cost him his career. Edgar is going to want to stay on his feet and shoot when he sees that opening and lock in a submission as fast as he can.

Cub Swanson 21-5

What many don’t realize is that it’s not what you know about Cub Swanson that makes him difficult, it’s what you don’t know. Frankie  is going to have a serious challenge in deciding exactly how to train for a fighter as unorthodox as Cub Swanson. Cub switches from orthodox to southpaw whenever he needs to and has combinations of kicks and flying punches you really cant train yourself to defend. What I believe scares fighters the most about Cub Swanson, is that every fight he improves.  Here’s my advice for Cub… Keep Edgar off-balance while on your feet. Keep switching stances and moving while throwing those tight jabs that have always been so effective. Be aware of the counter-attack and capitalize on Edgars’ first mistake.

How Fox Sports 1 was able to get a fight like this one on prime time television is a treat for all MMA fans. In my honest opinion, this might be one of the best fights of the year. I just cant see Frankie Edgar stopping the train that is Cub Swanson. Cub Swanson will just be too much for Edgar to handle. I’m not implying domination on the part of Cub Swanson, I’m simply saying if this fight goes the entire length, I see Cub taking the decision home.

Prediction: Cub Swanson by Decision.

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