UFC Lightweight Bout: Ben Henderson vs. Rustam Khabilov
Odds: ( -250 Henderson / +195 Khabilov )
Betting Pick: Henderson
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In the main event of UFC Fight Night 42, former UFC Lightweight champion Benson “Smooth” Henderson squares off against surging young prospect Rustam “Tiger” Khabilov. Henderson has been a staple at the top of the Lightweight division for a while now between WEC and UFC, while Khabilov is trying to push the momentum of his six-fight win streak into a spot in the title picture. There’s no question that this is Khabilov’s toughest test as a professional, so this should be a good litmus test to see just how ready he really is.
Rustam “Tiger” Khabilov has yet to taste defeat in the UFC and has won his last six fights overall. Khabilov has never faced an opponent on Henderson’s level, but he has continually increased his level of competition and has handled every step up remarkably well. Khabilov has a very dangerous offensive skill set, with solid punching power, very effective submissions, and a shockingly dangerous wrestling game. Khabilov has the odd distinction of having won two fights with his wrestling, once with a T/KO via slam and once with a suplex that he turned into ground and pound. The biggest thing for Khabilov, I think, is just to fight smart and remember that this is just another fight. If his nerves get to him, he could leave openings that Henderson is more than equipped to exploit.
Benson “Smooth” Henderson is a former WEC and UFC Lightweight champion with a shocking mix of technique and athleticism. He’s a very skilled striker with solid wrestling and good submissions, but he is also an extremely quick and explosive athlete. His ability to blend that explosiveness with superb technique make him uniquely capable of capitalizing on the smallest mistakes from his opponent. Against Khabilov, he should be able to utilize his reach advantage and his solid jab to make it harder for Khabilov to get in the pocket with power punches.
Ultimately, I just don’t think Khabilov is ready for this kind of test. He has an extremely bright future in the UFC, but it’s going to take some growing pains for him to realize his potential. I just think Henderson is too similar stylistically, to physical, and too experienced for him at this point. This should be a close, competitive fight but ultimately I see Henderson taking the unanimous decision victory.
Prediction: Ben “Smooth” Henderson by Unanimous Decision.
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