Benavidez vs. Johnson: Why They Will Steal the Show at UFC 152

After weeks of UFC withdrawal, the world’s largest MMA promotion will finally return with a bang this weekend, as UFC 152 features two amazing title fights.While all eyes may be locked onto the main-event battle between light heavyweight champ Jon…

After weeks of UFC withdrawal, the world’s largest MMA promotion will finally return with a bang this weekend, as UFC 152 features two amazing title fights.

While all eyes may be locked onto the main-event battle between light heavyweight champ Jon Jones and former title-holder Vitor Belfort, my money is on the flyweight championship bout between Joseph Benavidez and Demetrious Johnson to steal the show.

Unlike the huge mismatch in the main event, Benavidez and Johnson are pretty evenly matched and should provide fans with an exciting, back-and-forth war.

Both men are former bantamweight top contenders, and both should be at their peak performance now that they are fighting at 125.  If you thought these guys were fast before, wait until you see them for five rounds at flyweight.

But it takes more than quick hands to impress fans.  Luckily, both Benavidez and Johnson are highly skilled at what they do and are the perfect contenders for the inaugural flyweight belt.

Benavidez is really powerful for a 125er. He has pretty heavy hands considering his size—just ask Yasuhiro Urushitani.  Not only is he strong, but technically speaking, he is also a superb striker. And on the ground, Benavidez is a major threat, as he loves to attack with chokes and is a seasoned wrestler.

Johnson, on the other hand, is a great athlete.  His hands and shots are lightning fast, as is his footwork, making “Mighty Mouse” one of the most elusive fighters in the game.

When these two square off, it will be nonstop action, and I expect them to entertain the crowd for the full five rounds. As long as both men bring their A-game, there’s no way this bout doesn’t take home Fight of the Night.

 

Be sure to like me on Facebook or 

Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com