The UFC usually does a good job of matchmaking and putting together entertaining fight cards. I think they made a mistake with Henderson vs Guida though. This has fight of the night written all over it, and it could be wasted on the undercard.
Most UFC fans know Clay Guida; he looks like a caveman and fights like he’s on some type of crazy stimulant. Guida has a motor that’s constantly going, and the only way to slow him down is to submit him, or knock him out (if it’s possible).
Ben Henderson is relatively unknown to UFC fans, but made a lot of noise in the WEC. Henderson fought for the WEC Lightweight Championship, won it and then defended his belt twice.
You’ve probably seen the fight where Henderson lost his belt; it was the fight where Anthony Pettis ran off the fence like a ninja and kicked him in the face. Henderson wasn’t knocked out by the kick and finished the fight, only to lose by decision.
The UFC has now merged with the WEC, and Henderson is a rising star. He has racked up two consecutive wins against Mark Bocek and Jim Miller. Guida is a step up in competition.
Guida is a decent striker, but focuses mostly on his wrestling. Fighters need to make sure that Guida doesn’t get on top. His hair is annoying when he is on top, as is his control and relentlessness.
Ben Henderson is more well rounded. Physically he’s one of the most gifted lightweights in the division. He’s a top-notch wrestler, and has solid kicks and average boxing.
Henderson’s most impressive attribute might be the fact that his limbs are made of something that would make Superman jealous. To this point in his career, it appears that Henderson can’t be choked out or have limbs broken.
It’s not for lack of effort. Against Donald Cerrone, Henderson got put in every kind of submission imaginable, and walked away unscathed.
The energy of this fight will be through the roof. It’s a shame that it will only be three rounds, because these guys could go for seven and still be exciting to watch.
Let’s hope that the UFC snaps out of it, and puts this potential fight-of-the-year onto the main fight card.
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