UFC Bantamweight bout: Joseph Benavidez vs. Ian Loveland
Odds: ( Benavidez / Loveland )
Betting Pick: Benavidez
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In the third bout, top 135 pound contender Joseph Benavidez makes his UFC debut against journeyman Ian Loveland. Loveland stepped up on late notice and destroyed Tyler Toner at the Ultimate Fighter 12 finale before deciding to drop to Bantamweight. Now, he is getting thrown into the deep end against the division’s #2 fighter. This is a big step up in competition for him and it remains to be seen how he will handle the weight cut, so this could be a tough fight for him.
Ian “The Barn Owl” Loveland, a Team Quest product, had a rough start to his career, but is currently riding the momentum of a seven fight winning streak. A well-rounded fighter with very good submissions and powerful punching, Loveland has a very versatile and effective skill set. The problem is that Benavidez is easily the best fighter he has ever faced, and he is doing it in a brand new weight division. He is going to need a career performance if he wants to keep his impressive win streak alive.
Joseph Benavidez has lost only twice as a professional, with both losses coming in close fights to current Bantamweight kingpin Dominick Cruz. Benavidez is extremely well rounded, with good boxing, great wrestling, and extremely effective submissions. He has no glaring holes in his game, and even though his striking is the worst part of his arsenal he is still a very technically sound boxer.
Benavidez is just too much for Loveland. Loveland is dealing with a weight cut to 135 for the first time, making a big step up in competition, and facing a guy who is probably even more versatile and well-rounded than he is. Loveland is a tough fighter with good defense on the ground, so I expect him to make a fight, but Benavidez should control all three rounds for a decision.
Prediction: Joseph Benavidez via Unanimous Decision.
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