UFC 161 is around the corner, but the matchup of Rashad Evans vs. Dan Henderson is shaping up to be a bit of dud.
Originally slated to be a co-main event, it has now been moved to the main event, due to injury. The bout will still be three rounds.
Evans and Henderson are coming off of disappointing matches, as Evans lost in unanimous fashion to Antonio Rogerio Nogueira at UFC 156, and Henderson lost to Lyoto Machida at UFC 157
The two fighters are pretty evenly matched, with Evans just two pounds heavier. While Henderson is known for his heavy right hand, Evans puts up a pretty strong defense, avoiding 65 percent of punches thrown his way.
Evans is much better on the mat, as he has the most career takedowns in UFC light heavyweight history. Henderson is simply average at takedown defense.
The only way for Henderson to win is to avoid the mat. Ideally, he would knock out Evans early on with a wicked right, before Evans even gets a chance to use his ground and pound. If he can get a clean shot with his right, the match could be over very quickly.
If Evans can get Henderson on the mat, then it’s game over. The question is whether he will be able to before Henderson’s punches connect.
Another thing to look out for is Henderson’s age. Will Henderson, at age 42, see his skills diminish? Does he still have a little left in the tank, or will Evans be able to beat Henderson with superior athleticism? The longer this fight drags on, the more of a chance Evans has to win?
Still, it’s not like Evans is lighting it up right now. He admitted to not performing his best in UFC 156, telling Bleacher Report’s Trent Reinsmith that:
You definitely want to get the monkey off your back when you stink up the joint. As a fighter it sucks because you wear the hat of the last fight that you just fought until you fight another one.
There’s a reason this was supposed to be the co-main event. These two fighters are on the downside of their careers, and their two contrasting styles could lead to a long, dragged-out match without much action, as both fighters prefer to pick their spots to make their patented moves.
Because Evans has the clear advantage on the mat, look for him to quickly get Henderson on the ground and finish him that way.
However it does end up, it won’t be the best UFC matchup. Unless one of these fighters finds their own glory, it will be a bit of snooze-fest.
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