Tag: benson henderson

UFC 141 Results: Nate Diaz vs Benson Henderson Breakdown

Nate Diaz is gearing up for a run at the UFC lightweight title, but depending on the outcome of the championship fight at UFC 144, the bout may not be against current champion Frankie Edgar.Former WEC lightweight champion Benson Henderson is set to fac…

Nate Diaz is gearing up for a run at the UFC lightweight title, but depending on the outcome of the championship fight at UFC 144, the bout may not be against current champion Frankie Edgar.

Former WEC lightweight champion Benson Henderson is set to face Edgar on February 26 to determine the king of the 155-pound division.

The opponent doesn’t necessarily matter to Diaz. He just wants an opportunity to capture a UFC title and finally prove he’s one of the best in the world.

While a bout against Edgar would be incredibly tough in its own right, Diaz would have a difficult time dealing with the pressure from Henderson’s persistent takedowns and strong top control.

Takedown defense has been a consistent problem with Diaz throughout his career. He tends to rely on his world-class Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as the great equalizer in dealing with strong wrestlers, but his plans typically go awry when the wrestler has great submission defense.

Henderson could be seen as the Harry Houdini of MMA. He has performed some of the most impossible escapes in the past against accomplished grapplers.

Diaz’s best chances against Henderson will come in the standup exchanges. Henderson is a decent boxer who has the ability to string together simplified combinations. Diaz should be able to use his range, head movement and pinpoint accuracy to land often on the feet.

Can Diaz keep the bout standing?

This one question could decide the outcome of the entire fight. It’s tough to see Diaz stuffing Henderson’s takedowns, but in a five-round bout, it leaves plenty of opportunities for the Cesar Gracie student to nab a submission.

Stylistically, this just isn’t a good matchup for Diaz. Henderson would be relentless with his takedowns and eat chunks of time off the clock from top position.

“Smooth” takes the unanimous decision.

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B/R MMA Rankings for January: Top 10 Lightweights in MMA

A new year brings us a new set of rankings in the 155-pound lightweight division in MMA. Perhaps the most stacked division in the entire sport, the lightweights shot into the spotlight in 2011 and appear ready to do so again in 2012.The upcoming UFC …

A new year brings us a new set of rankings in the 155-pound lightweight division in MMA.

Perhaps the most stacked division in the entire sport, the lightweights shot into the spotlight in 2011 and appear ready to do so again in 2012.

The upcoming UFC lightweight title bout between Frankie Edgar and Benson Henderson will headline the UFC 144 fight card from Japan in February, a fight which many are calling an early candidate for Fight of the Year.

That fight is expected to settle the debate of who the best 155-pounder in the world is, but there are a number of other fighters who will be attempting to stake their claim to the lightweight throne in 2012.

These 10 lightweights are all on track and maybe only a fight or two away from their own chance at being No. 1 in the world.

These rankings are the combined effort of some of Bleacher Report MMA’s best writers, as we continue to try to provide you with the best content on the web.

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UFC 141 Results: Where Does Jacob Volkmann’s Grappling Rank in the LW Division?

At UFC 141, Jacob “Christmas” Volkmann made it five in a row with his unanimous-decision win against Efrain Escudero.The NCAA Division I standout utilized his exceptional wrestling to grind out a victory, which now places him on the periphe…

At UFC 141, Jacob “Christmas” Volkmann made it five in a row with his unanimous-decision win against Efrain Escudero.

The NCAA Division I standout utilized his exceptional wrestling to grind out a victory, which now places him on the periphery of the top 10 lightweights in the MMA and the UFC.

It also positions him amidst the top grapplers in the division.

With that said, let’s take a look at where his wrestling ranks in the lightweight class.

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UFC 144: 7 Reasons Benson Henderson Will Beat Frankie Edgar

Come this February, Benson Henderson will have reached the pinnacle of his career when he challenges lightweight kingpin Frankie Edgar for the title as the headliner for UFC 144. The event marks the promotion’s first foray to Japan in over ten yea…

Come this February, Benson Henderson will have reached the pinnacle of his career when he challenges lightweight kingpin Frankie Edgar for the title as the headliner for UFC 144. 

The event marks the promotion’s first foray to Japan in over ten years where the famed Saitama Super Arena will play host to the historic event.

Despite Edgar’s more than noteworthy performances as of late, Henderson has been equally impressive inside the Octagon and holds skills that could decidedly sway the 155-pound affair in his favor. 

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UFC Predictions: Who Will Hold the Titles at Each Weight Class in 2012?

As 2011 winds down, UFC fans can look back on an excellent year full of great matchups and exciting fights.Naturally, as the year winds down, with only one big event left, eyes turn toward the horizon. After an exciting year, 2012 looks like …

As 2011 winds down, UFC fans can look back on an excellent year full of great matchups and exciting fights.

Naturally, as the year winds down, with only one big event left, eyes turn toward the horizon. After an exciting year, 2012 looks like it could be even better with more cards, more fights and even a new weight class to look forward to.

So with all the excitement next year is sure to bring, lets take a look at the most sought-after prize in MMA.

Who will be wearing UFC gold in the coming year?

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UFC 144: Frankie Edgar vs Ben Henderson Early Breakdown

UFC Lightweight Champion Frankie Edgar makes his fourth title defense against lightweight contender Benson Henderson when the UFC travels to Japan to host UFC 144 on February 25, 2012. Both competitors have established themselves as respective sta…

UFC Lightweight Champion Frankie Edgar makes his fourth title defense against lightweight contender Benson Henderson when the UFC travels to Japan to host UFC 144 on February 25, 2012. 

Both competitors have established themselves as respective standouts in the 155-pound division and will now look to determine the best lightweight on the planet. 

Edgar has looked nothing short of spectacular in each of his title bouts against BJ Penn and Gray Maynard, while Henderson has dominated his opposition in the process. 

In anticipation of their lightweight encounter, we’ll break down the bout and predict which man will walk away with the title around their waist. 

Here is an early breakdown of Frankie Edgar vs. Benson Henderson.

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