UFC 164: Henderson vs Pettis 2 is an event that will take place on August 31st, 2013 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It will feature the rematch between Benson Henderson and Anthony Pettis. The first matchup between the 2 was an even bout heading into the 5th round, where Pettis pulled off his famous showtime kick, which knocked Henderson the round and secured the 5th round, thus earning him the WEC lightweight title. Other good bouts on the card include Mir vs Barnett and Mendes vs Guida.
Mendes vs Guida
Clay Guida will take his second fight at featherweight and he is taking on a man who is coming off 3 quick KO wins, all in the first round. Chad Mendes has not fought near he competition that Guida has, with the exception of Aldo, but is a very powerful puncher and excellent wrestler. Guida, on the other hand is normally a scrappy fighter, but has recently tried to showcase his footwork. This has lost him some fans as it looks like he is playing it safe and using the Greg Jackson gameplan.
I see this fight turning into a scrap and I believe Guida’s size at this weight class will give him an advantage over most fighters. I think the line of +400 for Guida is excellent, and in reality it is not giving Guida enough respect for what he has done in the sport. A small bet on Guida should be made.
Take Guida at +400 (5Dimes)
Mir vs Barnett
A battle of the former best in the UFC will take place and it is expected to be a hateful affair. Frank and Josh, both not shy with words, have said exactly what is on their minds when referring to each other. There is no love lost between them. I think Frank is losing his competitiveness, and I believe he will have a hard time with Barnett. If he cannot catch a quick submission from the bottom, I see Barnett dominating and catching one of his own. Frank is on the verge of his 3rd loss in a row and though I don’t believe he is at risk of getting cut, he is moving down the totem poll quickly. Though Frank is an excellent submission specialist, he is very sloppy when he gets tired, so I can see Barnett catching one on him.
Take Barnett by SUB at +615 (5Dimes)
Henderson vs Pettis
The famous rematch and one of the most anticipated fights in the UFC to date will take place on Saturday. Henderson will see if he can avenge his loss against Pettis and cement himself as the greatest lightweight in the world. The showtime kick has to be on his mind as it won Pettis a 5-round decision between them in 2010.
This will be a battle of two very well rounded fighters. Anthony has the edge in striking with his vicious kicks, while Benson seems to clearly have the advantage in wrestling. Both are high level Jui-Jitsu guys, while Anthony Pettis is known to be dangerous off his back, which allows him to throw his unorthodox kicks.
The fight is basically a pickem, with Pettis being a tiny underdog. If Anthony wins this fight, which I expect him to, I see it being by TKO. He will be looking all night to land kicks to the body and head, eventually wearing down Hendo. I see a late stoppage for Pettis.
Take Pettis by TKO at +315 (5Dimes)
Anthony Pettis • Benson Henderson • Henderson vs Pettis 2 • UFC 164