The upcoming UFC Fight Night card actually looks pretty good so I’m excited about it. I didn’t get posts up for the events that happened this past weekend, but I did have a UFC 173 post up. That card didn’t work out as well for me as most of the others from this year with my only win coming from Lawler’s TKO. I had Cormier by decision, but he was able to put Henderson to sleep eventually in the third round. Then in the main event I had Barao, who was shocked in an amazing display by Dillashaw.
2014 Record: 26-9 for +19.95 units.
Benson Henderson vs Rustam Khabilov
Benson Henderson is still a beast and should still be considered the top contender at the lightweight division. He did lose his title to Pettis in the first round at UFC 164, but he defeated Josh Thomson since then, albeit by split decision. Henderson has actually gotten used to winning split decision victories, with 3 of his last 4 wins via split decision. This tells me that he isn’t dominating his opponents, but he is doing enough to win. That said each of these split decision wins are over top contenders in the division of which Khabilov is not. Khabilov has the ability to hang with Henderson, but I don’t see him finishing Bendo. If the fight is close I also expect Henderson’s experience in 5 round fights to help him in the later rounds to get another decision victory under his belt.
Take Benson Henderson by 5 round decision +140 at 5Dimes.
Diego Sanchez vs Ross Pearson
Another very good Lightweight fight on this card that is filled with the smaller guys. Diego Sanchez is coming off a couple tough losses to Melendez and Myles Jury so he is looking to get back into the win column against the Brit. Sanchez has fallen off the lightweight rankings in the UFC and another loss could result in Dana considering cutting him from the UFC. Sanchez has been around for a long time after winning TUF 1 at Middleweight, so he needs this win against another TUF champion in Ross Pearson. Pearson has not faced as strong of competition as Diego Sanchez through his career, but a win over Sanchez could put him into the discussion in the Lightweight division. That said I think Sanchez will be too much. His losses have come to strong competition so I don’t want to look into that too much. Sanchez should be able to find a way to win and stay relevant in the UFC.
Take Diego Sanchez +160 at 5Dimes.
John Dodson vs John Moraga
A couple of the top ranked little guys are also on the card. Dodson is still considered the number 1 contender according to the UFC rankings, while John Moraga is slotted in at #5. Dodson lost a fight of the night 5 round decision battle to Demetrious Johnson a couple fights ago for the Flyweight Championship. Since then he knocked out Darrell Montague and a win over John Moraga should start to put him back in the rematch discussion with Johnson. Moraga though will not be an easy opponent. He also has only lost to Demetrious Johnson of late and has won 8 of his last 9 fights not including that loss. The kicker is that his last loss was to Dodson, so this will be a very interesting rematch. Dodson won a unanimous decision over John Moraga in December of 2010.
I think Dodson is the rightful favourite, but I’m surprised at how big of a favourite he is. I think the smart money has to be on Moraga in this one to get his long awaited revenge.
Take John Moraga +400
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