(C) Demetrious Johnson vs. #1 Joseph Benavidez:
As seen in their first fight for the inaugural Flyweight champion, this is either man’s fight to win. Both men have great improved since that faithful night where Johnson defeated Benavidez via split-decision just over a year ago. Johnson has since defended his title twice, while Benavidez has gone 3-0; both defeating the very best in the division.
When it comes to the fight, I believe we will see a lot of the same as in the first fight. Benavidez may be the only fighter in the division who can keep up with Johnson for all five rounds, which separates Benavidez from Johnson’s last two opponents. Johnson should be able to get Benavidez down at times, but won’t be able to take him down at will like he has done to opponents in the past, I see the majority of this fight taking place on the feet, where I see Benavidez having the advantage. With new head coach of Team Alpha Male Duane “Bang” Ludwig coming into town, Benavidez’s striking has looked much more technical and that may be the difference maker.
If this fight goes the distance, Johnson will likely get his hand raised and that would be the safe bet, but I’m going to go with the underdog in this one, look for Benavidez to get the TKO somewhere in round three or four.
Favorite: Johnson (-135) Underdog: Benavidez (+115)
My Pick: Benavidez
#2 Urijah Faber vs. #3 Michael McDonald:
Of this whole card, this is the fight everyone is looking forward to. This fight is a clear title-eliminator and the winner will likely go on to face the winner of UFC 169’s Bantamweight title bout between champion Dominick Cruz and interim champion Renan Barao.
This fight is a very unpredictable one, I could see McDonald getting a big knockout finish early, I can also see Faber controlling the fight and getting a late submission or a lopsided decision. What I do predict, is that this will be a very exciting fight. I can see Faber getting rocked early, but I think his veteran savvy and wrestling will bring him to victory. I see McDonald spending a lot of time on his back, while he does have a solid guard, Faber’s top pressure will be too much for McDonald to handle.
Favorite: Faber (-150) Underdog: McDonald (+130)
My Pick: Faber
#1 Chad Mendes vs. #8 Nik Lentz:
Both of these men have similar styles, they both like to be aggressive with their striking and implement their strong wrestling. Mendes is a very heavy betting favorite going into this fight and with good reason, while the two men have comparable styles, Mendes is the better all-around fighter, he will out-class Lentz on the feet and will be able to out-wrestle him as well. The only area I give Lentz the advantage is in the size department. Look for Chad Mendes to get his fifth victory in a row by knockout/TKO.
Favorite: Mendes (-800) Underdog: Lentz (+565)
My Pick: Mendes
Joe Lauzon vs. Mac Danzig:
Both of these guys are finishers, but let’s face it, Mac Danzig is not on Joe Lauzon’s level. CAN Danzig win? Sure. Will he? I doubt it. Danzig has lost three of his last four and while Lauzon has lost two straight, he put on a hell of a fight against Jim Miller and just came out flat in his last bout against Michael Johnson. I don’t believe we will see the same Joe Lauzon from his last fight, I think we will see the aggressive Joe Lauzon we have become accustomed to seeing. The striking between these two is probably equal, so it would be in Danzig’s best interest to do whatever it takes to keep this standing, which is the only way I see him winning here. Look for Lauzon to come out hard and seek the submission early.
Favorite: Lauzon (-180) Underdog: Danzig (+155)
My Pick: Lauzon
Preliminary Card:
Court McGee (-115) > Ryan LaFlare (-105)
Edson Barbosa (-295) > Danny Castillo (+245)
Pat Healy (-145) > Bobby Green (+125)
Scott Jorgensen (-260) > Zach Makovsky (+215)
Sam Stout (-250) > Cody McKenzie (+210)
Roger Bowling (-120) < Abel Trujillo (Even)
Alptekin Ozkilic (-240) < Darren Uyenoyama (+200)
*Odds Courtesy of BetDSI
NUTS PICKS
Matt 201-128 (61.1%)
Demetrious Johnson (18-2-1) vs. Joseph Benavidez (19-3)
Urijah Faber (29-6) vs. Michael McDonald (16-2)
Chad Mendes (15-1) vs. Nik Lentz (24-5-2, 1 NC)
Joe Lauzon (22-9) vs. Mac Danzig (21-11-1)
Court McGee (16-3) vs. Ryan LaFlare (9-0)
Danny Castillo (16-5) vs. Edson Barboza (12-1)
Bobby Green (21-5) vs. Pat Healy (31-16)
Scott Jorgensen (14-7) vs, Zach Makovsky (16-4)
Sam Stout (19-9-1) vs. Cody McKenzie (14-3)
Abel Trujillo (10-5) vs. Roger Bowling (11-4)
Darren Uyenoyama (8-4) vs. Alptekin Ozkilic (8-1)
Ingo 182-147 (55.3%)
Demetrious Johnson (18-2-1) vs. Joseph Benavidez (19-3)
Urijah Faber (29-6) vs. Michael McDonald (16-2)
Chad Mendes (15-1) vs. Nik Lentz (24-5-2, 1 NC)
Joe Lauzon (22-9) vs. Mac Danzig (21-11-1)
Court McGee (16-3) vs. Ryan LaFlare (9-0)
Danny Castillo (16-5) vs. Edson Barboza (12-1)
Bobby Green (21-5) vs. Pat Healy (31-16)
Scott Jorgensen (14-7) vs, Zach Makovsky (16-4)
Sam Stout (19-9-1) vs. Cody McKenzie (14-3)
Abel Trujillo (10-5) vs. Roger Bowling (11-4)
Darren Uyenoyama (8-4) vs. Alptekin Ozkilic (8-1)
Magic 8 Ball 201-128 (61.1%)
Demetrious Johnson (18-2-1) vs. Joseph Benavidez (19-3)
Urijah Faber (29-6) vs. Michael McDonald (16-2)
Chad Mendes (15-1) vs. Nik Lentz (24-5-2, 1 NC)
Joe Lauzon (22-9) vs. Mac Danzig (21-11-1)
Court McGee (16-3) vs. Ryan LaFlare (9-0)
Danny Castillo (16-5) vs. Edson Barboza (12-1)
Bobby Green (21-5) vs. Pat Healy (31-16)
Scott Jorgensen (14-7) vs, Zach Makovsky (16-4)
Sam Stout (19-9-1) vs. Cody McKenzie (14-3)
Abel Trujillo (10-5) vs. Roger Bowling (11-4)
Darren Uyenoyama (8-4) vs. Alptekin Ozkilic (8-1)