BENDO TESTS THE WATERS AT 170
Benson “Split Decision” Henderson
Los Angeles, CA– Former WEC and UFC lightweight (155) champion Benson “Smooth” Henderson (21-5) is moving up to welterweight (170) on Saturday night in the main event of UFC Fight Night: Henderson vs. Thatch. “Bendo” has been a huge lightweight for years, and will fight in a division that is likely closer to his natural weight. Brandon “Rukus” Thatch (11-1) will be looking to derail Henderson’s welterweight debut.
WILL BEN SUCCEED AT WELTER?
Henderson has only beaten one out of twelve UFC foes within the scheduled distance, and I do not think he will be able to finish Thatch. In fact, I think he loses to Thatch. I just do not feel Ben has the fire or the power to do anything substantial at welterweight. He is a “point fighter” whose bread and butter is winning decisions over people smaller than him. This time, he won’t have a size advantage.
TASTY CO-MAIN ON TAP
Featherweight (145) Max Holloway (11-3) is the only guy to last three rounds in the UFC with the “Notorious” Conor McGregor (17-2), dropping a unanimous decision to the Irishman. I think he will be “Blessed” again when he takes on veteran Cole Miller (21-8). Holloway looks better on paper and should win versus a game Miller.
UNDERCARD FEATURES NICE MIX OF WEIGHTS
Welterweight Neil Magny (13-3) is in tough with Kiichi Kunimoto (18-5-2, 1 NC) of Japan, but should have enough in the tank to pull it off. Heavyweight (265 limit) Patrick Walsh (5-1) will likely fall to Australia’s Daniel Kelly (8-0). In a battle between two lightweights with vastly different names, Michel Richard Cunha dos Prazeres (18-1) seems to have the upper hand on Kevin Lee (9-1) based on experience. Opening the card at 10PM/7PM ETPT on Fox Sports 1 will be a flyweight (125) duel between Chris “The Greek Assassin” Kelades (8-1) and Ray “The TazMexican Devil” Borg (7-1). Borg has the better nickname, so I am picking him.
FOX SPORTS 1 PRELIMS AT 8PM/5PM ETPT
FEATHERWEIGHTS:
Nik Lentz (25-6-2, 1 NC) vs Levan Makashvili (6-1)
LIGHTWEIGHTS:
Efrain Escudero (22-9) vs Rodrigo Goianna de Lima (8-2-1)
FEATHERWEIGHTS:
Jim Alers (13-1) vs Chas Skelly (13-1)
FLYWEIGHTS:
Tim Elliot (10-5-1) vs Zach Makovsky (18-5)
UFC FIGHT PASS EARLY PRELIM AT 7:30PM/4:30PM ETPT
LIGHTWEIGHTS:
James Moontasri (7-2) vs Cody Pfister (11-3-1)
2015 MMA Picks Record: 15-8
2015 Overall Picks Record: 20-8
Zack “Attack” Young
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