Tonight the UFC returns to network television with one of the most stacked cards in UFC history. Thusly the Inside Fights staff has gotten together to figure out who we think will come out with the win.
On the panel today:
Scott Sawitz, Managing Editor & Featured Columnist
Ryan Frederick, Staff Writer
Adam Keyes, Staff Writer
Daniel Sohn, Staff Writer
UFC Lightweight Championship bout
Benson Henderson(c) vs. Gilbert Melendez
SAWITZ: I don’t think Gil is as good as his teammate, or as good as Frankie Edgar even. I like Melendez and think he’s elite but he’s coming off a big layoff and mediocre performances in Strikeforce against Josh Thomson and Jorge Masvidal. “Smooth” makes it look as easy as it did against Nate Diaz. Henderson
FREDERICK: Melendez has all the tools to beat Henderson, and I think Melendez is undervalued at times. Bendo is tough as nails though. I picked Melendez in my preview, and I’m sticking to it. Melendez
KEYES: I see this being closer and more competitive than the Nate Diaz fight, but Bendo will be too big and strong for Gil. Henderson
SOHN: Gil is a serious challenge, but he isn’t necessarily a tougher out than Frankie Edgar or Nate Diaz. I don’t see an area where Gil is better than the champ. Henderson
Staff picking Henderson: Sawitz, Keyes, Sohn
Staff Picking Melendez: Frederick
Heavyweight bout- Frank Mir vs. Daniel Cormier
FREDERICK: A big test for Cormier as he moves over. Mir is someone you have to beat to get into title contention, and history has shown that Mir can fail in big fights and be finished. Cormier will finish him. Cormier
SAWITZ: I picked DC to take the win in my preview and am not wavering from that pick. Cormier
KEYES: Mir has the sizeable experience advantage but this fight will be decided by the wrestling ability of Cormier. I can’t see Mir taking Cormier down to utilise his jits and Cormier’s hand speed should prove decisive on the feet. Cormier
SOHN: Cormier is going to be way too quick in the standup for Mir. His strong wrestling will prevent any funny business on the ground.
Cormier
Staff picking Cormier: Sawitz, Frederick, Keyes, Sohn
Staff Picking Mir:
Lightweight bout- Nate Diaz vs. Josh Thomson
FREDERICK: This is a real solid fight between two evenly matched fighters. It could be all kinds of crazy as both fight aggressively and will constantly come forward. Thomson will do just enough to take a close decision. Thomson
SAWITZ: I’ve always thought Thomson didn’t get enough love in the rankings and pulls off a split decision here. Diaz is great, and I love how he fights, but I think this winds up being insanely close for some reason. Thomson
KEYES: Big fan of Thomson but I think that the lack of activity and sustained competition outside of the UFC will make him susceptible and he will ultimately succumb to Diaz’s relentless, rangy slap-boxing style. Diaz
SOHN: Thomson is a great boxer with good all around skills. Nate Diaz is just a little bit better. Diaz
Staff picking Thomson: Sawitz, Frederick
Staff Picking Diaz: Keyes, Sohn
Welterweight bout- Matt Brown vs. Jordan Mein
FREDERICK: This is an outstanding opening bout for the FOX broadcast. It should bring plenty of fireworks and should by all means be action-packed. Mein takes the fight on short notice, but he will get the job done. Mein
SAWITZ: Matt Brown’s on a crazy 4-0 run and a win here gets him into the hunt for a Top 10 fighters. Who’d have thought that? For some reason I think he pulls it off. Brown
KEYES: The quick turnaround in fights for Mein should not be an issue here. This guy has been bred to fight and I see this as another stride taken towards the upper echelons of the division. Mein
SOHN: Brown is on a great streak right now, but it’s Jordan Mein’s time to shine. Mein is a very smart fighter, with the patience and skills to defeat Brown. Mein
Staff picking Brown: Sawitz
Staff Picking Mein: Frederick, Keyes, Sohn