I’ve been going back and forth on the main event between UFC welterweights Johny Hendricks (15-2) and Robbie Lawler (22-9-1). Both are heavy-handed southpaws that can put you to sleep with one punch.
Lawler, 31, has been in the game a lot longer, with almost twice the amount of fights that “Big Rig” has. But Hendricks, 30, has a wrestling pedigree that was able to takedown former UFC welterweight champion George St. Pierre, and do damage to him.
Hendricks has been open to standing with anyone, but will he put himself in danger against Lawler, when he could take him down and win the fight on the ground?
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I think Hendricks will play it safe and use his wrestling against Lawler to ensure a victory, after coming overweight at the weigh-ins and having to lose a-pound-and-a-half. Mentally that took a toll on him, not to mention the fact that semi-retired welterweight Nick Diaz was yelling at him, calling him “fat” and “Johny it’s 170!”
I don’t think this goes the distance, Hendricks by TKO.
In the co-main event between welterweights Carlos Condit and Tyron Woodley, I think this fight is a lot easier to call. Woodley has losses to Jake Shields and Nate Marquardt — and Carlos Condit is one of the most well-rounded fighters at welterweight. Condit wins via KO.
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Fired up lightweight Diego Sanchez (24-6) yelling “Yes, yes, yes!” on his way out for the weigh-ins, was a fan favorite and had the loudest reception yesterday. Sanchez looks to rebound after his three round war with Gilbert Melendez, and will be a huge test for undefeated Myles Jury (13-0) who said he’s ready for the challenge of taking on the veteran.
A huge step up in competition for Jury, but I think Sancehz will be too much. Sanchez by decision.
Welterweights Jake Shields and Hector Lombard will be an interesting fight, with Lombard having knockout power in both hands and Shields being a ground master.
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Look for Lombard to try and keep the fight on the feet and catch Shields, but Shields jiu-jitsu is world class and Shields is the more experienced fighter. After talking with Shields, I think he’ll be able to finish Lombard. Shields by submission.
Stay tuned for round-by-round main event analysis during the fight here to get live updates.
David Kano is lead writer for MMA Show News and co-host of The Hollywood MMA Show. You can follow him on Twitter @TheDKano.
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