The Ultimate Fighting Championship returns to Japan for a stacked UFC 144 card at the Saitama Super Arena in Tokyo. The seven fight main pay-per-view card is headlined by Frankie Edgar defending his lightweight title against number-one contender Ben Henderson.
Anthony Pettis vs. Joe Lauzon
This is a great match-up to kick-off the main card as both fighters are dangerous and entertaining. Pettis, the last WEC lightweight champion, was on the verge of a shot at the UFC title before the Edgar-Gray Maynard trilogy and subsequent loss to Clay Guida would derail those plans. Pettis has a dynamic stand-up game and is more than capable on the ground. Lauzon has recorded all 21 of his career wins by stoppage with 16 submissions. The pick is Pettis on the strength of his striking and movement with a late round finish.
Hatsu Hioki vs. Bart Palaszewski
This featherweight bout could catapult the winner to title contention. Palaszewski was impressive in his UFC debut as he knocked out veteran Tyson Griffin. Hioki had a little more difficulty in his debut as he scored a split decision over George Roop. The stand-up game goes to Palaszewski but Hioki will avoid his power and control the ground game to take a decision.
Tim Boetsch vs. Yushin Okami
Boetsch has found success since dropping to middleweight where he can capitalize on his strength to control his opponents. However, Okami is one of the strongest middleweights who should be able to nullify Boetsch’s power. Okami is also a handful on the ground and with top control. Okami will be able to dictate where the fight goes and he wins the striking battle. Okami by decision.
Jake Shields vs. Yoshihiro Akiyama
Akiyama drops to welterweight as he looks to end a three fight skid. Shields, a loser of his two straight, will prove too much for Akiyama. Both fighters possess adequate striking but Shields getts back to his bread-and-butter grappling on his way to a late round submission.
Cheick Kongo vs. Mark Hunt
Both heavyweights enter the bout winners of their past two fights. Kongo will have a decided reach and power advantage which should prove troublesome for Hunt despite his kickboxing skills. The advantage on the ground also goes to Kongo who will dominate Hunt once the fight hits the mat. Kongo pounds out a second round technical knockout.
Quinton “Rampage” Jackson vs. Ryan Bader
Jackson returns to Japan where he built his MMA legend while competing in Pride. Bader, the Ultimate Fighter 8 winner, is a former wrestling standout at Arizona State University. We know what to expect from Jackson who will be looking to dominate the stand-up game. Bader has promised to mix up his attack with kicks, boxing and wrestling. However, it’s hard to see that being anything that the veteran Jackson has not faced before. Jackson will be able to keep the fight standing as he records a late round technical knockout.
Frankie Edgar vs. Ben Henderson
The size and strength advantage goes to the challenger Henderson while the speed and striking advantage goes to the champion Edgar. Also Edgar’s heart, cardio and toughness may be unmatched, as demonstrated in his epic fights against Maynard. Henderson is not a knockout artist and he will get picked apart if he decides to just trade with the champ. Instead, Henderson will need to cut off the cage while forcing the fight into a grinding pace as he has done since entering the UFC. Against the cage Henderson can control the clinch, drop for takedowns while utilizing his strength to smother Edgar. It’s definitely easier said than done against the well-rounded Edgar but Henderson is up for the challenge as he ekes out a very close decision.
