UFC 150: Henderson vs. Edgar II Staff Predictions

Saturday, August 11th at 10:00 p.m. PT/7:00 p.m. ET on PPV
Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado, USA

Main Card (PPV)

Benson Henderson vs. Frankie Edgar (Lightweight Championship Bout)
Mike Bohn: A lot is made of Frankie Edgar’s ability to made adjustments in rematches and pull out the victory, but I don’t believe that will be the case when he takes on Benson Henderson for the second time. Both guys are studs and while the rematch should be another close, tough fight, Henderson’s size and strength will be the difference maker. Henderson has been a wrecking-ball since coming to the UFC in early 2011, and it’s hard to imagine him slowing down anytime soon. If anything he is becoming more focused and motivated. This is one of the most intriguing fights of the year and I expect an entertaining 25-minutes with Henderson coming out of the fight the same way he went in – with the belt around his waist. Benson Henderson via Unanimous Decision

Erik Jackson: As it seems to be the case with every lightweight title fight these days, this should be another close, back and forth fight. Benson will look to do much of what he did in the first fight between these two, using his reach advantage and kicks to keep Edgar away. On the other hand, Edgar needs to find a way to close the distance on Benson in order to land his shots. Benson Henderson via Unanimous Decision

Patrick Weafer: Hard to pick against Edgar’s record in championship rematches. Look for Frankie to make the adjustments he was missing in the first fight and get the better of Benson through 5 rounds. Frankie Edgar via Unanimous Decision

Doug Ancey: As a fellow New Jersey native, I am a big fan of Frankie Edgar. I love that he fights at his natural weight. I love that he’s scrappy. I love he’s resolve and will to succeed. but, he WILL NOT beat Ben Henderson this Saturday. Smooth showed last fight that he has the skills and the physical tools to deal with Frankie’s speed and technique. He is too big, too strong, too well rounded, and too well conditioned to lose this fight. The only way Edgar can win this fight is by out pointing Henderson and I do not see that happening. I think this time Henderson is going to turn up the intensity and be the first man to stop Edgar. Benson Henderson via Submission – R3

Donald Cerrone vs. Melvin Guillard (Lightweight Bout)
Mike Bohn: To be blunt, Melvin Guillard’s chances of beating Donald Cerrone are slim. Guillard’s demeanor on the lead up to this fight shows that he is aware of what happened between the two when they trained together at Greg Jackson’s gym. There are a number of stories that Cerrone handled Guillard in the gym in essentially every area and I see the same results transitioning into the cage for their fight on Saturday night. Donald Cerrone via Submission – R2

Erik Jackson: There are two trains of thought for how this fight unfolds. On one hand we could see an all out brawl between these two former training partners, looking to have fun and put on a show. The second method, and one that would be a no brainer for most fighters simply looking to win, would be for Cerrone to use his superior grappling to get the submission victory. I have a feeling we should be in for a treat. Donald Cerrone via TKO – R2

Patrick Weafer: Guillard still has some mental lapses in fights, and I think the pressure of fighting someone who has gotten the better of him in sparring will be a catalyst for making mistakes. Donald Cerrone via Submission – R2

Doug Ancey: This is going to be awesome regardless of who wins. As I mentioned in my breakdown of this fight, Guillard wins this fight by dragging Cerrone into a brawl. I don’t see that happening. “Cowboy” has the Mauy Thai skills to control the distance deal with Guillard on the feet, and he has a huge advantage on the mat. Cerrone is too smart of a fighter to let himself get dragged into a slugfest (especially as he doesn’t hate Melvin like he did Nate Diaz). Combine this with his home court advantage he has in Denver and I see Cowboy walking away with another submission win under his belt. Donald Cerrone via Submission (Choke) – R2

Jake Shields vs. Ed Herman (Middleweight Bout)
Mike Bohn: We are going to see some classic Jake Shields when he takes on Ed Herman. It may not be the most entertaining fight, but the win is most important and it is significant for Shields to start his stint in the UFC middleweight division on the right foot. Jake Shields via Unanimous Decision

Erik Jackson: Jake Shields would like nothing more than a victory here, and will most likely play it safe using takedowns and ground control to get it. Jake Shields via Unanimous Decision

Patrick Weafer: Jake needs a big win here to prove that he can be a top contender in the 185lb division. Herman has looked solid lately and is always a live dog, but I think Shields controls Herman to a decision here. Jake Shields via Unanimous Decision

Doug Ancey: This is going to be very interesting. Ed Herman is riding a bit of momentum coming into this fight and I think he’s really going to use that to his advantage. I bet he surprises Shields with his power and ground game. I don’t see Shields KOing Herman, although he’s more than capable of snatching up a submission (even though he has yet to do so in his UFC run). I bet Ed steps up for this fight and pulls off the upset. Ed Herman via Unanimous Decision

Yushin Okami vs. Buddy Roberts (Middleweight Bout)
Mike Bohn: Buddy Roberts has a massive opportunity to catapult his career against Yushin Okami, but unfortunately everything points to him getting a whooping from the Japanese fighter. Look for Okami to keep the fight standing, control range and outstrike Roberts until he eventually gets a stoppage late in the second round. Yushin Okami via TKO – R2

Erik Jackson: Yushin Okami should have the strength advantage here, and needs to use that along with his reach to dictate where the fight goes. His ability to mix things up will be key to throw Roberts off his game. Yushin Okami via TKO – R2

Patrick Weafer: Here again we have a former elite MW looking to re-solidify his standing in the MW division. Big props to Roberts for taking this tough fight on short notice, but I think Okami takes this one. Yushin Okami via Unanimous Decision

Doug Ancey: Yushin Okami wins because who the hell is Buddy Roberts? I think this is a little to big a step up in competition for Mr. Roberts and Yushin is looking to get back in the winners circle. Yushin Okami via TKO – R2

Justin Lawrence vs. Max Holloway (Featherweight Bout)
Mike Bohn: If they live up to expectations, Justin Lawrence vs. Max Holloway should be a slugfest that produces fireworks. Both men lack ground game, so don’t expect many takedown attempts in this fight. While I would give the power advantage to Lawrence, it will be the speed of Holloway that makes the difference and wins him this fight. Max Holloway via Unanimous Decision

Erik Jackson: Justin Lawrence via Unanimous Decision

Patrick Weafer: Lawrence showed he had a flawed game on his season of TUF. He may have fixed the holes in his game, and his highlight reel KO may make people gloss over them, but I think Holloway works his boxing game and rides to a comfortable UD. Max Holloway via Unanimous Decision

Doug Ancey: I think people are over looking this fight, but this could be very entertaining. Max Holloway wrecked Pat Schilling in his last fight, but I could tell if that’s because Max is really good or Pat was really bad. Lawrence is awesome in his own right too. He’s a really talented kid that has a more varied game than Holloway does. I’m going to take Lawrence. I bet he takes it to the ground so he doesn’t have to deal with Holloway’s length. Justin Lawrence via Submission – R3