Frankie Edgar has become one of the most unlikely success stories in MMA history. He has defended his title three times since scoring his massive upset over BJ Penn at UFC 112, including most recently knocking out the only man to defeat him in Gray Maynard. Further, what makes Edgar even more special is the fact that he is probably the smallest fighter in the UFC lightweight class, and yet he keeps finding a way to win.
Current Best Frankie Edgar vs Ben Henderson Odds:
Edgar – (-130) – Bovada.Lv [<- Up To $100 Free Bet]
Henderson – (Evens) – Bovada.Lv [<- Up To $100 Free Bet]
If Edgar is the smallest fighter in the class, Ben Henderson might be one of the biggest. After a spectacular upset loss to Anthony Pettis which saw Henderson lose his WEC title at the end of 2010, very few expected that Henderson would rise to the top of the UFC. However, with a huge upset over Jim Miller in the middle of 2011, and a dominating followup over Clay Guida, Henderson has emerged as the clear #1 contender for the champion.
Stylistically, this fight is fairly tough to call. From a technical wrestling perspective, Edgar is probably better. However, the way Henderson has been able to ragdoll his opponents recently, combined with his huge size advantage, may lead one to think that he will hold the wrestling advantage. On the other hand, Henderson was taken down several times by Anthony Pettis in their fight, and if Pettis could take him down, then maybe Edgar can as well.
From a striking perspective, I think all the advantages lie with Edgar. Henderson’s striking has always been a little more unpolished, generally relying on leg kicks. Edgar on the other hand has shown a continually evolving boxing game, and showed against Maynard that he packs some serious power as well.
The main case against Edgar is that combined with Henderson’s size advantage and Henderson’s grinding style, it may be the case that Henderson is his stylistic nightmare. The case against Henderson is that Edgar’s wrestling on paper could be good enough to stuff all of his takedowns, and Edgar should be able to outbox him fairly easily.
I have toiled long and hard, and the Frankie Edgar vs Ben Henderson prediction is that Henderson pushes Edgar up against the fence for five rounds, wearing his opponent out, and taking another dominant decision. However, I have almost no confidence in this pick, and do not recommend a play at the even line. Henderson has shown so many holes, including the Pettis fight, along with the Varner fight. Edgar on the other hand had a masterful performance against BJ Penn, and showed incredible durability against Maynard in both fights.
Frankie Edgar vs Ben Henderson Betting Conclusion: The pick is that Henderson will be able to impose his grinding style for a decision victory, however you’re deluding yourself if you’re feeling confident betting on either side. Stay away, unless there is a big swing in the bettig odds, and enjoy the fight.
Latest Frankie Edgar vs Ben Henderson Odds:
Edgar – (-130) – Bovada.Lv [<- Up To $100 Free Bet]
Henderson – (Evens) – Bovada.Lv [<- Up To $100 Free Bet]
