UFC 156 ‘Aldo vs. Edgar’ Preview

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Flyweights

Joseph Benavidez (16-3, 3-1 UFC) vs. Ian McCall (11-3-1, 0-1-1 UFC)

The Matchup: Leftovers from the promotion’s 125-pound tournament square off here, with both men having succumbed to the speed and accurate striking of Demetrious Johnson. McCall probably had the best chance of the two to finish off “Mighty Mouse” in their first meeting at UFC on FX 2. In round three, “Uncle Creepy” flattened out Johnson and pounded away with punches, setting the stage for a sudden victory round that never happened. When the two met again, Johnson beat McCall to the punch consistently while mixing in takedowns to take a clear-cut victory.

Benavidez entered UFC 152 as the flyweight title favorite, but he, too, was out-struck and outwrestled by the current titlist. McCall and Benavidez are still two of the top 125-pounders in the world, but a loss figures to knock one man out the title picture for foreseeable future.

While not as fast as Johnson, Benavidez will likely have the speed edge against McCall. The Team Alpha Male product likes to set the tone on the feet early before switching gears and scoring takedowns as the bout progresses. His right hand is particularly dangerous; it knocked out Yashuhiro Urushitani at UFC on FX 2 and staggered Johnson at UFC 152. McCall has solid power in his hands, as well, but he does better fighting in close quarters, where he can work his dirty boxing and land knees in the clinch. McCall also times his takedowns well, but the key for him will be holding down Benavidez if he achieves a dominant position.

Benavidez is excellent in scrambles and transitions, and McCall should be especially wary of his guillotine and rear-naked chokes. In addition to excellent conditioning and a high work rate, Benavidez is extremely durable: he has never been finished in 19 professional bouts. McCall has proven to be similarly tough since moving to flyweight, meaning this will come down to which fighter can outwork the other.

In that case, Benavidez should have the edge, as he can bang on the feet while mixing in kicks, and it is rare that he is outwrestled on the mat.

The Pick: McCall will have his moments, but Benavidez will land more on the feet and win enough of the scrambles on the floor to earn a decision.

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