UFC 164 Predictions and Top Plays 1-2

Benson Henderson (-125) vs. Anthony Pettis (+105) 5 Rds. Lightweight Championship

Henderson is super well rounded and athletic.  Henderson has shown the ability to win rounds and that game plan has suited him well in his title defenses.  Pettis is a dangerous striker and solid grappler.  If Pettis has a weakness it would be his wrestling.  Henderson is the better wrestler and has improved his takedowns since the first fight.  Look for Henderson to get multiple takedowns in this fight on his way to a decision victory. (might want to go small wager on the over 4.5 Rds I feel this goes to decision)

Top Play:  1 Star Benson Henderson (-115)

Top Plays:

½ Star Jamie Varner (-105)- Varner and Tibau are well rounded fighters.  Varner has more of a wrestling base and Tibau has more of a BJJ base grappling.  I see Varner being more active on the feet and possibly get this fight to the ground in the later rounds when Tibau begins to gas. Varner wins this by decision.

1 Star Soa Palelei (+130)- Palelei has power in his hands and solid grappling.  His opponent Krylov is pretty dangerous but has fought lower competition.  Palelei could get the KO in the standup or drag this to the ground with his wrestling and possibly get a ground and pound finish.

Predictions:

Henderson UD

Barnett UD

Mendes UD

Vera 3^rd Rd TKO

Koch UD

Varner UD

Elliot UD

Krauss UD

Kang 2^nd Rd Sub

Palelei 1^st Rd TKO

Iaquinta 3^rd Rd TKO

Hamman 2^nd Rd TKO