Jacob Cooper

Originally Posted by CooperJacob

This is without a doubt one of the fights I've been most looking forward to all year. I'm personally a big fan of the lighter divisions, but I know a lot of people aren't!

Anyway, I thought I'd use my spare time wisely and break down what I think may be one of the fights of the year...

Ben "Smooth" Henderson (14-2): Former WEC lightweight champ who has a strong wrestling background, and is a black belt in Taekwondo whilst also holding a brown belt in BJJ. Ranked #6 lightweight in the world by Sherdog, Fight Magazine and #7 by MMA Weekly - but personally I'd say he's #4-5. His only loss prior to his third professional bout was against the final WEC lightweight champion, Anthony "Showtime" Pettis; who consequently lost against Guida; however many claim this loss to Pettis was only due to the 'showtime kick' and could have so easily been a win for Henderson. In his last outing, "Smooth One" outwrestled Jim Miller en route to a unanimous decision victory, breaking Miller's 7-fight winning streak.

Clay "The Carpenter" Guida (29-8): Former Strikeforce lightweight champion who holds notable victories over Anthony Pettis, Takanori Gomi, Rafael Dos Anjos and Nate Diaz, Guida is a true fan favourite. A man who is renowned for his relentless pace and a neverending cardio, Clay is renowned for putting on exciting fights - with the exception of his fight with Pettis. "The Carpenter" is also a great wrestler, and arguably better than Henderson at that aspect, and also possesses a great chin. In fact, Guida has never been knocked out throughout his 9-year career!

Analysis: This is such a great, and tight fight. Henderson and Guida are both great wrestlers but if the fight is to go to the ground, don't expect it to be down there for long. Both are known for great cardio levels and relentless pace, something that is shared amongst a lot of the lighter fighters. I think the key to this fight is Smooth one's submission defence, as I don't see Henderson getting submitted, whilst Guida is susceptible to rear naked chokes. I'm going to predict a relentless pace throughout the first two rounds with Benson getting the better of Clay en route to a 3rd round submission victory. Edgar vs. Henderson? Yes please!