This special edition of “Sean Sheehan Vs” sees Sean taking on the fans in a battle of UFC Fight Night: Henderson vs Khabilov
Every UFC event Sean will break down the reasoning behind his main card picks and will give quick picks for the undercard.
We start with the main event Benson Henderson vs. Rustam Khabilov..
What’s funny about this fight is that an America is fighting a Russian in American and it’s the Russian who’s the hometown fighter. That is, of course, because Rustam Khabilov fights out of the famed Jackson/Winklejohn gym in Albuquerque and will be looking to vault himself towards lightweight title contention on adopted home soil against the former champion. Benson Henderson is a well rounded fighter without an x-factor. His only UFC fight to date which didn’t go to a decision was his only loss, against Anthony Pettis. Henderson pushes the pace constantly and isn’t easily manoeuvred my opponents. Khabilov has made a living off of manipulating and manoeuvring his foes in any direction he wants with his elite sambo. That is what makes this bout so interesting. Immovable meats unstoppable. Henderson is a huge step up in competition for Khabilov. This fight represents a massive chance for Khabilov to progress upwards quickly but it won’t be easy.
Sean’s Pick – Henderson via decision
The Fan’s Pick – Henderson (68%) via Decision (44%)
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Ross Pearson vs. Diego Sanchez
Diego Sanchez started out his career as a talented, single-minded wrestler who took his opponents down and bashed them into oblivion. Now, he’s morphed into a wild striker who has no concern for wrestling or, seemingly, his own welfare. That makes for a good viewing (if you like gruesome striking wars) especially against someone like Ross Pearson who will take him on standing up. In recent times, Sanchez has gotten into exchanges with the likes of Myles Jury and Gilbert Melendez who had the ability, over three rounds, to not succumb to his bluster. Pearson isn’t on their level. Sanchez has never been stopped by anyone but the Doctor in his MMA career despite some ferocious battles. If this one gets wild and fast Sanchez has the fortitude to come through it – the big question is; does Pearson? It remains to be seen. This one is a dead cert for fight of the night.
Sean’s Pick – Sanchez via KO
The Fan’s Pick – Pearson (57%) via Decision (33%)
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John Dodson vs. John Moraga
This should be good. After losing to champion Demetrious Johnson for the UFC flyweight title in recent times both Dodson and Moraga are looking to reestablish themselves as the top contender in the lightest division. Moraga trains under John Crouch at the MMA Lab and is improving all the time. His technical striking is almost textbook – the exact opposite of Dodson. The Jackson/Winklejohn student may be the fastest MMA fighter of all time and attacks from all angles. I think this is a bad match-
up for Moraga who won’t be able to live with the pace and cardio of Dodson. Avoiding the power of Dodson is the biggest problem and I’m not sure if Moraga has the ability to solve it.
Sean’s Pick – Dodson via KO
The Fan’s Pick – Dodson (91%) via KO/TKO (61%)
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Rafael dos Anjos vs. Jason High
After giving RDA the impossible task of Khabib Nurmagomedov in his last fight, Joe Silva has been a lot kinder here. I see this one going all three rounds. High is a solid wrestler but doesn’t have much more. Dos Anjos is a talented grappler and striker but has struggled to finish of late.
Sean’s Pick – Dos Anjos via decision
The Fan’s Pick – Dos Anjos (83%) via Submission (35%)
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Yves Edwards vs. Piotr Hallmann
The word on the grape vine coming into this one is that if veteran Yves Edwards loses it will probably be his last appearance inside the cage. He’s extremely experienced and capable in all areas, but the body may not be able to keep up with the mind at 37 years of age. Hallmann took a tough loss to Al Iaquinta recently, but there’s no shame in that. The pole is a powerful striker and wrestler who will give Edwards all he can handle.
Sean’s Pick – Hallmann via KO
The Fan’s Pick – Hallman (53%) via Decision (22%)
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Bryan Caraway vs. Erik Perez
This really is a pick ’em fight. El Goyito Perez is a submission specialist who has been developing his game under Greg Jackson. Caraway is steady in all areas and is hard to beat. Coming into this fight Caraway has been struggling with injuries for prolonged periods and I think that might favour the Mexican.
Sean’s Pick – Perez via submission
The Fan’s Pick – Perez (57%) via Decision (28%)
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Sheehan’s undercard quick picks:
Yaotzin Meza vs. Sergio Pettis (winner via KO)
Lance Benoist (winner via decision) vs. Bobby Voelker
Scott Jorgensen vs. Danny Martinez (winner via TKO)
Jake Lindsey vs. Jon Tuck (winner via decision)
The Fan’s undercard quick picks:
Sergio Pettis (93%) via KO/TKO (42%)
Bobby Voelker (68%) via Decision (40%)
Scott Jorgensen (91%) via Decision (52%)
Jon Tuck (74%) via Decision (41%)
Rules: Every correct pick made is equal to 1 point. If the competition ends in a draw then method of victory will be used to decide a winner
And for the Sean Sheehan bet of the week
I think there’s plenty of money to be made on this card if you study it right. On the week tickets went on sale for UFC Dublin my bet is an accumulator to win your money back. I’m parlaying Benoist, Martinez, Perez and Sanchez to win just over €150 from a €5 stake. Worth a pop!
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