UFC Fight Night 82 matchups
A breakdown of the fights on the main card of UFC Fight Night 82 today at the MGM Grand Garden:
Johny Hendricks (17-3) vs. Stephen Thompson (11-1)
• CLASS: Welterweight
• LINE: Hendricks minus-215
• STORYLINE: Johny Hendricks was an elite college wrestler, and that foundation helped elevate him to the top of the Ultimate Fighting Championship welterweight division as champion. He has fallen in love with his knockout power, however, and become too reliant on that part of his game. After missing weight in his last fight, Hendricks has worked hard to get in phenomenal shape. That could be dangerous for the rest of the division, especially if Hendricks again embraces his roots and tries to wrestle Thompson. That would be his best course of action against Thompson's explosive and dynamic kick boxing. But Hendricks made a dramatic proclamation about his striking being underestimated going into this matchup. That's not a good sign. If Hendricks decides he wants to stand up with Thompson instead of taking him down, this could be the night Thompson becomes a star.
• PICK: Thompson by third-round knockout
Roy Nelson (21-12) vs. Jared Rosholt (14-2)
• CLASS: Heavyweight
• LINE: Nelson minus-160
• STORYLINE: Rosholt makes no secret about his strategy to win fights. Unlike Hendricks, he has remained true to his wrestling roots. He doesn't care about putting on a show or impressing anyone. He just goes out to win fights. It hasn't helped him become a big star, but it has been effective as he has won six of seven since signing with the UFC. Rosholt looks to hold, grab and grind opponents to the cage and then take them to the ground and control position. Nelson is highly skilled in jiu-jitsu, but prefers to look for one-punch knockouts with his feared overhand right. It's been harder and harder for him to land the shot lately, as the Las Vegan has dropped three straight.
• PICK: Rosholt by decision
Ovince Saint Preux (18-7) vs. Rafael Cavalcante (12-6, 1 No Contest)
• CLASS: Light heavyweight
• LINE: Saint Preux minus-385
• STORYLINE: Saint Preux, a former Tennessee football player, has done a good job adding a wide array of skills to become a contender who can win fights based on more than athletic superiority. Conversely, Cavalcante has devolved into mostly a one-trick pony. Despite a black belt in jiu-jitsu and a strong muay Thai background, Cavalcante mostly looks for quick knockouts, as his cardio has become a major question mark. While Saint Preux is a powerful striker, he would be well served to take Cavalcante down early and often. Not only can he finish the fight there with his strong ground-and-pound, but he also can wear Cavalcante down and set him up for the later rounds.
• PICK: Saint Preux by third-round knockout
Joseph Benavidez (23-4) vs. Zach Makovsky (19-6)
• CLASS: Flyweight
• LINE: Benavidez minus-425
• STORYLINE: Benavidez is firmly entrenched as the best 125-pound fighter in the world not named Demetrious Johnson. He keeps winning fights until there is no choice to match him up with anyone but the champion and then falls short when he challenges Johnson for the belt. It's a pattern that seems destined to continue as long as Benavidez can stay motivated taking on all these hopeful challengers. It hasn't happened yet. Over the past five years, Benavidez has lost to Johnson twice while going 9-0 against everyone else. Makovsky has shown frustration with the judges in losing decisions in two of his past three bouts. He might be disappointed again tonight.
• PICK: Benavidez by decision
Misha Cirkunov (10-2) vs. Alex Nicholson (6-1)
• CLASS: Light heavyweight
• LINE: Cirkunov minus-900
• STORYLINE: Nicholson proposed to his girlfriend on stage during Friday's weigh-ins. It's probably telling he chose to do it at the weigh-ins instead of in the cage tonight after a victory. Nicholson is a big long shot against a fast and powerful prospect for a reason. Nicholson is known as a tough guy, largely because he absorbs a great deal of punishment It appears he is being matched up with Cirkunov to showcase the exciting Serbian. That said, this a big number to lay on a fighter making his UFC debut. Bettors looking to make a big profit might want to throw a few bucks on Nicholson, though there is a pretty good chance the decision will be regretted quickly as Cirkunov is finishing a sixth straight fight with a first-round victory.
• PICK: Cirkunov by first-round knockout
Mike Pyle (26-11-1) vs. Sean Spencer (12-4)
• CLASS: Welterweight
• LINE: Spencer minus-165
• STORYLINE: Pyle, a Las Vegan, is a veteran who is difficult to root against. Every time he is written off, he comes up with a performance that shows he still can be viable. After losing two of three, he'll likely either come up with another of those or drop a fight that may cause him to retire. Spencer is a solid opponent but shouldn't scare Pyle. The price is enough to warrant taking a shot that Pyle has at least one more win in him.
• PICK: Pyle by second-round submission
ADAM HILL/LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL
