Former champion B. Henderson (left) faces J. Thomson (right) in January. Photo: MMA PRESS Production (UFC/Disclosure)
Gilbert Melendez believes that Benson Henderson will be the winner of the main fight of UFC on Fox 10, in which he will face Josh thomson this Saturday (25), in Chicago, in the United States.
Melendez has already faced off against both fighters: against Thomson, he won twice (2009 and 2012) and lost once (2008), and, against Henderson, he lost in 2013 after a close fight. Therefore, he believes that Henderson will have an advantage precisely because he is better in grappling.
“I think it will be a very close fight. I think Benson will be the winner – not by a huge lead, but by a good lead. If he imposes his wrestling, his takedowns and locks, and focuses on keeping Thomson on the ground, he can be absolutely successful and win”, he said, in an interview with the official UFC website.
Melendez believes that Thomson's chances will be greater in striking. “For Thomson, his best chance is to try to close the distance and throw several punches, heavy punches, but also paying attention to defending takedowns and escaping the clinch. He [Thomson] may not want to use many kicks, since Benson has strong kicks and is a strategic guy. The fight will be even, but wrestling will make a difference,” he predicted.
Finally, the former Strikeforce champion bet that the fight will go to the judges' decision. “There is a strong possibility that the fight will last five rounds. Unless Thomson knocks out Benson, as I think Thomson has a better chance of a knockout,” he said.
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