UFC 128 – Joseph Benavidez vs. Ian Loveland Prediction

JOSEPH BENAVIDEZ vs. IAN LOVELAND

Fight Overview:  Joseph Benavidez makes his UFC debut against Ian Loveland, who is trying a new weight class on for size.  Loveland has been on a tear recently but Benavidez is one of the top Bantamweights in the world and Loveland is going to have his hands full here.

Loveland’s Strengths:  Loveland is very well rounded, with good boxing, good punching power, and good submissions.

Loveland’s Weaknesses:  Loveland has mainly fought lesser competition, and is making this weight cut for the first time.

Benavidez’s Strengths:  He is tremendously well-rounded, with good boxing, very good wrestling, and excellent submissions.

Benavidez’s Weaknesses:  He has trouble dealing with guys who can match his ground game.

The Verdict:  Loveland is a tough fighter with a good skill set, but he is not going to be able to handle what Benavidez brings to the Octagon.  Not only has Benavidez fought much better opponents, he is pretty much just better at every aspect of fighting than Loveland.  Loveland should have enough to hang around until the end, but Benavidez will take the lopsided decision.

Fight Prediction:  Joseph Benavidez by Unanimous Decision.