ROUNDTABLE: Who wins the Patricky Freire vs. Benson Henderson fight, and why?

ROUNDTABLE: Who wins the Patricky Freire vs. Benson Henderson fight, and why?

JOHN HARRIS, MMATorch Contributor

Benson HenderSon by decision.  Patricky Friere is a head hunter who will be looking to land the one shot KO early and often. Henderson is a veteran fighter who has fought against the best that 155 lbs has to offer. I look for Henderson to stay on the outside, land hard leg kicks and pick his spots for his takedowns. Henderson is a far superior grappler compared to Friere and he should be able to use that to get top position on the ground and control the fight. Henderson has said that he wants to slug it out with Friere, but I just don’t see him taking that kind of risk when he is close to getting another lightweight title shot in Bellator.

RICK MONSEY, MMATorch Contributor

For Patricky Pitbull this fight represents revenge for his brother’s loss at the hands of his opponent.  For Benson Henderson it’s a chance to get a win and show that his stint in Bellator hasn’t been a bust.

It’s “Smooth” vs. “Pitbull.”  Can Henderson avoid Pitbull’s striking or does Pitbull use his power and give Henderson his second knock out loss.  For Pitbull to be victorious he’ll need to stay calm and not let Henderson dictate the pace.  However, if history is any indication Benson will be able to take the punishment that Pitbull has to offer and get a decision victory.  Here’s hoping that Henderson will leave it all in the cage this time and not seem like he’s saving his energy.

FRANK HYDEN, MMATorch Columnist

I have to go with Pitbull here. I just haven’t seen enough from Henderson to make me think he’s going to win. He hasn’t looked the same, he doesn’t look like the guy who was the UFC Lightweight Champion. I think Pitbull wins by decision because whether or not Henderson is diminished, he’s still tough enough to not get finished.

NOW CHECK OUT THE PREVIOUS ROUNDTABLE: Who wins the Lorenz Larkin vs. Paul Daley fight, and why?