Frankie Edgar vs. Ben Henderson LowKick.com Staff Predictions

UFC Lightweight title fight: Frankie Edgar (Champion) vs. Ben Henderson
Staff Picks: Edgar - 4, Ben Henderson - 2
Top Community Prediction: Ben Henderson via Decision

Anton Gurevich: It's hard to pick against Frankie Edgar. I admire "The Answer" as a fighter, but looking at the staredown with Ben Henderson at the end of the pre-fight press conference, I realized Edgar has a very little chance to win this fight. In my opinion, Henderson is more athletic, and more well-versed as a fighter than Frankie Edgar. He's physically stronger than Gray Maynard, who incredibly close to dethroning Edgar. Still, Frankie Edgar's heart and endurance are second to none, but I somehow feel it will not be enough to defeat Ben Henderson. The champ could prove everyone wrong for another time, but my pick for this fight stays the same - Ben Henderson via KO/TKO in Round 2.

Joey Santosus: There's very few Lightweights that I would pick to defeat Ben Henderson. Since debuting with the UFC in 2011, "Smooth" has derailed the title hopes of three top contenders en-route to earning his own shot at the belt. It just so happens, however, that the fighter currently in possession of that strap is one of, if not the only, 155'er that I am willing to take over Henderson. With a solid wrestling base and some of the best boxing in the division, expect Frankie Edgar to move in and out of harm’s way, landing punches while avoiding the trap of Bendo's dangerous clinch-work. Frankie Edgar via Decision.

Trent Reinsmith:  I’ve been going over the fight between Frankie Edgar and Benson Henderson in my head for the better part of the last 24 hours. The only technical aspect I can find that I can come up with where the champion has the advantage is the wrestling game. Henderson is stronger in striking and submissions. He comes out of the gate like a rocket and he’s seemingly comfortable fighting wherever the fight may take him.  On paper it would be fairly easy to pick Henderson to win this one, but my brain keeps screaming “don’t bet against Frankie Edgar!” Edgar is a trooper, a battler, a blue collar guy, no glamour or glitz, just pure guts and for that reason I see Edgar getting his hand raised at the end of a very close five round battle. Frankie Edgar by split decision.

Bryan Fontez:  Watching both Edgar/Maynard fights is as close as you'll get to watching a Rocky film. I'm gonna make a huge claim right now. Frankie Edgar has the biggest heart and the strongest will/determination that I've ever seen in Mixed Martial Arts. If ANY of you would have told me that Edgar would KO Maynard, I'd tell you that you're crazy. But he did. And he continues to impress and surprise me. I will NEVER doubt Edgar again, because I truly believe he can beat ANYONE. With that said, Henderson may very well have the versatility and durability to be his biggest challenge. But how do you defeat someone who refuses to lose?? Unless Bendo can succeed where Maynard failed, I'm choosing  Frankie Edgar via Unanimous Decision.

Daniel Cassidy: Despite the fact he blitzed BJ Penn twice, I've never really been sold on Edgar. Sure, he's a great all rounder, but to me, nothing stands out. Henderson on the other hand, is phenomenally well rounded and as dangerous standing as he is off his back. While Edgar will have an advantage in the wrestling department, I'm not sure he will want "Bendo" to be fighting off his back. I see Edgar trying to keep the fight standing, but Henderson taking charge on the feet before taking it to the mat and finding a sub. I predict the winner, AND NEW UFC LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMPION, Ben Henderson, via R3 Sub.

Mike Drahota: This is a fight that I have anticipated for quite some time now. Both Edgar and Henderson possess excellent cardio, heart, and well-rounded skills.  Henderson’s victories against Clay Guida and Miller show he is near the top of the Lightweight heap. Frankie Edgar has risen to the cusp of MMA superstardom, something he should already possess after beating B.J. Penn twice and knocking out longtime rival Gray Maynard. This is a title fight that will unfold at a breakneck pace as both fighters are extremely willing to put it all on the line. While neither combatant has a decided advantage, I expect this fight to be five long rounds of war. Look for Frankie Edgar to pull out a close, memorable decision victory here.