UFC Fight Night 57 LowKick Staff Predictions
Frankie Edgar vs. Cub Swanson:
Mike Drahota:
This featherweight main event has me excited for this weekend’s card. How could it not? I think either fighter clearly deserves a title shot with a win on Saturday night, but Edgar may not get a rematch wit Jose Aldo. As for the bout, I think Edgar is beyond motivated to prove he’s still close to championship level, and Swanson wants to make sure there are no doubts that he’s the clear second-best at 145 pounds. This should be a fast-paced affair, with both men fighting until the final bell. Swanson has the edge in terms of all-around striking. He showed excellent kicks in his recent win over Jeremy Stephens, but that could get him in trouble against Edgar’s high-paced wrestling. It’ll be close, but Edgar by decision is my pick.
Rory Kernaghan:
Frankie Edgar and Cub Swanson square off this Saturday, in what might be the greatest headliner to a free card ever. I’ve been torn all week as to who will win this bout, as both men have shown glimpses of greatness during their illustrious careers. Speed is the essence of the featherweight division, and I just feel that Edgar has the nod against Swanson in that category. “Beautiful Destruction” has the advantage of a diverse skill set, but I don’t know if it’s enough to break the will of “The Answer”. Edgar outpaces Swanson and wins a unanimous decision
Mike Henken:
When it comes time for the main event of UFC Fight Night 57, Frankie Edgar and Cub Swanson will be battling each other for a shot at the title. I think it will be a very close fight and a very exciting one as well. Edgar is one of the most well rounded fighters around. On the feet, he is something special to watch. He puts on a relentless pace and has excellent footwork, moving like a boxing champion. He also has a decorated wrestling background as well as a BJJ black belt. Swanson, on the other hand, is a great striker and grappler as well. He has knockout power and holds a BJJ black belt of his own. I think Edgar definitely holds the advantage in the wrestling department, but other than that it’s a toss up for me. It’s a tough one to call, but I think Frankie will have the answer for Swanson on fight night. Edgar by unanimous decision.
Bobby Green vs. Edson Barboza:
Mike Drahota:
This is an incredibly interesting match-up at lightweight. Barboza is looking to gain some momentum back from his UFC on FOX 11 loss to Donald Cerrone. He finished Evan Dunham with a vicious liver kick, and still remains perhaps the most explosive pure striker in all of MMA. But Barboza’s problem has always been delivering in crucial bouts; he’s built up huge win streaks only to fail in bouts he could have won. His opponent Green has looked dominant in the UFC, outpacing former Strikeforce champion Josh Thomason at UFC on FOX 12 this summer. However, Green has discussed retiring from fighting recently, so you have to wonder where his motivation is at right now. Because of that, I think Barboza will come out sharper and pick up a decision win.
Rory Kernaghan:
What a great pairing Edson Barboza vs. Bobby Green is; we have Barboza with his killer Muay Thai skills and high finishing rate, against Green with an equally impressive stoppage tally and a slick boxing stance. The difference here is really about the range this fight takes place in, and also the explosive power of Barboza. “Junior” has the ability to nullify “King” at range with his kicks, which I believe he will implement early on. Look for a battered Green to hold on valiantly, but Barboza gets the late third round TKO win.
Mike Henken:
The co-main event of the evening will pit two of the best strikers in the lightweight division up against each other in Bobby Green and Edson Barboza. Barboza is known for his decorated Muay Thai background while Green is more of a boxer. Each man has knockout power and I expect this fight to stay on the feet. When it comes to grappling, Green may hold the advantage due to his wrestling background and the fact that he has nine submission wins to Barboza’s one. If “King” ends up in trouble on the feet, he could look to drag the Brazilian to the matt and score points that way. However, I think Barboza will use range and kicks to keep the fight on the feet to get the job done. Barboza by second round knockout.
Photo Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
