UFC Fight Night 68: Dan Henderson vs. Tim Boetsch Preview

UFC Fight Night 68 is set to go down tomorrow night (June 6, 2015) from the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. Former multi-promotion, and multi-division champion Dan “Hendo” Henderson looks to bounce back from a terrible run that has seen him drop four of his last five against No. 13-ranked Tim “The Barbarian” Boetsch, who’s also coming off of a loss.

Both men are extremely tough competitors, and pretty evenly matched. Without further ado, check out the LowKickMMA preview below:

Striking:

This is a tough category to call. From an outside viewpoint, Henderson seems to get the clear advantage due to his lengthy list of devastating knockouts, which sits at 14 on his career, via his lethal right hand known as the “H-Bomb”. Boetsch only has eight knockouts to his name, despite possessing brutal power as well, but actually lands more significant strikes per minute than Henderson (2.72 to “Hendo’s 2.38) and is more accurate with his striking as well (50.50% to “Hendo’s” 47.88%).

Boetsch has been known to fight just as his nickname suggests, like a barbarian, and will likely meet Henderson right in the center of the cage for a good old-fashion slugfest. Both men have a ridiculous ability to take shots, although Henderson’s chin may be deteriorating as he grows older. “Hendo” has seemed to rely heavily on his right hand in his recent bouts, and he’ll have to mix it up against Boetsch, but I see it fairly even on the feet. 50-50.

Takedowns:

A former Greco-Roman Olympian, and NCAA Division I wrestler, Henderson has seemed to shy away from his decorated background as of late, but still possesses strong takedowns in his arsenal, and he may want to use them in this fight. “The Barbarian” actually slightly edges “Hendo” on takedown average (1.69 to Henderson’s 1.61.), but Henderson’s accuracy is the clear superior (54.32% to Boetsch’s 33.33%). Takedown defense is pretty close as well with Henderson defending 58. 82% of takedowns attempted against him, while Boetsch stops 54.55% of takedowns. These stats lead me to believe that “The Barbarian” isn’t too far behind the former Olympian, despite Henderson getting the advantage nonetheless. 55-45 “Hendo”.

Submissions:

Neither man is necessarily known for his submissions, with both men averaging under a submission attempt per bout. Boetsch has secured more submission wins with five to Henderson’s three. “The Barbarian” has also been submitted less, with three submission loses to “Hendo’s” four. Neither man has a formal ranking in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and frankly, I don’t see this bout turning into a grappling match or ending in a submission, but I would give “The Barbarian” the slight advantage nonetheless. 55-45 Boetsch.

Well, it seems as if we could have a very close scrap in tomorrow’s main event. How do you see it playing out?