UFC 144: Frankie Edgar vs. Benson Henderson Breakdown

Frankie Edgar (left) with opponent Benson Henderson (far right); photo cred: sherdog.com

On February 22, the UFC will have officially returned to Japan after a more than 10-year absence.

In the headlining act for the impromptu pay-per-view event, which takes place at the Saitama Super Arena, the lightweight title will be on the line as champion Frankie Edgar looks to defend his crown against the wily Benson Henderson.

It's an evenly matched fight against two of the division's most dynamic fighters in what could easily become an early "Fight of the Year' candidate. 

Edgar's Striking Is Fast and Precise

Frankie Edgar celebrating win over Gray Maynard; photo cred: Tracy Lee of CombatLifestyles.com

He may not wield knockout power or hold a distinctive reach advantage, but Edgar has a few intangibles that has always given opponents cause for concern.

A whirlwind dervish of speed and technique, Edgar outclasses most on their feet. In and out with jabs and hooks to the head and body, Edgar's confusing array of strikes wilts most under the constant barrage of pressure.

Henderson has some pop to his punches, though his lunging punches and wading hooks can be deftly countered by the elusive Edgar. So long as the New Jersey native stays away from Henderson's powerful clinch work, he should be able to light up the former WEC champion on the feet whilst engaged. 

Henderson's Size and Strength Is Cause for Concern

Though a talented wrestler in his own right, we have seen Edgar struggle against powerful wrestlers in the past, a la rival Gray Maynard.

Henderson may not yield the same accolades as Edgar on the collegiate circuit, but the "Smooth" one has quickly become of the division's strongest grapplers.

One of the bigger men in the lightweight class, Henderson uses a mix of unrelenting cardio, size and strength to muscle to the mat most of his opponents, who often succumb to the overwhelming barrage of ground-and-pound blows.

Edgar will make for some interesting moments on the mat with his ability to scramble, but he will be best served staving off as many takedowns as possible and disengaging from the clinch work of Henderson. 

Henderson Prevails After Five Rounds

Benson Henderson; photo cred: BJPenn.com

The difference made in most of Edgar's battles have been his unmatched pace. Against Henderson, not only does Edgar meet a man who can match him in cardio, but the WEC transplant begins to pick up the action as the fight wears on.

Henderson is the kind of fighter that always rises to the occasion and against Edgar, the lightweight spitfire will prevail.

The action will be tight-knit in the early goings, though Henderson will find his groove as the fight moves into the later rounds, muscling down Edgar to the mat time and time again, working in his patented ground-and-pound blows and taking home the decision win.