#6 Robbie Lawler (28-12) vs. Ben Askren (18-0, 1NC)
Another stupendous fight that I’m anxious to see. This is probably my second most anticipated fight of the night only because of the matchup and implications involved. This isn’t just your classic striker vs. wrestler matchup. This is the debut of Ben Askren in the UFC. Askren is known as one of greatest wrestlers in MMA history. He is definitely a one-sided specialist but boy is he special. The tricky part is that Robbie has outstanding takedown defense. This isn’t going to be an easy fight for Ben. Robbie pours it on in the beginning of the fight so Ben is going to have put Robbie on his back fast. The truth of the matter is that Ben could get rocked very quickly if he stands with Robbie. Robbie brings more power and UFC experience to the table, but I just can’t pick against an undefeated fighter. And not just any undefeated fighter, but an undefeated fighter who was the former Bellator and ONE champion. In striker vs. wrestler matchups, the wrestler wins the majority of the time. I don’t know if this is going to be the most exciting fight, but I’m going to take “Funky” in this fight, simply due to the fact that he has an advantage in terms of controlling position in this fight. Not THAT confident about it though.
Prediction: Ben Askren via unanimous decision
