The UFC today added a flyweight bout between Joseph Benavidez and Jussier Formiga to the upcoming UFC on FOX Sports 1 3 card, according to a report from Brazilian news outlet Globo. In a shallow UFC flyweight division, it’s possible this bout could serve as a No. 1 contender’s matchup. UFC on FOX Sports 1 3 takes place September 4 in Brazil, although the exact location of the event has yet to be released by the UFC. From first glance this looks like a fight that Benavidez should win. Although Formiga has a very formidable ground game, Benavidez has exceptional wrestling and should be able to stuff the majority of Formiga’s takedowns. And if the fight does indeed stay standing, then Benavidez is going to have a giant edge in both technique and power. But of course if the fight goes to the ground it favors Formiga, even though Benavidez is a solid grappler himself. I’d like to believe that we can get a good line on Benavidez, but I’m guessing he opens up at -300 or so. At that price I’d likely be willing to put him in a two- or three-team parlay but if it gets any higher than that I’d likely have to pass since it doesn’t seem like a good idea to bet against Brazilians in Brazil. Lewis vs. Guelmino Booked For UFC on FOX Sports 1 2 The UFC has signed a new heavyweight fighter. According to MMAjunkie.com, the UFC signed former Legacy FC heavyweight Derrick Lewis and he’ll make his promotional debut against Nandor Guelmino at UFC on FOX Sports 1 2, which takes place August 28 at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianpolis, IN. The fight will take place on the evening’s preliminary card. This is the kind of matchup that makes one feel sorry for the current state of heavyweight MMA as neither of these fighters is truly UFC caliber. Although Lewis does have an impressive win streak, which included a surprising KO over Jared Rosholt in LFC, he’s a pretty limited fighter and doesn’t seem like someone with a high ceiling. Having said that, though, Guelmino isn’t that good either and honestly Lewis should beat him. Most people will remember Guelmino from his Strikeforce fight against Josh Barnett, a match which he lost via first-round submission, and most will likely be looking to fade him. So even though I don’t think Lewis should be this high of a favorite, I do think he’ll open at around -250 with the comeback on Guelmino being +200. At those odds I’d have to pass against Lewis because this is heavyweight MMA and anything can happen but if the line for some reason is closer to a Pick ’em, then I’ll likely be looking to make a small play on Lewis. Still, neither of these guys can be trusted with too much of my cash.
