Name: Hakeem Dawodu
Age: 26
Nationality: Canadoan
MMA Record: 7-0-1
UFC Record: Debut
Notable Wins: Steven Siler
Notable Losses: None
Last Fight: Decision win over Steven Siler
Fighter Profile: There has been quite a bit of hype surrounding Dawodu for a while now, and for good reason. The young Canadian striker amassed an unbeaten record in World Series of Fighting that included six knockout wins. In his last fight, he picked up the biggest win of his career, a decision win over Steven Siler. That showed to me that he has the cardio to go the full 15 minutes even if he can’t get the early finish. But more times than not, Dawodu is going to finish his opponents. He has a well-rounded striking attack and is dangerous throwing any of his limbs. Obviously his grappling could still use work but so far he’s been nothing but impressive and training at SBG in Ireland with all the great fighters there should only help him to improve.
Name: Danny Henry
Age: 29
Nationality: Scottish
MMA Record: 11-2
UFC Record: 1-0
Notable Wins: Daniel Teymur
Notable Losses: None
Last Fight: Decision win over Daniel Teymur
Fighter Profile: Henry is a very solid prospect out of Scotland. He is a very well-rounded fighter and he showed off his skills in his UFC debut victory over Daniel Teymur. Henry has a solid striking attack as well as an improving grappling game. He does tend to take too much damage in his fights, but so far he’s proven to be very durable and tough to finish. I think he’s a better fighter than people are giving him credit for, though the UFC has done him no favors by giving him a very tough opponent in the form of Dawodu in this one.
Fight Breakdown: I like this fight a lot, though I am surprised the UFC is matching up two prospects with potential. Both guys have very high ceilings in the sport, but I’d peg Dawodu as having a bit more potential. I think he could even be a futue champion. I was extremely impressed with his performances in World Series of Fighting and I’m excited to see what he can do in the UFC. In this matchup, I believe it’s most likely going to stay a striking battle, and while Henry has solid striking skills himself, Dawodu is a muay Thai master. I think Dawodu uses his patented muay Thai attack to bash Henry and finish him via TKO.
Prediction: Dawodu via TKO
