UFC 118: Penn vs Edgar 2 preview

The Ultimate Fighting Championship is set for another great fight card when it presents “UFC 118: Penn vs Edgar 2” on 28 August at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. The much anticipated rematch between Frankie Edgar and BJ Penn for the UFC lightweight championship will top the event. It will also feature the UFC debut of former boxing champion, James Toney, when he goes up against UFC hall-of-famer, Randy Couture.


Main Event: Penn versus Edgar

The main event will be the rematch between lightweight champion, Frankie “The Answer” Edgar, and BJ “The Prodigy” Penn. Edgar proved that BJ Penn, once tagged as unbeatable in the lightweight division, is only human when Edgar defeated Penn via unanimous decision in their first meeting. Some might argue that the fight was won by the Prodigy but the judges thought otherwise. Due to the controversy, UFC President Dana White opted for a rematch.  

Penn, known for his great Jiu-Jitsu skills, is likely to have the advantage on the ground. Standing up, Penn is evenly dangerous.  He is technically sound, accurate, and hits very hard.  Freddie Roach, one of the best boxing coaches, even said that he has the best boxing skills in the UFC.

Frankie Edgar is a very tough fighter. He possesses great wrestling skills and is also highly technical in boxing. Again, he must use the conditioning, speed, and footwork he displayed in the first bout if he wants to remain as the champion.

Knocking out Edgar is no easy task and Penn can attest to that. His movement and innate toughness are difficult things to contend with. The Answer has never been knocked out in his career.

A win for Penn will prove that he is the best lightweight in the world. On the other hand, Frankie Edgar’s win will prove that the first fight was not a fluke and put his name among the elites of the sport.

Co-main Event: Couture versus Toney

Dubbed as “Boxing versus MMA”, former two-division boxing champion, James “Lights Out” Toney, will be up against UFC hall-of-famer, Randy “The Natural” Couture.

James Toney is the first elite boxer to make a transition into the MMA. He had been trash-talking and promised to knockout Couture. He’s been training for only nine months to improve his takedown defense and ground game. Toney will obviously try to make this a standup fight in order to have the best chance of winning the bout.

Randy Couture on the other hand is a living legend in the UFC. Standing up, his clinching and dirty boxing skills will be put to test against Toney. On the ground, he will dominate the boxer with his ground-and-pound.

UFC president, Dana White, had always bragged that MMA fighters are the best fighters in the world.  Couture will prove it right while Toney will showcase his craft and give these MMA fighters a run for their money.

Florian versus Maynard

Another bout is between Gray Maynard and Kenny Florian.  This fight is crucial for both fighters since the winner will possibly get a title shot at the lightweight division.  

With wins against Frankie Edgar, Roger Huerta and Nate Diaz, the undefeated Maynard is one of the best lightweight fighters in the UFC. Nicknamed “The Bully”, Maynard is good in breaking opponents down will with his excellent ground-and-pound skills and good stand-up game.

“KenFlo” is a well-rounded talented fighter. He is known for his devastating elbow strikes, boxing, and good ground skills. Florian will come to this fight confident and inspired because he will be fighting in his backyard. Fans will certainly root for the hometown kid.

Davis versus Diaz

Marcus “The Irish Hand Grenade” Davis, a lethal stand up fighter, will face off against the Jiu-Jitsu practitioner Nate Diaz. Davis will prove that he still has what it takes to be a contender in the welterweight division by defeating Diaz in his official debut as a welterweight.

Both fighters are known for their offense, so fans will expect fireworks in this fight.

Maia versus Miranda

Demian Maia will try to bounce back when he faces off against middleweight prospect Mario Miranda.

Other Preliminary Fights:

Joe Lauzon vs. Gabe Ruediger

Nick Lintz vs. Andre Winner

Dan Miller vs. John Salter

Nick Osipczak vs. Greg Soto

Amilcar Alves vs. Mike Pierce

My picks:

Penn, Couture, Maynard, Diaz, Maia, Lauzon, and Miller



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