Jorge Masvidal
vs. Leon Edwards
Why it could happen: Well, considering I make the rules of this here fantasy bracket, it only seems natural that we follow this thing through by matching up the winners. Besides, how fitting would this fight be after that legendary altercation between the two after last year’s UFC London show?
Predicted line: Masvidal -110, Edwards -105
Thoughts on the fight: This matchup is close no matter how you cut it, as I only favored Masvidal in this fantasy opener given his popularity and hypothetical finish of the sitting champion (in comparison to another decision by Edwards, at least in this scenario).
For me, this a fight I’ve wanted to see before the whole “3 piece and a soda” phenomena even occurred, as these are downright two of the most baddest technicians to ever walk the ranks of welterweight. Both men are well-rounded strikers who fancy a lot of the same things on the feet, whether they’re pulling and returning punches or landing slick elbows off the clinch breaks.
Although they (or anyone for that matter) will never get the same praise or credit that Georges St-Pierre does when talking about fighters who learned how to wrestle on the job, Masvidal and Edwards are each atop similar molds of welterweight wrestling – a theme that runs strongly throughout the division’s history inside of the octagon.
I could honestly flip a coin to make a case for either fighter, as I’m already finding myself wanting to spew more praise to avoid making a prediction.
Despite my gut telling me that Edwards’ left hand will be as potent as the outcome of him winning by split-decision, I’m still not sure the Englishman will have the edge when it comes to the pacing or adjustments. Add in the fact the Masvidal’s underrated kicking game seems to further come to life against southpaws, and I suspect that we could see the Cuban streetfighter pick up where “RDA” left off in low kick department and cement his late-career renaissance with a UFC title.
Early pick: Masvidal by fourth-round TKO (leg kicks)