UFC 124 Picks & Predictions: Stevenson vs. Danzig
By Drew Sharper
MONTREAL, QUEBEC (TheSpread) – Two veteran lightweights battle it out at UFC 124 as Mac Danzig meets Joe Stevenson on Saturday. Which lightweight should you pick?
UFC 124 takes place from the Bell Center in Montreal, Quebec, Canada and will air live on Pay-Per-View at 10PM ET. Here is a look at both fighters and a pick for this fight.
Joe Stevenson (31-11) -300
Stevenson is a compact and tough fighter. He is a strong wrestler with good submission skills and improving striking, which he limits to boxing. His biggest strength is his guillotine choke, which he has used to win six fights in his career. As of late, Stevenson has struggled with guys that have better jiu-jitsu skills or quicker hands than him. He has been improving on his striking, but still very amateur at it compared to most lightweights.
Mac Danzig (19-8-1) +220
Danzig is coming off losses in four of his last five fights. All have been against superior wrestlers as Danzig struggles to stay off his back against stronger opponents. Danzig has goo striking and submission skills in his own right, but he is strong enough in either area to bully opponents and dictate where the fights take place. Danzig needs a win on Saturday or he will likely be released from the UFC, so he should fight with some desperation.
Who To Pick?
Danzig is a tough fighter, but this matchup again doesn’t favor him as Stevenson should be able to score takedowns and control the fight. If Stevenson can avoid submissions on the ground, which I think he will, he should be able to pickup the decision victory. That is my pick and Danzig shouldn’t be able to stuff those takedown attempts.
FREE PICK – JOE STEVENSON -300