Sherdog.com Preview: PRIDE Bushido Lightweight Grand Prix

Yves Edwards (Pictures): Muay Thai/BJJ/Third Column • 5’7 • 157 lbs. • 30-8-1

Career Against Noteworthy Opponents:
• Joe Hurley (Pictures) (1-0)
• Fabiano Iha (0-1)
• Thomas Denny (Pictures) (1-0)
• Nathan Marquardt (Pictures) (0-1)
• Shannon Ritch (Pictures) (1-0)
• Aaron Riley (Pictures) (2-0)
• Rumina Sato (Pictures) (0-1)
• Pete Spratt (Pictures) (1-0)
• CJ Fernandes (0-0-1)
• Matt Serra (Pictures) (0-1)
• Kultar Gill (Pictures) (1-0)
• Caol Uno (Pictures) (0-1)
• Rich Clementi (Pictures) (1-0)
• Tatsuya Kawajiri (Pictures) (0-1)
• Nick Agallar (Pictures) (1-0)
• Hermes Franca (Pictures) (2-0)
• Josh Thomson (Pictures) (1-0)
• Naoyuki Kotani (Pictures) (1-0)
• Dokonjonosuke Mishima (Pictures) (1-0)

PRIDE Experience: 1-0

Joachim Hansen (Pictures): BJJ • 5’7 • 154 lbs. • 12-2-1

Career Against Noteworthy Opponents:
• Jani Lax (0-1)
• Rafles la Rose (0-0-1)
• Rumina Sato (Pictures) (1-0)
• Takanori Gomi (Pictures) (1-0)
• Vitor Ribeiro (Pictures) (0-1)
• Caol Uno (Pictures) (1-0)
• Masakazu Imanari (Pictures) (1-0)
• Kenichiro Togashi (Pictures) (1-0)

PRIDE Experience: 1-0

The Better Striker: Wow, tough call. I’m going to say Edwards. Hansen has pounded Sato and Uno, but Edwards brings the pain to everyone he meets and is the uncrowned UFC lightweight champ.

The Better Grappler: Edwards. Hansen is better at avoiding the submission than applying it. Edwards looks at it like a challenge. He could've banged it out with Mishima but he chose to beat him at his own game and sub him in the first round. Yves has a dozen wins by submission and will be very comfortable if the bout goes to the mat.

Motivating Factors/Intangibles:

Edwards gave all he could to the UFC and they eliminated the division despite his efforts. PRIDE welcomed him and he showed what he could do with Mishima. Now most of the best in the world in his division are in this tournament. It is show time.

Hansen has lost once in five years. His Bushido debut was impressive and he’s already beaten the Japanese favorite. He also has the chance to beat a field of the best and capture the very first PFC lightweight title.

And The Winner Is: Edwards. This could be the most exciting fight of the opening round. My fear is that the winner will be injured and the semifinal bout will not be a true reflection of their abilities. Hansen hits hard and Yves won’t want to take too many lumps when he has to fight twice in one night. Both of Hansen’s losses are by submission. Obviously this one will go to the ground. Edwards by submission, likely a choke, in the first round.