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FIGHT ODDS

UFC 126 Preview: The Main Card

Jason ProbstFeb 02, 2011
Antonio Banuelos (left) | Dave Mandel/Sherdog.com


Bantamweights
Miguel Torres (No. 6 BW) vs. Antonio Banuelos

The Matchup: After losing two straight in brutal fashion to Brian Bowles and Joseph Benavidez, former WEC champion Torres scored a much-needed win at WEC 51, as he submitted Charlie Valencia. Whether or not he successfully continues to rebuild the aura of invincibility he once held is difficult to foresee.

Banuelos, a longtime contender at 135 pounds, will definitely oblige him with willing stand-up and strong wrestling, both of which played roles in Torres’ two WEC defeats. With champion Dominick Cruz and Urijah Faber sitting atop the division, either guy could position himself nicely for a title run in 2011 by scoring a significant win on the main card.

Style-wise, this is a fight Banuelos can win. If he can land effectively on the feet and get inside Torres’ range, it will set up takedowns and dirty boxing, two skills at which he has proven effective. For Torres, it is paramount that he does not get sucked into a head-strong type of bout where he dismisses percentages and advantages merely to trade shots and get even. Banuelos figures to score some takedowns, but Torres’ guard is exceptionally dangerous.

The Pick: Expect some rough moments for the ex-champion, as Torres uses sweeps and submission attempts to keep Banuelos defensive on the mat and piles up points on the feet on the way to a third-round submission or decision win.