Welterweight Bout: Matt Serra vs. Chris Lytle
Odds: (+110 Serra / -140 Lytle )
Betting Pick: Matt Serra
The third bout of the evening is a showdown between two long-time UFC veterans with very similar styles, as Chris “Lights Out” Lytle takes on former Welterweight champion Matt “The Terror” Serra. Both Lytle and Serra have excellent jiu-jitsu, and both have a willingness to let their hands go, too. This is one of the more interesting stylistic matchups in recent history, even if the fight itself is not at all important to the shape of the division.
Chris Lytle is, without question, one of the toughest men ever to fight in Mixed Martial Arts competition. In 51 professional bouts, he has never been knocked out or submitted. The only time he has been finished was with a TKO by way of cut. Lytle has pretty good boxing, although he does lack dangerous punching power. His best work, though, is done on the ground, where he is prolific at submitting his opponents. Serra is one of the best grapplers in the division, though, so it is interesting to see how well Lytle will be able to play the position game on the ground instead of just committing himself to submission attempts.
Matt Serra, who shocked the world by turning a win on The Ultimate Fighter’s comeback season into a Welterweight title reign when he put Georges St. Pierre away with a flurry of punches, is one of the most prolific submission experts in the UFC, and certainly one of the best at 170 pounds. As St. Pierre, Frank Trigg, and others have learned the hard way, though, it does not pay to underestimate his striking. His boxing is not very pretty or technical, and he has a very short reach, but when he connects with a big shot his opponent is in a world of trouble. Against Lytle, a guy who can probably neutralize his ground attack to a high degree, that is going to prove an invaluable asset.
Stylistically, this matchup favors Serra. Both guys are extremely effective on the ground, but Serra is probably a little bit better, and he has the added bonus of not having to worry about his opponent’s punching power, a luxury that Lytle will not be afforded. Just because Lytle has never been knocked out does not mean that it is a good idea for him to stand in front of Serra and let him throw power punches, and I think that will make the difference. Serra will be in the driver’s seat during the striking exchanges and will most likely be the one who dictates when and if the fight goes to the ground. Once it hits the mat, the two will probably cancel out each other’s submission games, so the takedowns and striking are going to decide this fight. Serra by decision.
Prediction: Matt “The Terror” Serra via unanimous decision.
- We have another UnderDog in Serra @+110 for the Win.
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