Lightweight Bout: Sean Sherk vs. Evan Dunham
Odds: (+175 Sherk / -215 Dunham )
Betting Pick: Sean Sherk
The evening’s second bout pits former Lightweight champion Sean “The Muscle Shark” Sherk against undefeated prospect Evan Dunham in a very important bout for the recently cloudy Lightweight title picture. Sherk has long been one of the most dominant Lightweights in the world, but Dunham has stepped up in competition repeatedly and has so far been equal to the challenge every time.
Dunham, coming off a big split decision win over Tyson Griffin and an armbar victory over Ultimate Fighter winner Efrain Escudero, is a very complete and dangerous fighter. A black belt in brazilian jiu-jitsu, Dunham has a very good submission game from every position, but he also has solid striking and wrestling to complement it. Still, Sherk is easily the best opponent he has ever faced, and more specifically the best wrestler by a massive margin, so it remains to be seen whether he has what it takes to stop Sherk’s dominant takedowns and top control game.
Sherk, who had a rather successful stint at Welterweight in addition to his Lightweight title reign, is one of the most determined and effective wrestlers in the sport. His boxing is actually very underrated and technically sound, although his effectiveness is hampered by his complete lack of reach. Still, Sherk’s best work has always been accomplished by taking people down and grinding out wins from top position, where he is extremely good at controlling position and avoiding submissions.
Dunham is a star in the making, but he is not ready for this large a step up in competition yet. He had some trouble in his last fight dealing with Tyson Griffin’s wrestling, and Sherk is going to be even harder for him to handle. Dunham won’t get steamrolled, but most of this fight will probably take place on the mat with Sherk in top position, and that is not good news for anyone he fights. Sherk by unanimous decision.
Prediction: Sean “The Muscle Shark” Sherk via unanimous decision.
- Bet on Sherk @+175 for the upset win over Dunham.
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