UFC Bantamweight bout: Miguel Torres vs. Antonio Banuelos
Odds: (-525 Torres /+325 Banuelos )
Betting Pick: TORRES
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In the opening bout of the evening, former WEC champion Miguel Torres will look to recover from a recent string of disappointing performances against well-rounded contender Antonio Banuelos. Both of these guys have very effective striking, but Banuelos is a dangerous wrestler whereas Torres has extremely good jiu-jitsu, so this is an interesting stylistic matchup.
Banuelos, a well-rounded and seasoned veteran, has a very dangerous offensive skill set. He has decent punching, good takedowns, a dominant top game, and very effective dirty boxing in the clinch. If he can get inside Torres’ range and use his clinch to bully Torres around and set up takedowns, he could be in a good position to win this fight. The only thing he is going to have to be careful of is sitting in Torres’ guard, where he is running a dangerous chance of being submitted.
Torres, who once looked like a world-beater as WEC’s champion, has lost some of his luster recently after dropping two of his last three. Still, he has all the offensive tools that made him a champion and is still one of the most dangerous fighters in the division. He isn’t the most powerful striker there is, but he has solid boxing technique and good hand speed. His most dangerous work comes on the ground, though. He is a phenom in the guard, with a ridiculous ability to submit guys off his back.
This should be an extremely competitive fight. Torres probably has better technical striking, but Banuelos has a size and strength advantage and the ability to bully Torres around in the clinch. Banuelos also has much superior wrestling, but that could lead to problems since inside Torres’ guard is not a particularly safe place for anyone to be. I think Banuelos will make this a fight, but ultimately Torres has too many offensive tools. He will make Banuelos pay for trying to clinch, and on the ground I think he has more than enough jiu-jitsu to put Banuelos away if he goes for takedowns. Torres by submission.
Prediction: Miguel Torres via second round triangle choke.
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