UFC Fight Night 79 Henderson vs. Masvidal: Picks, Prognostications, & Odds

November 28, 2015

Olympic Gymnastics Arena

Seoul, South Korea

A lot of big changes to yet another UFC card. Thiago Alves was struck yet again with injury as was Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovic who has now also retired. And yet, we still have an interesting "Main Event" with "Smooth" versus "Gamebred," the always exciting "Stun Gun, and the return of "Sexyama."

Main Card on UFC Fight Pass:

Benson Henderson (22-5) -265 vs. Jorge Masvidal (29-9) +205

"Bendo" is on the last fight of his UFC contract so he really needs the win here to strengthen his bargaining power. Henderson has gone 3-2 in the last 2 years and is playing around at Welterweight yet again after a bit of a skid at Lightweight. Ben is quick and athletic though he lacks finishing power. "Smooth" is quite versatile though and can maneuver fools into bad positions for a tap at times, though he is notably a round winner who cruises on points.

Masvidal is a bit of a brawler. He can do it all but tends to get caught up in the moment when he should mix in more of his all around MMA skills. "Gamebred" has also jumped up in weight citing the ban of the IV's in competition but he's a bigger cat and it may just be the better move for his career. 

Jorge lacks any true defensive prowess and though he has the reach advantage, Henderson will be able to sneak through his shots and continues to use kicks like jabs to secure distance. "Bendo" will definitely have the grappling advantage and this just plays out as another Henderson points win.
WINNER-Benson Henderson by Decision

Dong Hyun Kim (20-3-1) -750 vs. Dominic Waters (9-3) +475

The "Stun Gun" is a risk taker in the cage sometimes to his detriment. Still, we loves watching the "Donger" do his thing and he's always a perennial Top 10 player. Kim can out grapple most men and he has yet to break that glass ceiling but he's a well rounded warrior who should be able to out IQ the green Waters who got moved up in the injury card shuffle.
WINNER-Don Hyun Kim by Decision

Yoshihiro Akiyama (14-5, 2) -160 vs. Alberto Mina (11-0) +130

"Sexyama" is back after having fought very sporadically in the last few years. He's a supposed Judo player but in reality he just uses his power in the cage though his movement is a bit robotic which isn't improving at the age of 40. 

The unbeaten King's MMA fighter is a submission specialist who does have some nice clinch knees but he's not much of a wrestler.

We're going to take the underdog in this one. Akiyama is far too old and hasn't evolved in his long absences. Yoshihiro might catch Mina with a big strike but the percentages say Alberto has more tools and thus opportunities to shock the crowd. We see "Sexyama" slowing down late (as always) and Mina turning his game up a notch to finish the Japanese hero.
Upset Pick WINNER-Alberto Mina by Rd.3 Submission

Doo Ho Choi (12-1) -240 vs. Sam Sicilia (15-5) +190

The Sikjitsu American has won a couple in a row and is a big powerful fella, but he's not impressive anywhere.

The "Korean Superboy" has stellar striking skills and uses feints like a boxing pro. Choi is very quick and knows where to be in the Octagon at all times. The lack of grappling skills is a worry but he's young and ever improving.

We're not as confident as a lot of the prognosticators out there on Choi but we'll still side with him. Doo has a lot of upside but he could get caught by a big one from Sicilia or be held on the floor for 15, but we're hoping "Superboy" unleashes Hell in front of his home fans.
WINNER-Doo Ho Choi by Rd.2 TKO

Prelims on UFC Fight Pass:

Dongi Yang (12-3) +110 vs. Jake Collier (9-2) -140

The "Ox" is an appropriate nickname for the KTT star. Yang's not very fast but he can take the hits as well as give them. Eating shots does not win you rounds though and the cardio has also been an issue in the past.

Collier is going to pour the volume striking on Dongi while avoiding the big shots at all costs. 

The "Ox" is a finisher and buoyed by the crowd he'll rise to the occasion and stop Collier with his big punches.
Upset Pick WINNER-Dongi Yang by Rd.2 TKO

Yui Chul Nam (18-5-1) -125 vs. Mike De La Torre (13-5) -105

The "Korean Bulldozer" comes forward throwing bones but he's not explosive or generally threatening.

MDLT is the more technical and versatile but he's not setting the world on fire either.

We go out on a limb with the crowd pleaser to catch Torre unawares and blast him out of the arena as there have to be some surprises on the card and why not this unimportant fight?
WINNER-Yui Chul Nam by Rd.1 KO

Tae Hyun Bang (17-9) -115 vs. Leo Kuntz (17-2-1) -115

This is a coin-flip who-gives-a-shit between two boxers.
WINNER-Tae Hyun Bang by Decision

Seohee Ham (15-6) +135 vs. Cortney Casey (4-2) -165

Ham rattled off 6 wins in a row before running into Joanne Calderwood (our beloved) last out. "Hamderlei Silva" (what an amazing name!) is awkward and comes in throwing bolo's.

"Cast Iron" Casey also just lost to "Bad MoFo JoJo" and is about as average as they come.
Upset Pick WINNER-Seohee Ham by Decision

Yao Zhikui (2-3) +140 vs. Fredy Serrano (2-0) -170

Jesus H. Christ these two dudes are terrible.
WINNER-Fredy Serrano by Decision

Ning Guangyou (6-2-1) -200 vs. Marco Beltran (6-4) +160

Yeesh, the terrible just keeps coming.
WINNER-Ning Guangyou by Decision

Dong Hyun Kim (13-6-3) +110 vs. Dominique Steele (13-6) -140

The other Dong Hyun Kim is coming in on late notice and is going to be run over by Steele. Dominique puts on a grappling clinic to seal the deal.
WINNER-Dominique Steele by Decision

UFC Fight Night 79 Start Times
Main Card on UFC Fight Pass: 8 a.m. ET / 5 a.m. PT

Prelims on UFC Fight Pass: 5 a.m. ET / 2 a.m. PT