There are few people who are as highly regarded after three straight losses as Frankie Edgar is at this moment, which is pretty much the reason the mixed martial arts (MMA) match against Charles Oliveira at UFC 162 this evening (Sat., July 6, 2013) was made.
In other words, the guy deserves some breathing room and the chance to get back in the win column.
That’s no knock on Olivera, a talented product in his own right, but Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) expended a lot of promotional heft and mojo on Edgar, who carried a string of six consecutive main event pay-per-view (PPV) appearances since 2010.
There are no signs of Edgar losing a step, as his performance against Jose Aldo was a credible effort, especially given the punishment he absorbed early. Olivera figures to be game knowing this is a potentially career-changing fight, and will look to jump on "The Answer" early.
Olivera’s swagger and confidence in his skills will have to carry where lack of experience won’t. And any opportunities to finish should be pursued readily – despite Edgar’s incredible durability, it’s probably the only way Olivera can realistically win, as Edgar’s wrestling and conditioning make him awfully tough to best in a three rounder here.
Check out a complete breakdown of the UFC 162 co-main event between Frankie Edgar vs. Charles Oliveira below:
The Breakdown
Edgar’s big-time takedown and experience edge are overwhelming on paper, and how he parlays these into his gameplan are critical to negating Olivera’s weapons, which are speed, range, and a penchant for flashy submissions.
Does Edgar want to pin everything toward getting the "W," or will his competitive fire lure him into a more exciting war, where he vies for a knockout win on the feet or yet another entertaining war?
For Olivera, he really has nothing to lose and should fight like it, looking to counter Edgar with big shots, as Frankie tends to rely on a quick, in-and-out points game on the feet. It’s unlikely he will be able to do much from his back, as Edgar’s smothering wrestling and quickness make him exceptionally difficult to compromise.
The Pick
Moving in and out, and using his good kicks, Edgar will set the range on Olivera, who will be a beat behind in the opening moments. Forcing an exchange midway through the first, Edgar will stun Charles, then drop him to the mat, pouncing for a finishing assault. It will be too much for Olivera, who will turtle up against the cage while Edgar rains down blows, taking an impressive first-round knockout win.
Edgar via knockout
Jason Probst can be reached at twitter.com/jasonprobst