Frank Edgar vs Matt Veach Fight Prediction – TUF 10

MATT VEACH vs. FRANKIE EDGAR

Fight Overview:  An interesting matchup between two skilled wrestlers with well-rounded skill sets.  Edgar is one of the top potential contenders for a future title shot at this point, and Veach is thusfar undefeated, so this one could have some serious implications on the future of the Lightweight division.

Veach’s Strengths:  Veach is a very well-rounded fighter with good submissions, good wrestling, good boxing, and dangerous ground and pound.  From a technique standpoint, every part of his game is solid and he only continues to improve every fight.

Veach’s Weaknesses:  It is hard to identify weaknesses in a guy who has never even come close to losing a fight.  The only troubling thing about Veach coming into this fight is that Edgar is a very big step up in competition for him, and he has never faced anyone nearly so dangerous or well-rounded,

Edgar’s Strengths:  Much like Veach, Edgar has great wrestling that he uses as a base for a dangerous, well-rounded offense.  His takedown defense and solid boxing allow him to dictate the pace of fights, and his solid wrestling gives him an out if he gets in trouble standing.

Edgar’s Weaknesses:  The only real weakness Edgar has ever displayed is an inability to deal with guys who he can’t outwrestle.  That is rarely a problem, since Edgar’s wrestling is so good, but he looked lost against Gray Maynard, who controlled him easily.  Veach is a good wrestler, so that could be an issue.

Prediction: Edgar has the edge in this one, I think.  Both guys have similar styles, but Edgar has tested himself against vastly superior competition and still put together a very impressive record.  Veach is being thrown in the deep end of the Lightweight division, and while he has all the tools to succeed, Edgar already went through the same thing and has all the benefits that provides.  I expect him to thwart Veach’s takedown attempts and control the fight standing, much like he did against Sean Sherk, on his way to earning another unanimous decision.