UFC 93 - Possible Fight of the Night

The fight between Marcus “The Irish Hand Grenade” Davis and Chris “Lights Out” Lytle could be analyzed by simply looking at their pseudo-names. Both these fighters have come out publically stating they want this to be a war and for this match to win fight of the night. Too the bad BetUS Sportsbook doesn’t offer a line for the over/under because something’s telling me this one isn’t going the distance.

The Irish Hand Grenade is a very fitting name for Davis as he is someone who will blow up in your face with little regard for his own well being. He has been on a roll of late having won 12 of his last 13 fights. Since coming over to the UFC he has won 7 of 8 fights and has built up a reputation not only as a fierce striker but as a guy with a dangerous submission game. Five of his seven wins in the UFC have come via tap out and has shown some versatility in his game with the wins coming by guillotine, armbar, and achilles lock.

Although Davis isn’t from Ireland he will be treated like a home town boy, as anyone with the name “Irish Hand Grenade” should. Although its technically not a home court advantage, the thrill of having a massive crowd behind you for a fight everyone knows is going to be an absolute war will be a great motivator for Davis. As if he needs it.

Besides the great nickname and submission skills, Davis has some serious knockout power to back it up. Something tells me that he’s going to need it in this fight because not many ground fights win bout of the night.

Lytle’s record is slightly more blemished that Davis’s, compiling 16 defeats. This may be the reason he’s the underdog in this bout but don’t be fooled, Lytle has gone up against some of the best to ever step into the octagon in the welterweight division including Matt Hughes and Matt Serra in The Ultimate Fighter 4 Finale.

He is very comfortable standing up and trading with anyone who is willing and has knockout power but is also fully capable of winning by submission. He also has good defense as he went the distance with Matt Hughes and Josh Koscheck, which says something about his chin.

These fighters are so similar, it’s going to be a hard fight to pick. Davis will have the crowd behind him but that could be a distraction if he’s more worried about pleasing them than winning the fight. Just ask Michael Bisping, who was nearly stopped in the first round after coming out nervous in his own backyard. Lytle definitely has less pressure to deal with and this could be an advantage coming into this one.

One thing for certain, both fighters have promised fireworks and the fans expect something big. Considering the fact that the “Irish Hand Grenade” and “Lights Out” hit hard and neither of them have ever been stopped by strikes in careers, someone is sure to either get their switch flipped or their pin pulled.

My pick is that Davis is going to win this fight. He’s rolling right now and just has a little more skill than “Lights Out” Little. Second round KO via head kick.