The UFC Live: Hardy vs. Lytle event will feature a main event between Dan Hardy and Chris Lytle. Both fighters are coming off losses in their last bouts respectively, but Hardy is probably fighting for his UFC career since he has lost his last three fights in a row. Let’s get to the fight.
Dan Hardy comes into this fight with a overall record of (23-9) with 11 wins via TKO/KO. Hardy was able to win his first four fights in the UFC before being given a title shot against Georges St-Pierre at UFC 111. Hardy was dominated in that fight and then has proceeded to lose the next two fights as well. He was knocked out by Carlos Condit and then dominated by Anthony Johnson. So it’s not like Hardy has been fighting scrubs. Hardy’s biggest problem is that he gets taken down easily and basically has a defensive guard once on the ground.
Chris Lytle comes into this fight with a overall record of (30-18-5) with 21 wins via submission and 3 wins via TKO/KO. Lytle had won four in a row before dropping a grueling fight to Brian Ebersole at UFC 127 earlier this year. Lytle is a fighter with an underrated submission game that likes to stand and bang it out despite not knocking anyone out in over 3 years.
That’s precisely why this fight is the main event because both fighters have pretty much said they will stand and bang it out(which I think is ridiculous), and will be exciting for those casual fans that like that sort of thing. I’m not against it. Rashad Evans and Tito Ortiz going toe to toe last weekend was great, but it happened during the heat of the battle.
So this fight should stay on the feet where I believe Hardy will have the advantage. He has a little more power than Lytle, the reach advantage, and a more diverse striking style. Also, it’s difficult to beat a talented guy when his back is against the wall(see Tito Ortiz). I also believe Lytle’s age plus wear and tear are beginning to catch up with him as he has over 50 MMA fights and 13 professional boxing matches. If Lytle is to win this fight, he might take the fight to the ground should he get in trouble on the feet. If so, he should be able to submit Hardy or at least control him from the top to win a decision. However, I expect Lytle to fight to please the fans and it’ll probably cost him this fight.
I think Dan Hardy will win a decision or stop Lytle late in the fight.