Roundtables
ROUNDTABLE: Predictions for Ian McCall vs. Demetrious Johnson rematch in UFC on FX 3 main event
Jun 7, 2012 - 2:45:50 PM ROUNDTABLE: Predictions for Ian McCall vs. Demetrious Johnson rematch in UFC on FX 3 main event

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Who wins the rematch between Ian McCall and Demetrious Johnson, and how? Also, would you favor that winner over Joseph Benavidez in the UFC's first Flyweight Title bout?

JASON AMADI, MMATORCH COLUMNIST

I took "Uncle Creepy" to win this whole tournament when it was announced and nothing has happened thus far to sway me. I believe McCall is just an all around better fighter than Demetrious Johnson. His facial hair and nickname are markedly superior as well.

Joseph Benavidez is a great fighter but nowhere near the striker that McCall is at this point. I think he may a bit slicker on the ground, but I still think McCall can edge him out.

For the record, he's also the most engaging character in the flyweight division by far and the UFC would be lucky to have him as their inaugural champion. That is, of course, until Mamoru Yamaguchi makes his Octagon debut and takes the world by storm with his mustache and spectacular afro.


FRANK HYDEN, MMATORCH CONTRIBUTOR

I think McCall wins by a very close decision. These guys are pretty evenly matched and they both have motivation to prove themselves. I would not favor either guy over Benavidez, I just think he's too good. It should be another close fight, but I think Benavidez edges out whoever he faces.


ANWAR PEREZ, MMATORCH COLUMNIST

I wouldn't favor the winner over Benavidez, but both fighters are quite capable of giving him trouble, even if he is the favorite. I see Demetrious Johnson taking this fight, and grinding out a decision against a very tough opponent in Ian McCall.


ERIC HOBAUGH, MMATORCH CONTRIBUTOR

I like Ian McCall in the rematch against Demetrious Johnson. The first fight was razor close and the second fight should be a great fight as well. I think McCall underestimated Johnson in their first fight. I do not, however, favor either of these two over Joseph Benavidez. Benavidez’s overall game is on another level from any flyweight on the planet.


CHRIS PARK, MMATORCH UK SPECIALIST

My original choice for a final was Benavidez vs. Johnson and while I would probably still favour that as a choice - because of the crazy pace I believe these two would compete at - I don't see it becoming the reality.

We saw pretty much all of Johnson's incredibly well rounded game in the first bout with McCall; and as effective as it was I don't see him replicating that performance this weekend. My reasoning is that I feel Johnson would have shown, and McCall would have felt, the holes that he could capitalise on in a second attempt.

It was clear Johnson, despite being the more skilled all-round mixed martial artist, was not close to possessing the same kind of core strength that McCall has.

I see McCall fighting a totally different fight this time around. He needs to forget the showboating, "The Fight Of The Night" bonus, and focus on the gameplan and wrestle Johnson down for a grinding decision victory.

Styles make fights and a wrestling led game-plan wins this for McCall, but I don't give him much chance against the classy Benavidez, who I believe is in a different league all together. @MMATorchUK


BRAD WALKER, MMATORCH COLUMNIST

I'm going to take Mighty Mouse to win by decision. And Benavidez is not going to lose - he will be the first flyweight champion in the UFC. Ian McCall is one hell of a fighter, and he can scrap with the best, but I just want to see Johnson punch that ugly mustache off of his face - he has the worst facial hair in the UFC. This tournament for only having four guys has already gone on too long, I hope to see Johnson face Benavidez in the finals and the first official belt to go around the waist of Benavidez.


DAN MOORE, MMATORCH UK CONTRIBUTOR

I'm not really sure why the bookmakers have made Demetrious Johnson favorite for this fight. If ever there was a match up worthy of two fighters having the same odds, then this is it. Both had their moments the first time around, but had McCall refrained from showboating late on, we wouldn't be seeing this again. I slightly favor McCall to win by decision, but whoever does win will be a major underdog going into their title fight with Benavidez. His size, strength and knockout power will be too much for both McCall or Johnson. Joseph Benavidez will reign as a dominant champion for the foreseeable future, much like Cruz and Aldo have in these lower weight classes until the talent pool fills up.