UFC 104 Welterweight Pick - Johnson vs. Yoshida

UFC 104 Breakdown – Johnson vs. Yoshida in Welterweight Battle!

This is a textbook match of striking versus wrestling. The powerful Johnson is a ball of dynamite rolled in to a 6-foot-2 frame, and his striking power is perhaps the best in his entire division. After exploding all over Luigi Fioravanti’s face at UFC Fight Night in February, Johnson has had a long time to refine his game in preparation for a seasoned Judo specialist like Yoshida.

When you’re laying your money down on this one, it’s strictly a preference for what you prefer. Do you take a fine-tuned grappling specialist like Yoshida, or a welter weight with undeniable knockout power like Johnson? If you’re a UFC fan, then you’ll be behind Johnson, but if you stupidly over think this match, then you’ll be backing Yoshida. Guess which one’s a bigger mistake.

Anthony Johnson vs. Yashiyuki Yoshida
UFC Betting Line: Johnson -350 / Yoshida +250

Johnson’s combination of power and grit are going to be a huge difference maker here. Yoshida often waddles in to fights looking for a take down. It’s not going to surprise me one bit when he tries to outsmart Johnson, and underestimates his blinding speed. Few UFC betting fans will forget how quickly Yoshida folded against Josh Koscheck, who was out to prove his striking power.

In this division, few fighters possess knockout power like Johnson. He doesn’t have the overall game to be a contender yet, but he’s well on his way. Dana White knows exactly how exciting Johnson can be, and how much fans will pay to see a lightning fast striker who fights like he’s about to be raped in prison. Yoshida was thrown in his way just to build his stock, which is exactly what I expect Johnson to do.

Furious Free Pick: Johnson -350 (TKO 3rd Round)