Sun Tzu wrote The
Art of War thousands of years before Mixed Martial Arts existed.
Though he aimed to breakdown what aspects of military planning decided the
winner of a battle, we can adapt his vision to the sport of MMA. So, what does
one of the world's greatest military minds have to say about Sunday's match up
between "Smooth" Ben Henderson and Rustam "Tiger" Khabilov?
1) Which of the two
sovereigns is imbued with the moral law? (Who is harder to finish?)
- Khabilov
has never been finished in his professional career, and it's doubtful that
Bendo will be the one to break that streak. Henderson on the other hand
tapped to an anaconda choke early in his career, and lost his championship
belt to Anthony Pettis via armbar. Though he has a BJJ black belt, Henderson
tends to put himself in compromising positions on the ground; as evident
in his first fight with Donald Cerrone, Clay Guida, and the aforementioned
Pettis. With his high level sambo, Khabilov may be good enough to snatch a
sub should Bendo get too reckless and leave an opening for the Russian to
exploit. Advantage: Khabilov
2) Which of the two
generals has most ability? (Who has the better corner?)
- One
doesn’t travel from Dagestan to Albuquerque, New Mexico without good
reason. The salsa may be better in ABQ, but what brought Khabilov nearly
7,000 miles from home was the training under Greg Jackson and Mike Winkeljohn.
Henderson’s home base, “The Lab” in Glendale Arizona is run by an MMA mastermind
named John Crouch. Crouch’s deeply rooted connection with Henderson has
developed over the long career of his prized pupil. Though Jackson/Wink
may be one of the best in the business, Henderson’s relationship with
Crouch is much stronger. Advantage: Henderson
3) With whom lie the
advantages derived from heaven and earth? (What advantages surround the fight?)
- To
Khabilov’s benefit, the card takes place in Albuquerque meaning the
Russian will have a sort of home court advantage. The undercard is filled
with Jackson/Winkeljohn fighters which could build a sort of momentum for
Khabilov to ride on. However, this is his first time headlining a UFC
event, he’s never gone 5 rounds before, and he’s never had so much
limelight on him. These are tall obstacles to overcome when dealing with
Ben Henderson, a guy who doesn’t seem to know the meaning of anxiety.
Advantage: Henderson
4) On which side is
discipline most rigorously enforced? (Who's in better shape?)
- Bendo
has gone a full 5 rounds a total of seven times in his career and never
once slowed down in a fight. He arguably has the best cardio in the Light
Weight division and he uses it as a weapon though constant pressure and a
heavy offense. Khabilov has only gone the distance once in the UFC; a
close scrap against Jorge Masvidal. In the final round Khabilol was still
fresh enough to land a thunderous wheel kick and follow up with a barrage
of punches. However, I doubt Khabilov can keep up his high-output style
for 5 rounds against a guy like Henderson. Advantage: Henderson
5) Which army is
stronger? (Who's stronger?)
- Watching
Khabilov rag doll Vinc Pichel looked very scary. The guy is as powerful as
they come and uses that strength to either throw hard shots or score
takedowns. Henderson is no pushover though, the guy is huge for 155 and
has legs like a running back. Both guys are strong, both guys like to
clinch, but Khabilov looks like he can suplex a tank off the ground.
Advantage: Khabilov
6) On which side are
officers and men more highly trained? (Who's a more technical fighter?)
- Both
guys are very well-rounded. They both mix punches, kicks, takedowns,
submission, and clinch work very well. Khabilov likes to use his
explosiveness and strength to impose his will. He throws powerful punches
and kicks at range but leaves himself open to counters like he did against
Jorge Masvidal. On the other hand, Bendo prefers to use proper technique
to win fights, but is not afraid to use his athleticism to get himself out
of trouble. Though they’re both good in every area, there is a reason they
call him “Smooth.” Advantage: Henderson
7) In which army is
there the greater constancy both in reward and punishment? (Who can finish the
fight?)
- A
legit Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Henderson has a superb guillotine
but hasn’t finished an opponent since 2010. Tiger on the other hand knocks
people out with his slams, and threw a wheel kick that sent the durable
Masvidal tumbling to the mat. Advantage: Khabilov
THE PICK: How well
Khabilov is able to handle Henderson’s pressure down the stretch will be the
determining factor in this fight. Should the Russian not be able to finish, he
must get an early and dominant lead on the score cards. A tall order against a
guy in Ben Henderson who keeps his cool under fire, and who seems to always get
the nod in close fights. Khabilov may come on strong at first, but Henderson’s
pressure and pace will guide him to another Unanimous Decision.
