UFC Fight Night: Covington Vs. Lawler Predictions

The main event for UFC on ESPN 5 has some high stakes attached to it. A win for Colby Covington will secure him a title shot against welterweight champion, Kamaru Usman. However, if Robbie Lawler comes out of the fight victorious, it could catapult him right back into the title mix.

Despite his annoying character out of the cage, Covington really has impressed inside the Octagon. While his persistent wrestling style isn't pretty, it's certainly effective as he's beaten some really good opponents. He sets a high pace that a lot of fighters struggle to deal with and always keeps them guessing. He'll need all of those skills going up against someone like Lawler.

There aren't many welterweights who are as devastatingly powerful with their punches as Lawler. His record of 20 knockouts in 28 fights speaks for itself. However, what he doesn't get enough credit for is his ability to defend the takedown and get up quickly if he hits the mat. If he's going to defeat Covington, he's going to have to sprawl and scramble his way out of a lot of situations.

Picking Covington would be the safe choice in this fight. He can smother an opponent for five rounds in his sleep if given the opportunity. However, to get the takedown he has to avoid Robbie's hands and that's a task he's not ready to handle.