UFC 150: August 11, 2012 Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado UFC Featherweight Contender Justin Lawrence (-130) Profile: The protoge of the Nogueira brothers and Anderson Silva at Black House, Justin Lawrence (4-0) has the best camp in MMA developing him for an eventual run at a UFC title. Despite losing in the quarterfinals of The Ultimate Fighter 15, the 22-year-old Lawrence still showed incredible promise as the top overall pick by coach Dominick Cruz and was signed to a UFC contract. He showed why he deserves to be in the organization with a Knockout of the Night performance in his UFC debut at the TUF 15 Finale. After fighting at 155 on the show, Lawrence will make his featherweight and PPV debut at UFC 150. UFC Featherweight Contender Max Holloway (+100) Profile: The youngest fighter on the UFC roster, 20-year-old Max Holloway (5-1) is considered by many to be the next Anthony Pettis. He has a wide variety of striking skills that he can display around the Octagon and is always looking to end the fight in spectacular fashion. His UFC debut went haywire rather quickly against savvy featherweight contender Dustin Poirier at UFC 143, as he lost by mounted arm-triangle in the first round. He rebounded from that one-sided defeat by earning a unanimous decision victory against Pat Schilling at The Ultimate Fighter 15 Finale. Opening UFC 150 Odds Analysis: MMA oddsmaker Nick Kalikas has made Lawrence a slim -130 favorite (bet $130 to win $100) against Holloway, who opened as a +100 underdog (bet $100 to win $100) according to the MMA odds. Two of the top young MMA prospects will get a chance to put on a show and continue their climb up the UFC featherweight rankings. While neither currently appears in the Top 15, the winner will begin to gain some additional buzz as a future title contender in the division. Both fighters are certainly capable of earning that status, but only one will emerge victorious on the big stage of the main card at UFC 150. Each showcased his skills at the TUF 15 Finale yet neither took home the title, as Holloway did not even participate on the show. Lawrence struggled with TUF 15 winner Michael Chiesa’s length in losing to him, and he could face a similar problem here since Holloway has a three-inch advantage in reach and height.
