Kenny Florian vs. Gray Maynard Fight Prediction - UFC 118 

KENNY FLORIAN vs. GRAY MAYNARD

Fight Overview: The two clear-cut top contenders will meet to settle who gets the first crack at the winner of the Penn vs. Edgar main event. Maynard has been working his way into title contention for a while, but Florian has been merciless to everyone trying to use him as a catapult to the top of the division.

Maynard's Strengths: Maynard has extremely dominant double legs and a smothering top game. He also has very heavy hands.

Maynard's Weaknesses: His standup technique is not very good, he has looked very hesitant in his last two fights, and his submission defense is still a little questionable.

Florian's Strengths: Florian has very good boxing and Muay Thai and legitimate black belt level jiu-jitsu. He is also turning into a pretty solid wrestler.

Florian's Weaknesses: He doesn't have the same one-punch power that Maynard does, and he is not as physically imposing as Maynard.

The Verdict: This is Florian's fight to lose. He proved against Clay Guida that he has some real takedown defense, and even if he does get taken down he has the skills to work effectively off his back. On the feet he will demolish Maynard with superior accuracy, technique, and hand speed. Eventually he will beat Maynard to the punch, drop him, and jump on his back for the rear naked choke win.

Fight Prediction:  Nate Diaz by second round rear naked choke.

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