Demian Maia vs. Mario Miranda Fight Prediction - UFC 118 

DEMIAN MAIA vs. MARIO MIRANDA

Fight Overview: Mario Miranda makes his third Octagon appearance, facing by far the toughest challenge of his career in jiu-jitsu ace Demian Maia. Miranda is definitely the better-rounded fighter of the two, but Maia's jiu-jitsu is on a whole different level from anything Miranda has ever had to deal with, so this is a fairly interesting matchup.

Miranda's Strengths: Miranda has solid submissions, dynamic striking with fight-ending power, and is difficult to finish.

Miranda's Weaknesses: This is a massive step up for him in competition, and he has never had to deal with anything on the level of Maia's jiu-jitsu.

Maia's Strengths: Maia has, far and away, the best jiu-jitsu in the world at 185 pounds.

Maia's Weaknesses: His standup is mediocre on his best day, and he doesn't actually have very good takedowns to set up his submissions.

The Verdict: Miranda is the better-rounded fighter, but he is not ready for a grappler of Maia's caliber. Maia will either score a takedown or clinch and try to pull guard, but eventually this fight will make it to the mat, and when it does it is only a matter of time before Maia locks up the submission win.

Fight Prediction:  Demian Maia by submission.

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