UFC 128 – Nate Marquardt vs. Dan Miller Prediction

NATE MARQUARDT vs. DAN MILLER

Fight Overview:  Dan Miller steps up on late notice to replace Yoshihiro Akiyama, who was forced to withdraw because of the tragedy in Japan.  Originally scheduled to face Nick Catone, Miller now has a much more dangerous and complete opponent to deal with and not a lot of time to adjust his strategy.

Miller’s Strengths:  Miller has very good submissions from every position and very underrated wrestling.

Miller’s Weaknesses:  His standup isn’t powerful, technical, or particularly effective.

Marquardt’s Strengths:  Marquardt is very well-rounded, with good striking, wrestling, and submissions.

Marquardt’s Weaknesses:  He likes to impose his own gameplan, and tends to flounder when he can’t, especially when forced to work off his back.

The Verdict:  This one is going to be all Marquardt.  Miller is a skilled wrestler, but not the kind of dominant force you need to be to control Marquardt.  I don’t think Miller will be able to get Marquardt down much, and on the feet this is a huge mismatch.  Eventually Marquardt will start connecting, and it will be over for Miller.  Marquardt by T/KO.

Fight Prediction:  Nate Marquardt by first round TKO.