TUF 12 Finale – Demian Maia vs. Kendall Grove Prediction

KENDALL GROVE vs. DEMIAN MAIA

Fight Overview:  Demian Maia, the division's premier grappler, faces a tough test in Kendall Grove, who also has top-notch jiu jitsu and a formidable striking game to go along with it.  Maia has the advantage on the ground against anyone, the question is whether or not he will be able to force the fight there.

Maia's Strengths:  Maia has probably the best jiu-jitsu of anyone in the entire sport.

Maia's Weaknesses:  His striking is not good at all and he lacks dominant wrestling to force fights to the ground.

Grove's Strengths:  He has very good jiu-jitsu of his own and effective Muay Thai and boxing, which is only enhanced by extreme reach.

Grove's Weaknesses:  He is not going to be able to handle Maia on the ground.

The Verdict:  I think Grove is an extremely attractive underdog pick, especially considering how lopsided the odds are.  Maia is clearly better on the ground, but to secure takedowns he is going to have to make it through Grove's punches and risk getting caught in the clinch, where Grove is capable of doing a lot of damage.  I think Grove's striking is going to cause a lot of problems for Maia, and Grove will take this one by T/KO.