Fabio Maldonado (top) has won 11 straight. | Photo: Marcelo Alonso/Sherdog.com
Light Heavyweights
Fabio Maldonado vs. Kyle Kingsbury
Maldonado can strike and has solid jiu-jitsu; Kingsbury might have the takedown advantage. He remains a work in progress and has improved considerably since losing via decision to the more-experienced Tom Lawlor at the “The Ultimate Fighter 8” Finale in December 2008, putting together three respectable wins.
This is definitely a fight Kingsbury wants to take to the ground, as Maldonado is a solid striker who can string together stout combinations. Kingsbury may be the better long-term prospect with his athletic upside, but Maldonado may have a bit too much in the striking and overall experience departments. If Kingsbury is to win, he will have to take control early and dictate the pace, denying Maldonado a chance to find his range.
The Pick: This one should be entertaining while it lasts. Look for Maldonado to pull out a late stoppage after wearing down Kingsbury on the feet.
Continue Reading » Next Fight: Ed Herman vs. Tim Credeur