UFC 118 Preview: The Main Card

Demian Maia vs. Mario Miranda

Advertisement

A short-notice matchup created by a chaotic string of injuries, Maia is essentially fighting to keep Miranda from usurping his spot in the division. Despite being a considerable favorite to retain his status among the middleweight elite, this is a grave style clash for the Brazilian jiu-jitsu juggernaut.

Should Maia choose to continue making the mistake of leaning on his striking, he’ll find Miranda much more capable of taking a toll on that decision than Dan Miller. An athletic, lengthy striker with solid muay Thai skills, Miranda can work from range with kicks and get nasty with short strikes from the clinch. That disadvantage for Maia is made all the more severe by his still substandard striking skills.

Just as Maia is outgunned on the feet, however, so is Miranda on the mat. While he isn’t a walking free submission, he also doesn’t have anywhere near the skill or experience to roll with his fellow Brazilian. What this fight comes down to is whether or not Maia can score the takedowns he needs to win.

It’s a double-edged proposition for him since his best takedowns come from the clinch, but Miranda’s striking from that position may be his best weapon. Although Maia will need to mind his p’s and q’s in the clinch, he should be able to finish his attacks considering the success he’s had against the likes of Chael Sonnen and Ed Herman.

Getting grounded by Maia is the start of a downhill slope for anyone at 185 pounds. Miranda doesn’t have the wrestling to thwart that scenario. As long as Maia doesn’t spend too much time upright, this fight is his to lose.