Ricardo Almeida (right): Dave Mandel | Sherdog.com
Ricardo Almeida vs. T.J. Grant
Grant is a talented submission guy himself, who burst on the scene with what was an upset win over veteran Ryo Chonan at UFC 97. Going 2-2 since then against middling competition, he’s probably better-rounded than Almeida in terms of the whole MMA game, and his transitions and ground work are pretty impressive.
A lot of this bout will depend on what Grant’s approach is. If he’s looking to prove a point and submit Almeida, he’s playing into Ricardo’s game. If he works his advantages, wears Almeida down, and varies the standup and ground action, he’ll keep his man on the defensive. The pick is Grant to do just that and win via decision.