UFC 131 Preview: The Main Card

Dave Herman (right) is unpredictable on the feet. | Photo: D. Mandel/Sherdog.com

The Matchup: A match between debuting heavyweights pits Einemo, one of the game’s elite submission grapplers, against powerhouse Herman, whose nickname of “Pee Wee” is decidedly tongue-in-cheek, given his 6-foot-5, 245-pound frame. Herman, a Team Quest product, has some wins over faded but recognizable names and will take chances on the feet with jumping knees and go-for-broke strikes.

Einemo figures to be far better in the technical jiu-jitsu sense, which can be readily neutralized with punches to the face.

Einemo has not fought in more than four years, but he holds a 6-1 mark, a 2006 decision to Fabricio Werdum the lone blemish. He figures to want to get this to the ground, and Herman’s takedown defense has looked a little shoddy in fights, as he leaves himself wide open trying kicks and various attacks.

The Pick: Herman is a 2-to-1 favorite, but Einemo is a far better ground technician. If this hits the mat, consider it done; Einemo by third-round submission.

Next Fight: Demian Maia vs. Mark Munoz