UFC 95 Breakdown: The Undercard

Mike Ciesnolevicz vs. Neil Grove

Power Ratings

Ciesnolevicz
Striking : 2.0
Grappling : 2.5
Submissions : 2.0
Experience : 2.5
Total : 2.3

Grove
Striking : 3.5
Grappling : 2.0
Submissions : 1.5
Experience : 1.5
Total : 2.1

In another fight that had to be thrown together in a hurry, Grove -- a former Cage Rage heavyweight champion -- will take on Ciesnolevicz, the one-time International Fight League mainstay. Grove (7-1) was prepared to lock horns with Team Punishment heavyweight Justin McCully before the stocky Californian had to cancel his participation due to a cut suffered in training. In his stead, Ciesnolevicz moves up from light heavyweight.

With Tim Sylvia no longer terrorizing opponents inside the Octagon, Grove challenges heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar as the largest fighter in the UFC. At 6-foot-6, the 38-year-old karateka has to cut weight to stay inside the 265-pound weight limit the promotion uses for heavyweights. Grove’s strength resides in his huge reach, a stiff jab, great power and decent takedown defense.

Ciesnolevicz (16-3, 1 NC) is the latest Pat Miletich protégé to reach the UFC. The 29-year-old 205-pounder carries a three-fight winning streak into his debut and, like Grove, comes from a karate background; he has also trained in judo and wrestling. His most notable wins have come against “The Ultimate Fighter” alumnus Alex Schoenauer, a man he defeated twice by split decision.

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Prediction: This fight could go either way. Grove could stuff Ciesnolevicz’s takedown attempts en route to a second-round technical knockout, or, if it hits the ground, the Miletich Fighting Systems product could snatch the victory with his patented guillotine choke. Under normal circumstances, the physically stronger and better prepared Grove should get the win.