UFC 101 Preview: The Main Card

Ricardo Almeida (10-3) vs. Kendall Grove (10-5, 1 NC)

The Breakdown: Two of the UFC’s most talented and enigmatic middleweights will meet when Grove, the skyscraping Hawaiian, takes on Brazilian jiu-jitsu virtuoso Almeida. Unfortunately for Almeida, his wrestling and striking have become permanent works in progress, while Grove’s absurd wingspan and striking make him a force to be reckoned with both inside and outside the pocket.

While Almeida has no qualms about pulling guard, he will have to step inside Grove’s considerable range and risk getting caught in a clinch, as well. Those are two scenarios Almeida’s brain cells hope to avoid. Even if he does manage a takedown, after whiffing on the mat against Patrick Cote and Matt Horwich, one has to wonder if Almeida’s extended layoff has taken some of the edge off his game.

The X Factor: Grove is undoubtedly grateful that his porcelain chin will be safe for once, as Almeida’s striking has proven equal parts uncoordinated and unrefined. With that said, an elite grappler is still dangerous against any breed of fighter. Considering Grove’s style is built around getting up close and wearing down opponents with elbows and knees, he will have to balance his aggression with caution or risk making the one mistake Almeida needs to give him the hangman treatment. Grove’s spindly legs are a prime target for a well-timed shot, and Almeida needs only one to find the mark to turn this fight into a new chapter in his highlight reel.

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The Bottom Line: Once upon a time, Almeida walked away from MMA as the world’s premier middleweight. Five years later, he’s no longer the jiu-jitsu boogeyman he once was and his standing in the division has taken a hit. He won’t find any relief against Grove, who will work a disciplined clinch-centric game plan en route to a mostly one-sided decision win that will leave Almeida’s ledger with a fresh loss and his face with the evidence to prove it.