UFC 112 Preview: The Main Card

Mark Munoz vs. Kendall Grove

The Breakdown: This is one of those fights that comes down to who makes the first mistake. Both Mark Munoz and Kendall Grove are fundamentally flawed fighters. That’s not to say they aren’t exciting as well, though, because they bring the manliness every time out, but Grove’s delicate chin and Munoz’s overrated wrestling ability mean they’re ticking time bombs no matter how talented they may be.

When I say Munoz’s wrestling ability is overrated that doesn’t mean he can’t take Grove down. He certainly can, but it’s his ability to use his wrestling to control opponents that is suspect. Just watch Munoz’s fight with Nick Catone and you’ll see a fighter who still can’t maximize his supposed best weapon. While Grove’s chin is certainly an equal liability considering Munoz’s punching power, he is the more versatile and adept striker.

The other issue at hand for Munoz is that Grove is a legitimate submission threat off his back, and Grove’s arachnid frame makes it very difficult for opponents to corral him on the mat. Munoz has yet to face someone with Grove’s caliber of submission skill. Given Munoz’s overall inexperience, this is the kind of trial by fire that leaves many a prospect with a loss.

The Bottom Line: If Munoz uncorks on Grove, then he’ll almost certainly notch a TKO, but on paper and in reality I don’t like his chances of getting the better of Grove on the feet or the mat. Look for Munoz to run into trouble standing only to switch gears and go for a takedown that will end with Grove going boa constrictor on his neck.