Preview: UFC Fight Night ‘Belfort vs. Henderson 3’

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Light Heavyweights

Fabio Maldonado (22-8) vs Corey Anderson (6-1)

THE MATCHUP: Anderson is quick, powerful and keeps a hectic pace without ever showing signs of slowing down. Now that he has proven himself a quick study in the technical aspects of the game, those athletic talents give him a very bright future indeed.

As a striker, Anderson is reminiscent of teammate Frankie Edgar: light-footed, high-volume and hittable. Like Edgar, Anderson is learning to control the pace and location of the fight despite his technical flaws, using a diverse array of strikes to set up takedowns and vice-versa. Anderson also recalls Edgar on the ground, preferring the control of half guard over the offensive potency of side control and mount. If his performance against Jan Blachowicz at UFC 191 is any indication, Anderson has a real knack for mauling, grinding ground-and-pound.

Few fighters at 205 pounds possess Maldonado’s ability to absorb punishment, and few fighters in the entire sport can match his willingness to use it. Maldonado’s granite chin and never-say-die attitude allow him to stick around long enough for his relatively powerless boxing to do its job. He wears down his adversaries with quick jabs and an impressive body assault, making no effort whatsoever to protect himself while he puts his hands to work. Maldonado’s durability, heart and solid boxing offense would make him a serious threat if only he knew how to grapple. That alone limits him to permanent gatekeeper status.

THE ODDS: Anderson (-500), Maldonado (+385)

THE PICK: Anderson will be hit, and he will probably be hit fairly hard. Then he will take down Maldonado, and that will be that. Maldonado’s resilience will likely keep him in the fight, but unless he can stop Anderson’s takedowns -- something he has never shown the ability to do -- he will spend three uncomfortable rounds on his back. Anderson wins by unanimous decision.

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