The X Factor: If Yahya has trouble getting a takedown, he’s in for a world of hurt, as the difference in striking is as vast as the difference in grappling ability. As long as Wineland finds his range early, he’ll have Yahya on the defensive, which is where he needs to keep him to win.
The Bottom Line: Normally, the wrestling-deprived grappler loses to the striker, but Wineland’s striking is more methodical than it is powerful. Unless he can score an early knockout, he’ll be stuck fending off Yahya’s never-ending arsenal of submissions. Bank on Yahya’s arsenal winning the day.