UFC 118 Boston Breakdown: Kenny Florian vs Gray Maynard

Both Kenny Florian and Gray Maynard have transformed from stellar prospects from the TUF reality series, into superb contenders and potential title holders at 155. Florian’s transformation has certainly been well noted by many, as he changed from being a newcomer to the sport with limited striking and wrestling experience, into a fighter who has had 2 title shots, and become an incredibly well rounded fighter who has improved immensely over the course of the last 5 years. Florian has slowly but surely added new tricks to his game, and methodically refined his BJJ, added tons of new wrestling skill, and sharpened his striking to the point where he’s a threat to everyone on their feet.
Maynard has also added some great striking to his already solid base of wrestling. His intense competitive drive and excellent camp of Xtreme Couture out of Las Vegas, has allowed him to realize much of his potential. He is close to landing a title shot in the division, and already has a win over title holder Frankie Edgar. A win over Kenny Florian would put Maynard right there in being the number one challenger for the coveted lightweight gold.
Here’s how Maynard and Florian stack up against each other in this pivotal lightweight battle in Boston.

STRIKING
Maynard has shown some solid power in his punches, and has the edge most likely in the pure striking power department. He has shown KO power in his hands, but Florian has a more diverse attack of striking. Whether it’s working you over with a jab or one-two combination followed by a leg kick, Florian has a diverse arsenal of Muay Thai which has flowed better with every fight. While Maynard’s boxing level has been progressing, Florian has shown a great aggressive and effective punching game as he leveled Clay Guida in their bout and impressively beat Takanori Gomi in their bout on the feet for as long the two lightweights battled standing up. Maynard has the power but Florian a few more weapons to choose from including more utilization of leg kicks and treacherously pointy elbows that can cut opponents very badly.
EDGE: FLORIAN

MAYNARD BELIEVES A TITLE SHOT WILL COME AS LONG AS HE KEEPS WINNING

WRESTLING
This is certainly Maynard’s greatest asset to this date. While he’s a very solid MMA fighter, the wrestling takedowns of Maynard are nothing to mess around with. One small mistake and his opponent will find themselves on their back and eating strikes from Maynard. Florian has made major strides in his offensive and defensive wrestling game. I don’t think Florian can get Maynard to the mat, nor do I think he’ll attempt to shoot in on Maynard’s legs, but Florian’s takedown defense has come a long way over the years. The major problem in Florian’s game was his takedown defense, which was particularly the rub in the Boston native’s first title shot against Sean Sherk. Sherk was able to take down Florian every round of their 25 minute affair, but Florian has gained so much ground in the area of defensive wrestling since then. I still however believe that Maynard can plant Florian on his back, but the difference will be the ability of Florian to scramble back up. Florian has a great BJJ game, but I don’t think he’ll rely on his his BJJ off his back to score the win. I rather feel Florian will look to get back up to his feet if taken down, and I maintain that he has enough technique and will to do so. It’s not an easy task to get back up to your feet against a fighter like Maynard, who has solid control from up top, but Florian knows it’s going to be crucial to scramble back up to win this fight. Maynard has an advantage in this realm of wrestling, but some solid counter wrestling and scrambling from Florian will help close the gap.
EDGE: MAYNARD
GRAY MAYNARD HIGHLIGHTS

BJJ
Florian is a very successful BJJ blackbelt, and is particularly found of using the rear naked choke to defeat opponents. If he gets his opponent’s back it’s usually only a matter of seconds before Florian pounces like an snake to sink in the deadly strangle on his opponent. If there is a scramble where Florian can take Maynard’s back, then Florian has a good chance to finish this bout on the ground. But it’s not going to be an easy feat for Florian to accomplish against a solid wrestler and grappler like Maynard. Nonetheless, if somebody does score a submission win in this contest it’s more likely to be Florian than Maynard.
EDGE: FLORIAN

FLORIAN TAPS OUT TAKANORI GOMI

RESULT
This is a tough fight to call because both of these fighters have the tools and smarts to pull off a win in this fight. Maynard can use his power to potentially outpoint or equal the Muay Thai attack of Florian, and then toss in some takedowns into the mix to win a decision in this 3 round bout. On the other hand, as Florian has been so effective in his boxing these days that it’s very conceivable that he will be able to put together his punches once again and pick apart Maynard well enough to get the nod by the judges. I’m going to go with the latter scenario. I feel Florian will be able to put together a solid gameplan and outstrike Maynard and win over the judges in this battle. Should Maynard take the fight to the ground, Florian will be able to fight his way back up to his feet and continue being successful on the feet.
FLORIAN BY DECISION: 29-28, 29-28, 29-28

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