Florian and Maynard Could Be Fight of the Night – UFC 118 Betting

The UFC has gotten so deep that the fight between Kenny Florian and Gray Maynard isn’t even in the top-2 billing.

But that doesn’t change the fact that this is going to be a possible fight of the night candidate, with the victor facing the winner of the main event between BJ Penn and Frankie Edgar.

Maynard has yet to taste defeat in the octagon with a 10-0-0 record and although his style doesn’t win him many fans, as most ground fighters can attest to, it does get you opportunities to fight for the belt.

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UFC 118 Betting: Edgar vs. Penn 2:

TD Arena – Boston, MA

Saturday, August 28th at 10pm ET

Live on PPV

For Kenny Florian, it is another chance to prove he belongs with the division’s best. He also gets to do it in front of a home town crowd as he is a born and raised a Boston boy. It is yet to be seen if that will aid or distract him, but there is no doubt that it will be a little extra special when he enters the ring on Saturday.

In terms of skill, Florian is more well rounded and possesses a diversity of weapons that Maynard has yet to acquire. He is a very talented striker and also a very smart fighter. Where Maynard seems to have a very one track mind in the octagon, Florian seems to size his opponents up and attack with counter strikes.

With Kenny possessing a very solid standup, Maynard is more than likely going to shoot on Florian to try and get this thing on the ground. That’s his best bet in my opinion to win the fight; if he is able to maintain top control, Kenny hasn’t shown the ability to do much in his guard. With that being said, if Florian is able to land on top, the famous elbows are sure to reign down.

UFC 118 Betting Line:

Kenny Florian (-160) vs. Gray Maynard (+130)

If Maynard does try and keep this thing standing, his boxing is no match for Florian’s striking.  As I said before, Florian is a very smart fighter and will likely let Maynard come to him and look to counter. With Gray’s striking still very lose, he will be open for big counter shots. Once he eats too many of those he is going to look to shoot and Kenny should be ready to avoid that or counter with a big knee.

Even if this thing does go to the mat, Kenny is still dangerous. He’s been working with GSP and that can only make you a better grappler, something he’ll need against a more physically imposing fighter.

The only way Maynard wins this fight if he’s able to completely lockdown top control, and that just isn’t going to happen for three rounds. Florian has too many weapons to be held in check all night and will either pick Maynard apart in the stand up game or figure out a way to hurt him on the ground.

I see this fight going the distance with all kinda of action, and Kenny Florian coming out on top. My UFC 118 betting pick in on Kenny Florian at -160.