UFC 118 – Sportsbook Favored “KenFlo” Ready to Bounce Gray Maynard

Before Frankie Edgar and BJ Penn throw down in what promises to be an exciting and fast-paced battle, Kenny “KenFlo” Florian, considered to be one of the best lightweight fighters in the world, takes on Gray Maynard as a favorite in the UFC/MMA sportsbook.

Although Maynard is undefeated at 10 and 0, more respect is being shown to Florian because of his incredible resume. Florian has held his own against the best in the division and has developed the sort of well-rounded game that should make him ultra-tough to beat on Saturday night.

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Let’s take a look at the Florian vs. Maynard fight on the undercard of UFC 118: Edgar vs. Penn 2.

UFC 118: Edgar vs. Penn 2

Where: TD Garden, Boston, MA

When: August 28 th, 2010

TV: PPV Live

Kenny Florian -160 vs. Gray Maynard +130

Kenny Florian

Record: 15-4

Analysis: Kenny Florian is a flat out well-rounded fighter. He’s proved in his last couple of fights, both victories, that his takedown defense has gotten better. Being able to defend against takedowns is going to be the key ingredient to Florian’s success on Saturday night. While Maynard is a one note sort of guy, he rarely strikes, Florian uses both Muay Thai and jiu-jitsu skills equally well meaning that he can fight on the ground if need be or stay out of harms way and kick and punch his way to victory. Florian has a huge advantage over Maynard because he has a longer reach, is taller, and knows how to strike while Maynard will have to try and go inside.

Gray Maynard

Record: 10-0

Analysis: The undefeated Gray Maynard is garnering no respect from the UFC/MMA sportsbook odds makers for the simple fact that he’s looked terrible in his last two fights. By most UFC/MMA fight fans accounts, he flat out lost his battle against Nate Diaz, although he was awarded a split decision, and barely beat Roger Huerta two fights ago in another split decision. Niether Diaz nor Huerta have the overall game that Florian does. Maynard is going to have to really go after Floridan hard in order to take him down. Since takedowns account for 50% of Maynard’s fighting style, not getting to Florian could be a huge issue for him. Maynard only strikes 22% of the time so roughing Florian up with takedowns is going to be the key to his success in this fight.

UFC Pick: I’m actually surprised that KenFlo isn’t a -350 favorite, BJ Penn’s odds to regain his title, to defeat Gray Maynard on Saturday night.

Kenny Florian has a huge advantage in this fight in the sense that he can fight on the outside, using his boxing and Muay Thai skills to strike at Maynard, or wait for Maynard to come in and pop him with great strikes. If that doesn’t work and somehow Maynard does get Florian to the ground, KenFlo has the ground game that can force Maynard to submit.

In every way, Kenny has the advantage in this fight. Check out KenFlo’s fighting style chart and his overall game becomes apparent: 31% striking, 35% submissions and 34% takedowns. The man is going to take Maynard apart and then force him to submit in this fight or knock Maynard out as Maynard moves forward for a takedown attempt.

I love Kenny Florian at the -160 odds in the UFC/MMA sportsbook to win this fight.

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