UFC 131 Preview: The Main Card

Mark Munoz’s standup has improved vastly. | Photo: Sherdog.com

The Matchup: This is one of those fights where there is not a single scenario where one guy is not uncomfortable. That can make for a tense, momentum-shifting bout. Maia’s wizardry on the ground is well-established, but Munoz’s takedowns and violent ground-and-pound usually make looking up at him from the canvas a short-lived affair. In today’s evolved world of MMA, pure style-versus-style matches are a thing of the past, but this one resembles the modern version of them.

Munoz’s standup is coming along nicely, as he showed in dispatching C.B. Dollaway at UFC Live 3 in March. Maia’s game seems to have caught foes off guard in his early UFC bouts, and he has underrated takedowns -- witness the sweet lateral drop he hit on Chael Sonnen at UFC 95. If there is a major flaw in Maia’s game, it is that he does not seem quite as comfortable in the standup game as he should. It is basically an entrée to get the fight to the ground.

Technically, Munoz’s striking is not at a top level for a middleweight, but he unloads with gusto and dedication, heaving powerful shots that do damage. However, his ground-and-pound is top-notch. Munoz throws his entire body into every shot, generating huge power. He is no “lay and prayer,” which is why fans pay attention when he scores a takedown.

The real danger is when he finds himself in Maia’s guard, which is where Munoz’s submission defense, ability to scramble and willingness to do damage on the ground will serve him well. This is the kind of fight where both guys have to risk themselves to win, and Munoz has shown more willingness to do so, as well as resilience in doing it.

The Pick: Munoz by second-round knockout.

Next Fight: Donald Cerrone vs. Vagner Rocha