UFC 153 ‘Silva vs. Bonnar’ Preview

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Welterweights

Rick Story (14-5, 7-3 UFC) vs. Demian Maia (16-4, 10-4 UFC)

The Matchup: Maia’s 170-pound debut was bizarre to say the least, as an apparent rib injury to Dong Hyun Kim gave the decorated Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioner a 47-second triumph at UFC 148. It is difficult to say how acclimated Maia is to his new division on the basis of that performance, but he figures to face a more extended test in his second welterweight outing.

Story is coming off a solid-but-unspectacular showing at UFC on FX 4, as he scored takedowns in each round in a decision over promotional newcomer Brock Jardine. That win ended a two-fight skid for Story. Prior to that, the Washington native was one of the hottest commodities in the division, with notable victories over Johny Hendricks and Thiago Alves to his credit. A win over a former Top 10 middleweight such as Maia would go a long way toward restoring his once-lofty status. Although he is a physical wrestler with a strong clinch game, Story is not afraid to exchange in the pocket. He hits hard, has a decent chin and can use a solid one-two combination to set up takedowns and tie-ups.

A gold medalist at the 2007 Abu Dhabi Combat Club Submission Wrestling World Championships, Maia is known as one of the most dangerous grapplers in the promotion. Story must be cautious if he finds himself in Maia’s guard, because the Brazilian will be able to capitalize if “The Horror” becomes careless with his ground-and-pound.

Sloppy effort against Chris Weidman aside, Maia has gotten better on the feet. The 34-year-old has demonstrated improved aggression in recent fights, and he is adept and closing the pocket and using trips or throws to get the fight where he wants it. Story can discourage this approach by landing power punches and bullying Maia in tie-ups.

The Pick: Considering Story’s wrestling background, we might see Maia come out firing, as he did in a loss to Mark Munoz at UFC 131. While that makes for an exciting fight, Maia’s best chance remains trapping Story in some type of submission. As long as he can avoid any serious predicaments, Story powers his way to a decision.

Last Fights » The Prelims