If this is your first visit, be sure to
check out the FAQ by clicking the
link above. You may have to register
before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages,
select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below.
I think it's a great match up for both guys and I am sure the line will be very good if you like Maldonado.
Miocic has the wrestling (he hasn't used it offensively since Joey Beltran IIRC) to make it an "easy" fight for him. However, he has shown a tendency to gas (when he isn't dominating against bums like Nelson and Gonzaga). Every time he has been in a fight where he is "in a fight" and grappling, he slows down. See the Beltran, Del Rosario, and Struve fights. In a 5 rounder against a guy like Maldonado, he might have some issues. I can see it playing out like the Villante fight where Miocic is winning early, but if he starts to tire and loses any steam and can't shoot effectively, Maldonado is going to make the cardio issues worse with his body shots. If the line was like -200 Miocic I wouldn't touch it or maybe even put Miocic in a small parlay, but I have a feeling he is going to be -450 or worse.
The way things are going pp, I wouldn't be surprised if his line is -900. If that is the case you can probably get Maldanado with points at plus numbers.
The Beltran fight was a long time ago and it was also his debut in the ufc so he probably had an issue with nerves in that one. I would think his cardio should hold up better in this fight.
I think Stipe will probably handle him pretty well. He will have a huge size advantage. He is a great wrestler and Maldanado really stinks at wrestling. His TDD is pretty shitty. I see Stipe winning the standup and the ground. Honestly I'm not too sure I see Maldanado going into round five and taking out a worn out Stipe either. If stipe decides to wrestle and he rides him in top control for two or three rounds I would honestly think it would be Maldanado that would look like he is starting to gas. Worst case scenario, Stipe can probably wrestle Maldanado down even when he is gassed. He should have about 40 pounds on him.
Comment