Fabio Maldonado has consistently been one of the light heavyweight division’s most reliable sluggers, showing a willingness to go toe-to-toe against anyone - regardless of weight class. This Saturday, the 35-year old Brazilian will test his mettle against a young lion in Corey Anderson, who’s looking to build off the biggest win of his career.
CURRENT ODDS
Check our online UFC Fight Night 77 odds to bet on the latest money lines for each fighter. Prop bets, like whether the fight goes to decision, are usually posted a few days for each fight. Please note that the lines may have shifted since this article was written, as our odds are updated daily.
FIGHT BREAKDOWN
While Anderson, 25, is still very raw in terms of experience and technique, he showed marked improvement in his most recent outing, beating a very technical striker in Jan Blachowicz. Now, he’ll face another very good striker in Fabio Maldonado.
Anderson is a decorated amateur wrestler, and has plus athleticism to work with. Under the guidance of Mark Henry and Ricardo Almeida, “Beastin’ 25/8” has developed a well-rounded skillset that belies his physical skills. He’s more than adequate in throwing strikes, and his clinch game is evolving rapidly. Where he’s at his best is in top position, staying extremely heavy and doling out ground strikes with authority.
Maldonado is a typical sprawl-and-brawler who comes forward at all costs. A former pro boxer, the Brazilian has a crisp jab that he uses to effectively measure distance. Once he finds his range, he throws relentless head-body combinations at a high volume. Despite his aggressive output, Maldonado has a good gas tank and has no trouble keeping up a quick pace for three rounds.
What Maldonado is best known for, is his grit and chin. We’ve seen him take some brutal beatings and keep plugging away. His standup defense leaves much to be desired, and at times it seems as if he relies too heavily on his chin. However, his amazing ability to absorb damage can rattle opponents who often must be wondering what it takes to put this guy away.
However, the strategy of standing and trading is simply unsustainable, and Maldonado is now 35 years old. While his chin has shown no signs of cracking yet, it will inevitably happen. It might not be against Anderson, but there’s a good possibility Anderson opens the floodgates with one of his blindingly fast strikes.
There’s also the fact that Anderson chooses to avoid the standup altogether and fall back on his wrestling. Maldonado isn’t a great defensive wrestler by any means, and it’s tough to see him fending off an energetic Anderson - who is more than 10 years his junior - over the course of three rounds. In fact, I think that’s exactly what happens. Anderson will test out his emerging standup, and at any sign of trouble he’ll shoot, clinch and ground Maldonado.
THE SMART PLAYS
A durable brawler like Maldonado always has a puncher’s chance, but Anderson to win seems relatively safe. He has a clear path to victory through his wrestling, and he might not even need it because he has such a big advantage in terms of speed and athleticism. Maldonado’s durability is well-regarded, so the over is a fine bet as well.
HOW TO BET
Sign into BookMaker Sportsbook to get the latest odds odds on Fabio Maldonado vs. Corey Anderson, which takes place on on Saturday, November 7, 2015 at the Geraldo Jose de Almeida State Gymnasium in Sao Paulo, Brazil. The main card will be televised on FOX Sports 1 starting 10 p.m. ET. Our odds include money lines, totals, prop bets and more.
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