UFC Fight Night 39 Preview

---

Light Heavyweights

Gian Villante (11-4, 1-1 UFC) vs. Fabio Maldonado (20-6, 3-3 UFC)

The Matchup: When Maldonado’s name appears on a fight card, expect to see plenty of offense -- both for him and his opponent. The former professional boxer is one of the best volume punchers in MMA. He lands an astounding 5.72 significant strikes per minute at a 61-percent rate, according to FightMetric.com. He also absorbs his fair share of punishment, as opponents land 4.34 significant strikes per minute against him. Maldonado clearly does not mind trading shots, especially since very few can match his output. However, in addition to being quite hittable, the Brazilian struggles against opponents who can take him down or force him into the clinch.

Villante, a former Division I wrestler at Hofstra University, should have the tools to take down Maldonado. The former Ring of Combat champion is a skilled athlete -- he also played linebacker for Hofstra -- who has yet to fulfill the potential many assigned to him as he made the transition to MMA. Despite his physical tools, skilled and savvy opponents have been able to get the best of him at times; and Maldonado certainly fits that description.

The key for Villante is not to get baited into a slugfest. Maldonado will want wear him down with combinations, particularly to the body, so it is important that the New Yorker vary his attacks. This means blending his right hand with thudding leg kicks, landing knees in the clinch and shooting for takedowns. Villante possesses knockout power, but it will be risky to headhunt on the feet against the durable Maldonado.

The Pick: Villante’s ability to wrestle and land knees in the clinch gives him the advantage. Maldonado will still find a way to make it entertaining, but Villante wins by decision or late TKO.

Next Fight » Mairbeck Taisumov vs. Michel Richard Cunha Dos Prazeres