UFC 96 Preview & Predictions: Gray Maynard (6-0-0-1) vs. Jim Miller (13-1) - Details

One of the most anticipated fights taking place at UFC 96 is Gray Maynard versus Jim Miller. Maynard is another TUF product and has a solid wrestling base. He is currently riding a 4 fight winning streak, but his ability to finish fights has come into question. Three out of four of those fights have gone to a decision, and four out of his six victories have been decided by the judges. Jim Miller is coming into this fight after his short notice victory over Matt Wiman. The Miller brothers are earning quite a reputation with the casual fans these days.

Maynard is a great wrestler and has some decent power in his hands. He has improved his stand up since leaving TUF, working with Shawn Tompkins at Extreme Couture. He still loops his punches a little bit, but his boxing is becoming more refined. Maynard is relentless once he shoots for a takedown and has excellent top control. I still have questions about his BJJ, and more importantly, his ability to defend.

Jim Miller also has a solid wrestling base, good standup, and a relentless ground game. Miller is able to utilize BJJ effectively in his fights and is always looking for the finish. If Maynard gets careless for a second, the fight could be over that quickly. Miller doesnt pack a lot of power in his punches, but his boxing is crisp, and he has good defense. His cardio is never a factor as made apparent by his short notice fight with Wiman. 

My Take: This is an interesting clash of styles. I think Maynard will have the strength advantage in this fight, and will look to close the distance and make this a "dirty" fight. Miller will need to create separation on the feet and use his crisp stand up to put Maynard in trouble. Miller will have to be wary of Maynards looping power shots. The fight will definitely hit the floor at some point, and thats where well see if Maynard has improved his BJJ defense. He did well in his last fight with Rich Clementi, but Millers BJJ is more active and is more of an attacking style. I think Maynard will control the fight early and win a round, maybe two. However, the pace will be too much for him, and hell eventually fall victim to a Miller submission, most likely a guillotine while taking a lazy shot.

Joes Prediction: Jim Miller via submission round 3.