UFC 145: Travis Browne vs. Chad Griggs Head-to-Toe Breakdown

Before Jon Jones and Rashad Evans settle the score at UFC 145, two big heavyweights square off. Travis Browne brings an undefeated record to the welcome party for former Strikeforce heavyweight Chad Griggs.

Both men bring different skills to this matchup that could decide who breaks into the upper level of the heavyweight division—a division that's likely to see a lot of change in the next few weeks.

Browne burst onto the scene by taking out the much-disliked James McSweeney in 2010. Browne hasn't lost inside the Octagon and holds wins over Stefan Struve and tough veteran Rob Broughton. He also fought Cheick Kongo to a draw while sustaining numerous cup checks.

Griggs, meanwhile, is the epitome of a MMA journeyman. He's fought for multiple promotions since 2005 and has yet to win a title in any of them. He's on quite a run recently, finishing Valentijn Overeem via punches and effectively ending Bobby Lashley's MMA hopes in 2010.

Browne and Griggs will be looking to assert themselves in the division, so who comes out on top?

Striking

Chad Griggs isn't going to wow you with his striking. He's not a huge heavyweight, at just 6'3", but he is competent enough to hold his own in the cage.

Conversely, Travis Browne has risen a few people's eyebrows with his striking ability. Standing at an imposing 6'7" with a 78-inch reach, Browne has utilized his length well by combing straight punches with a good mix of leg kicks.

In this bout look for Browne to keep his distance, as he will have a four-inch height advantage and a five-inch reach advantage. He can pepper Griggs with the straight punches, which will set him up for that big power shot we've come to expect from Browne.

Griggs hasn't shown KO power from the standing position, while Browne has had no problems KO'ing opponents.

Advantage: Browne

In the Clinch

This is where Chad Griggs stands the best chance at winning on the feet. By working inside, Griggs can take away the height advantage of Travis Browne.

We saw in Browne's fight against Cheick Kongo that Browne has had issues fighting off the cage. Kongo was able to hold Browne against the fence and work some knees to stifle Browne's offense.

If Griggs can work inside and negate Browne's height advantage, he can frustrate the young prospect. Griggs would have no problems grinding down his opponent over the course of 15 minutes and would also be taking away Browne's power shots.

Griggs will have to be aware of Browne's knees, as his height makes kneeing people an easy task for Browne.

Advantage: Griggs

Grappling

Both Chad Griggs and Travis Browne have shown to have impressive top games. Griggs would rather work a flurry of punches on the mat, while Browne tends to look for power shots.

Unknown to many fans is that Browne actually holds a purple belt in jiu-jitsu. With his size and length, Browne can threaten with submissions. He has won a bout via armbar, showing he has the know-how to win via submission.

If Browne can get on top, his size should negate any bottom game of Griggs. I don't believe either man will be looking for any kinds of submissions over working some ground and pound by any means. Also, Griggs' only loss came as a result of submission, so he has been susceptible to tapping out.

Advantage: Browne

Overall Experience

Travis Browne has more UFC experience, but Chad Griggs has been in the MMA game since 2005. You could also say Browne has been fighting tougher opponents recently, as wins over Valentijn Overeem and Bobby Lashley don't really amount to much in the UFC rankings.

Griggs hasn't had to endure any pressure or high demands from fans during his Strikeforce run, as he was routinely the underdog in many of his bouts.

As the belief goes, fighting under the UFC lights is a whole different ballgame. Will Griggs crack under the pressure of fighting in the UFC?

My bet will be no, and Griggs will have no issue bringing it to Browne for every second he's in the bout. If Griggs can keep his composure and weather an early storm, look for him to grind down the young prospect just as he's done in the past.

Advantage: Griggs

Prediction

Chad Griggs has been known to surprise fans before and won't be afraid of Travis Browne. Griggs will test the limits of Browne and continuously move forward.

Regardless of Griggs' ability to overcome the odds, while being an underdog, I believe Browne has too many skills at his disposal in this fight. It will be tough for Griggs to overcome the size difference both on the feet and on the mat.

I believe Griggs will make a fight of it, but with a strong camp behind him and solid skills, I'm picking Browne to win in convincing fashion later in the second round or early third round.

Winner: Browne via TKO