UFC 131 Fight Card: Demian Maia vs. Mark Muñoz, Early Head to Toe Breakdown

UFC 131 features two of the promotions best grapplers in the middleweight division, with former top contender and jui-jitsu ace Demian Maia set to face NCAA all-American wrestler Mark Muñoz.

With both fighters riding a two-fight win streak coming into the June 11th event, this main card bout showcases the classic battle between Brazilian jiu-jitsu and wrestling, with the winner possibly entering the discussion for a shot at the title. 

Striking

Mark Muñoz has proven himself to be much more than a wrestler.  With five knockout victories on his resume, his latest win came via TKO in the first round over C.B. Dollaway last March.

Training with the likes of Lyoto Machida and Anderson Silva at Team Black House, Muñoz has a solid striking game and powerful hands. 

Maia has shown improved striking in recent bouts, which he showcased against Kendall Grove in December.

But the Brazilian has had problem with high level strikers, losing by way of knock out in just 21 seconds in the first round to Nate Marquardt at UFC 102. Maia also looked out classed against Muñoz's teammate, Anderson Silva, who toyed with the jui-jitsu specialist for five rounds in Abu Dhabi. 

Advantage: Muñoz

Submissions

Owning a fourth-degree blackbelt in Brazilian jui-jitsu and a huge list of grappling accomplishments, Demian Maia is known for his dangerous submissions on the ground.  

In his first five fights in the UFC, Maia submitted each one of his opponents, including Nate Quarry and dangerous wrestler and fellow former title contender Chael Sonnen.  

Maia is comfortable off his back with a tremendous guard.  Give this guy your back and it will almost always end in a tap out. 

Muñoz, a purple belt, has only one submission victory, a tap out due to strikes against Ryan Jensen last January. 

It's quite clear who has the advantage here.

Advantage: Maia

Wrestling

The grappling accomplishments owned by Maia are mirrored in Muñoz wrestling resume.  Capturing two Big-12 titles while at Oklahoma State University, Muñoz also earned back to back all-American honors and a NCAA title in 2001 at the 197 lbs division.

A national champion, Muñoz has been sought out by his teammates at Team Black House to share his knowledge of wrestling with them.

Along with his explosive takedowns, Muñoz has a vicious ground and pound game that should keep Maia's submissions in check if he takes the Brazilian down.

Maia, who has defeated decorated wrestlers before, has taken down the likes of Chael Sonnen, who he used a lateral drop against before submitting him.  Despite this, he doesn't come close to having the same level of wrestling skills as his opponent.

Advantage: Muñoz

Strength

Comparing the two fighters, Muñoz is clearly the larger man.  

Stemming from a decorated NCAA Division I wrestling career, Muñoz is a powerful, strong warrior.  His ground and pound is vicious, utilizing heavy hands and dynamic hammerfists, an aspect of Muñoz game that he used to dominate Ryan Jensen.

Maia is no slouch either, but bases his game on technique more than strength.

Advantage: Muñoz

Athleticism

Speed and explosiveness is an intricate part aspect of both fighters games.

Looking to transition quickly between submission holds, ground game and striking, Maia is always well conditioned and has shown he can go the distance, a feat he has done in his last four fights.

Muñoz is a world-class athlete, explosive in his take downs and fast with his hands.

Expect both fighters to enter this bout in top shape.

Advantage: Draw

Variables

Muñoz: A big factor for Muñoz will be if he chooses to go to the ground with Maia.

It's clear he can take the Brazilian down, but whether he wants to grapple with him is another issue.

Looking to catapult himself into title contention, a win over a former No. 1 contender will certainly gain Muñoz entrance into the discussion.  

Maia: Rebounding with two straight wins after a lackluster title fight against Anderson Silva, Maia will also look to get back into the title picture with a victory.

Although improving a lot in his striking, his bread and butter are his submissions.

If he can get a dominant position on the ground, look for Maia to attempt a wide range of submissions. 

Prediction

Seasoned veterans of the Octagon, both Muñoz and Maia bring a lot of talent and experience to the table.

Maia's Brazilian jui-jitsu is second to none in the middleweight division.  A huge threat on the ground and ever improving on his feet, the former title contender will surely bring his A game.

A rising star in the UFC, Muñoz has shown that his wrestling pedigree has transitioned well into MMA. Surrounded by some of the sport's top champions at Team Black House, look for the former national champion to come out with a solid game plan and heavy hands when the cage doors close in Vancouver.

Highly skilled fighters in their own right, predicting a winner for this match up is hard.

Prediction: Muñoz via split decision