UFC 136 Fight Card: Which Fighter Has the Most to Lose?

Kenny Florian has been a staple in the UFC's lightweight division for many years, and while he has been one of the more recognizable standouts, he has never been able to hold a UFC title.

At UFC 136, Florian will get his chance to challenge for the UFC featherweight title when he faces explosive striker, Jose Aldo. Aldo is widely regarded as one of the best pound-for-pound competitors in mixed martial arts. 

This will be the fourth division Florian will compete in, but it could also be his last chance to add UFC gold to his resume. 

Florian certainly brings a competitive game, but how he is able to formulate his game plan against a faster, more skilled fighter is tough to imagine.

Florian will likely have to deal with the Brazilian's frenetic pace and will have to time his opponent's attacks in order to clinch and utilize his grappling to bring him down. If the bout hits the canvas, that might be Florian's only chance at capitalizing on the champion. 

At UFC 129, Mark Hominick was able to take advantage of a visibly gassed Aldo and take him down and work his ground-and-pound. The problem is that Florian is a natural lightweight and competing below his normal weight might reduce his speed and strength, which could affect his overall performance.

Florian cannot afford to allow Aldo to dictate the pace of the bout and aggressively press forward. 

If he is unable to find his rhythm and keep up with the Brazilian, he won't fare too long in the Octagon. 

Florian isn't likely going to win over any fans with another uninspiring performance, and if he fails to beat Aldo, he won't have many options left. It won't be too flattering to learn of Florian's future as a gatekeeper at 145 pounds, should he lose on Saturday night, but who's to say he doesn't stand a chance?

Florian's career isn't winding down, but he isn't a young competitor anymore. The outcome of this bout with Aldo will have a significant impact on the rest of Florian's career and possibly the rest of the featherweight division because there aren't many credible contenders left after him. 

There might be no other fight in Florian's career that is as important as this one and he will have more attention on him than any other competitor on the card.