MMA- UFC: TUF 7 FINALE
JUNE 21ST 3PM EST
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA

Kendall Grove +160 vs. Patrick Cote -200

UFC Betting Pick: Kendall Grove +160

Saturday’s main event for TUF-7 between a declining decorated veteran and a once up and comer has many compelling components beyond just the fight itself.


It’s do or die for both fighters Saturday with one most likely seeing their UFC career’s coming to an end.  Kendall Grove 8W-5L career is winless in his last 2 losing to; Patrick Cote UFC 74-Respect and Jorge Rivera UFC 80-Rapid Fire.  After winning UFC’s 3rd instalment of the TUF series, winner K. Grove emerged with 3 straight wins combining an array of Mixed Martial Art skills.  With great height and superior reach and a crafty mat game Grove was emerging to be a star.  After facing some strong and efficient strikers we saw Grove lose fast and hard, and his place in the UFC is being heavily questioned.


Evan Tanner a solid 32-7 career is desperately in need of a win.  Coming off a massive lost to Yushin Okami at UFC 82-Pride of a Champion and battling many personally problems along the way we all have to wonder how much does this warrior still have to give?


Breaking down this fight I see more than 1 way for Grove to maintain an effective fight plan utilizing his reach.  The reach alone should allow Kendall to dictate the pace and neutralize Tanner’s stand-up to a remote distance.  Achieving this Grove will find that Tanner lacks explosive footwork and speed and should be easy pickings for some technical boxing or an aggressive clinch.    I cannot see Grove wanting to be on the ground in any way.  Grove will work the clinch and release hoping to strike with some extended kicks. 


Tanner on the other hand is no stranger to being hit and loves to mix it up.  Tanner will have no fear and will just come up the middle and attempt to place Grove on his back by either a KO or takedown.  Tanner has made it clear in his interviews that he needs to win on the ground where he still finds he is strong.  Tanner has decent stand-up but at his age, recent lay-offs and troubles I believe it has taken a step back.  Tanner will have a tough time busting thru the reach and keep this fight tight where Grove will have no power.


 The Tanner of old had scary knees from the clinch, and could win from every position.  He is still very dangerous and has been very open about his alcohol and money troubles; i would never count an experience desperate man out of a fight but I would bet against almost any fighter at +160 who is older, battle wounded, and declining skills.  Grove has enough skill and size to frustrate and will his way to a decision against an aging Tanner who I believe may not have enough in the tank.

TAKE KENDALL GROVE  IN A SPLIT DECISION.

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