UFC 130: Kendall Grove vs. Tim Boetsch

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The Matchup: Boetsch drops to 185 pounds to takes on Grove, a chief in the division. In a fixed crossroads bout for both, Boetsch’s wrestling and hostility match up against Grove’s height and submissions skill. Both are recognized for thrilling bouts, so do not go to the fridge for this one.

Boetsch, 3-3 in the UFC at 205 pounds, should interpret well at middleweight, particularly in a debut bout against Grove, who is not a power-wrestler type.

Meanwhile Randy Couture kicked off the trend in 2003 by going down in weight, it has become the predictable move when a fighter gets varied results and needs to jumpstart his career. Boetsch, who often seemed a tad measly and fleshy, compared to fellow 205-pounders, is the latest to make the move. Conversely, there are usually two kinds of stories here: wrestlers, who drop down a weight class, and everyone else, with the former handling it better merely because they have years of experience wounding the pounds.

Given room to function and choose when the bout will hit the mat, Boetsch should be able to close the gap on Grove and take it down. He will have to be careful working in both the clinches and in Grove’s guard; at 6-foot-6 the Hawaiian makes power and chances to attack from single angles. Watch UFC 130 Live Stream now.

The Pick: Boetsch should be able to pull out a blue-collar type of win, crushing out a close choice or late stoppage. The key issue will be getting it to the mat early; in scrambles and fast-paced trades, Grove is capable at generating opportunities and scoring in those circumstances.