UFC on Fuel TV 3 ‘Korean Zombie vs. Poirier’ Preview

---

Light Heavyweights

Igor Pokrajac (24-8, 3-3 UFC) vs. Fabio Maldonado (18-4, 1-1 UFC)

The Matchup: Pokrajac earned the signature victory of his career at UFC 140, knocking out Krzysztof Soszynski in 35 seconds. A series of straight lefts and rights did the job for the Croat, who showed a dynamic element to his standup that allowed him to earn his third victory in his last four Octagon appearances.

Meanwhile, Maldonado waged a three-round battle with Kyle Kingsbury that garnered “Fight of the Night” honors at “The Ultimate Fighter 13” Finale. Although the Brazilian punished his opponent with multiple body shots and broke Kingsbury’s orbital bone, he wound up on the wrong end of the judges’ scorecards. Since then, the 32-year-old has been forced off the UFC 142 and UFC Live 6 cards due to injury.

Maldonado’s professional boxing experience -- he is unbeaten in 22 fights -- means he should have a decided edge on the feet. While Pokrajac is known for being a training partner of Mirko Filipovic, he is not the fearsome striker that “Cro Cop” was in his heyday. What “The Duke” does have going for him is tenacity; despite not being especially athletic or fluid in his movements, Pokrajac will continue to move forward.

To avoid eating too many combinations, Pokrajac can work from the clinch. The Croatian Top Team product has powerful knees in close, and it is worth noting that Kingsbury did some of his best work against Maldonado in tie-ups. Pokrajac needs to secure underhooks and remain conservative, because absorbing too many body punches in tight will prove to be his undoing.

The Pick: Pokrajac has the ability to make this one a grinder using his wrestling, but the Croatian might very well eschew that approach in favor of a slugfest. If that proves to be the case, he will struggle, because Maldonado has skilled hands and knows how to remain calm in a slugfest. Look for Maldonado to put together numerous combinations, punish Pokrajac to the body and earn a late stoppage or decision victory.

Next Fight » Tom Lawlor vs. Jason MacDonald