UFC 271 is around the corner and the whole MMA world is busy predicting the possible winners of the PPV. Of course, fans’ eyes are locked on Israel Adesanya taking on Robert Whittaker in the main event to defend his title, Derrick Lewis fighting “Bam Bam” Tai Tuivasa. However, apart from the main card, the PPV prelims has also some amazing fights scheduled on it. One such bout is a heavyweight contest between William Knight and Maxim Grishin.
William Knight is a Dana white contender series product. Making a big announcement of his arrival in the lightweight division, he defeated Aleksa Camur. Soon after, facing a loss against Da Un Jung in his next fight was a setback for him. However, he came back strong and won two consecutive fights in the span of 5 months by defeating Fabio Cherant and Alonzo Menifield. In UFC 271, Knight will look to continue his winning momentum by defeating Maxim.
On the other hand, Maxim Grishin is an MMA veteran who made his MMA debut back in 2008. He fought all over the world and finally got his chance in the UFC in the year 2020. After losing his debut bout against Marcin Tybura, Grishin faced Gadzhimurad Antigulov in his second UFC fight and won via a second-round KO. However, he is coming off a loss against Dustin Jacob in February 2021.
UFC 271 Prelims: William Knight vs Maxim Grishin Stats
| Stats | William Knight | Maxim Grishin |
|---|---|---|
| Wins | 11 | 31 |
| Losses | 2 | 9 |
| Height | 5 ft 10 in | 6 ft 3 in |
| Division | Heavyweight | Heavyweight |
| Reach | 73 in | 78 in |
| Striking Accuracy | 65% | 44% |
UFC 271 Prelims, William Knight vs Maxim Grishin: Prediction, and Fight Breakdown
Knight has both the skills required for a heavyweight: one-punch KO power, and decent wrestling. William displayed his power against Fabio and ground game against Alonzo. On the other hand, Grishin has a decent reach and height advantage against Knight.
Hence, Willian should look to take the fight to the ground. On the contrary, for Grishin fighting on the feet and from a range should be the primary strategy.
Moreover, Knight has missed the weights by 12 pounds ahead of the bout. Which is the reason behind rescheduling the fight in heavyweight from light heavyweight division. So, he should certainly take that weight advantage into wrestling Grishin. Maxim already has shown a weak ground game in his previous fights.
If William Knight keeps the fight close and uses his wrestling skills properly, it is safe to say that he can get a decision win for him at UFC 271.
UFC 271 Prelims: William Knight vs Maxim Grishin Fight Prediction – William Knight via Decision
