Florian-Maynard: Kenny's prep
Date: 2010-07-11 00:00:00
Source: http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2010/7/12/1564953/kenny...
Submitted By: MMAFightsDump
"My best striking performances have always been when I've been working with Peter (Welch) the most," Florian said. "Striking always comes from footwork and Peter really stresses that. It takes a little while to get it down but each training camp I see more and more improvements." ... Florian attributes his newfound wrestling improvements to training in Montreal with Tri-Star Gym. There he gets to go against one of the most dominant wrestlers in the UFC, welterweight champion Georges St. Pierre, as well as others vying for spots on the Canadian Olympic wrestling team. "I feel that I've evolved a lot since the time when I fought another wrestler with similar skills, Sean Sherk. I feel that this is coming at a great time in my career," Florian said. "I'm ready for a challenge and I really consider it the biggest fight of my career, the biggest challenge of my career." I'm impressed that Florian -- a fighter who made his mark in the sport as the prototypical Muay Thai + jiu jitsu guy is working hard to improve in other areas. Frankly, it's just smart to work your wrestling and boxing before going up against a guy like Gray Maynard who's an exceptional wrestler with a budding boxing game. Of all the veterans of the first season of The Ultimate Fighter, Florian has unquestionably developed the most complete MMA game. Others like Josh Koscheck and Chris Leben have fleshed out their game considerably, but Florian leads the pack. Getting by Maynard will be a stiff test however. Despite Florian's experience edge and being the superior technician, Maynard is the far more physical specimen and should have a big wrestling edge. The winner of this bout will only have to step up their game that much more as they're likely to be the next challenger for the UFC lightweight title against the winner of Frankie Edgar and B.J. Penn.
