I think Sanjuro is 100% correct.
This has always been my philosophy with combat: know (or analyze) how my opponent is going to fight, and use something that he's going to be less skilled with.
Close range vs Long range (enter in their center and KO)
Long range vs close range (keep them away so they can't do much)
Grappling/throwing vs close range or long range (destabilize them)
Ground vs standing (whole different ball game)