Bruh I'm not even talking about the second fight,JDS was completely washed up by then. He was already being called "zombie JDS" the first time they fought. Cain was the only one who had beat him and Stipe tried to replicate the same strategy, but his wrestling was ineffective. If you couldn't see the difference in JDS in that fight, then you must not have watched JDS before that. JDS fought most of that fight backed against the cage and still was getting the better of Stipe and stuffing his takedowns. Whatever JDS had left was probably gone after that. He didn't look the same fighter, because even though Stipe lost a close decision he was still cracking him pretty good. In hindsight it probably was a good loss for Stipe, seeing as he has went full beastmode since that loss
Junior was the same in the first fight as he was in the second fight is what I’m saying. Just like he was the same in the stipe fights as he was in all the Cain fights. That’s right - ALL the cain fights. Stipe tried a similar plan that Cain used and it proved again that it can work even though stipe lost. It was a very close fight and I honestly believe if stipe didn’t tire he would’ve won. Of course, it’s nit like he only slowed down as if he was dominating, but also the shots he was taking.
Stipe was too wrestling-heavy in the first fight and in the second he was more aggressive with his hands. He pushed Jr. back like everybody does and immediately attacked with combos. Junior has shown good head movement but with combos it’s hard to make every shot miss. Junior has shown to be susceptible against the fence in terms of striking defense. The main reason why is because he likes to drop his hands and do his best RJJ impression.
Junior still uses he same strikes he always did. He uses the exact same set ups and never really patched any holes in his game. Such as being pushed to the fence (failing to circle) and constantly dropping the hands, and seriously lacking in his ability to counter while moving backwards (understandable, it’s very, very hard to do). Jab, jab, overhand - jab, jab, uppercut - jab, straight right, - straight to body, left hook to head - are Juniors go-to set ups/attacks. Cain countered every single time with the right hand (‘pops special’), and Junior never showed anything new whatsoever since the Cain fights and every single fight he’s had since.
Stylistically, Stipe is a bad fight for junior. Junior has been figured out but I’m not saying everybody can and will beat him. He’s still top 5, still obliterates most of the division. Personally I’d like to see him fight Reem again. He was very tentative that night and Reem gives Junior exactly what he wants. Reem is not a pressure fighter. He likes the Center and a slower pace just like Junior does, junior respected his countering so much he just didn’t open up,though. If he was a little more aggressive, he probably would’ve caught Reem’s weak chin eventually.
I loveJunior, man. I always have, you say it’s ‘cause I haven’t seen many of his fights but the truth is I’ve seen them too much. Junior never evolved. He never changed at all skill wise. Physically you will only go downhill and Jr. is definitely feeling that, but look at Hendo - look at his longevity. It’s because he evolved to use what works In different eras. He also meber had to rely on speed. You lose your physical abilities first when you leave your prime (mostly speed), but He do adapted to that ad still did good. Junior can do the same. He just needs to change it up. He really really needs to work on his ability to counter while moving backwards.
Just imagine if Jr. had Conor level countering. Dude.. he’d be fucking champion right now. I mean no disrespect to Jr whatsoever when I say this.
