Why was Gasteleum more successful vs. Israel than Costa?

[Finding Deebo]

Thoughts? One thing I noticed was that Costa was rather evasive with regard to Israel's kicks, whereas Kevin seemed to use Israel's kicks as an opportunity to close the distance more. I won't say it's an apples to apples comparison as I think Israel has really been evolving but that was just one thing that stood out to me.

 

[VVarhead]

Because Styles make Fights. Because Costa dun goofd. Because Gastelum is a more complete fighter.

All of these are true to some extent.

 

[Wreckless]

Because Gastelum is better?

 

[Arm Barbarian]

He got in Izzy's face and made it a fight. Pressure.

Costa got absolutely outclassed.

 

[welldone]

kelvin has superior boxing and distance closing abilities. not to mention he can wrestle too.

 

[IloveTHIS]

Because Kelvin actually fought

 

[Minnja]

Gastelum is a lot faster both movement wise and hand speed. Costa excels if when he can push people against the cage and attack with body shots and other heavy shots. Gastelum is much better in open space and in general does not rely on having the opponent against the cage.

They are both very different types of strikers.

 

[arcadeperfect]

Kelvin is much faster. He's the only fighter that's been able to keep up with Izzy's speed.

 

[Project 86]

kelvin wasn't afraid to get hit to land his strikes

 

[ImmigrantMentality]

I do think there's a mental aspect to it, people are honestly kind of shook by adesanya after seeing what he did to Whitaker, where gastelum wasn't really intimidated by his power going into their fight. But mostly adesanya has gotten much better since then

 

[Portland8242]

Gastelum
Romero
Vettori

All southpaws, all 3 gave Adesanya his closest fights. If you notice against Costa and Whittaker, Israel dismantles fellow orthodox fighters with that very slick pull back left hook. His counterstriking game isn't the same against southpaws.

 

[Thepaintbucket]

Kelvin is rather short for the division and his whole gameplan revolves around getting on the inside and exploding. So naturally he's learned to take certain opportunities to close the distance.

 

[ShreddinMMA]

Gastelum is faster. He's also just a way better striker.

The only fights where Gastelum was challenged on the feet at MW were against Israel and Till, two striking specialists with pro careers in dedicated striking sports.

Gastelum is actually a skilled boxer who knows how to get inside and box. Costa is literally just a brawler.

People who said otherwise in the lead up, frankly, don't know what they're watching. Hate to say it, but this fight really highlighted how many tenured posters on Sherdog know fuck all about striking.

 

[Dante]

Gastelum having head movement, footwork, his own feint game, and not being afraid to miss 3 times if he can land one.

 

[Blayt7hh]

Because Kelvin actually fought

This. Plus Izzy has gotten better

 

[Deleted member 512089]

Gastelum
Romero
Vettori

All southpaws, all 3 gave Adesanya his closest fights. If you notice against Costa and Whittaker, Israel dismantles fellow orthodox fighters with that very slick pull back left hook. His counterstriking game isn't the same against southpaws.

Nice job. Are there any southpaws at MW outside those 3 ?

 

[Post 2 Decision]

Costa isn't very good

 

[Finding Deebo]

Gastelum is a lot faster both movement wise and hand speed. Costa excels if when he can push people against the cage and attack with body shots and other heavy shots. Gastelum is much better in open space and in general does not rely on having the opponent against the cage.

They are both very different types of strikers.

This is the most coherent and intelligent answer so far. Thanks...

 

[Finding Deebo]

Gastelum
Romero
Vettori

All southpaws, all 3 gave Adesanya his closest fights. If you notice against Costa and Whittaker, Israel dismantles fellow orthodox fighters with that very slick pull back left hook. His counterstriking game isn't the same against southpaws.

Gastelum is faster. He's also just a way better striker.

The only fights where Gastelum was challenged on the feet at MW were against Israel and Till, two striking specialists with pro careers in dedicated striking sports.

Gastelum is actually a skilled boxer who knows how to get inside and box. Costa is literally just a brawler.

People who said otherwise in the lead up, frankly, don't know what they're watching. Hate to say it, but this fight really highlighted how many tenured posters on Sherdog know fuck all about striking.

Also good posts, thanks.

 

[Takes_Two_To_Tango]

When he fought Kevin Gastelum that was over a year ago. Since than Adesanya has improved. So he's just a better fighter today than when he fought Gastelum.

The current Adesanya would KO Gastelum in under 3 rounds.