Anthony Pettis's grappling was really impressive against Oliveira

[Hazuki Ryo]

Damn Pettis used to be such a dangerous and complete fighter. He brutalized Oliveira on the feet with hard kicks to the body but he also defended some of his takedowns, and all his subs attempts. He got his back taken several times, and he even got in a body triangle where he had to fight the RNC, but he seemed like he always had a way out in the end. With patience and endurance, he even submitted the king of subs..

Now that Oliveira's game matured, he's more calculated and while his pace is still hard to deal with, he's picking his shots more and doesn't throw himself to get a takedown. This recklessness cost him a few losses and it'll be interesting to see where he's at against Tony..

Anyway, just wanted to pay tribute to vintage Anthony Pettis. He might even have given Oliveira the key to beat Tony

 

[Rhood]

That's was definitely one of the most suspenseful fights I've ever seen.
The back n forth submission attempts and reversals had me on the edge of my seat.
I really thought Pettis was gonna get submitted.

 

[blaseblah]

If Oliveira loses I'd be down to see a rematch.

 

[Hazuki Ryo]

That's was definitely one of the most suspenseful fights I've ever seen.
The back n forth submission attempts and reversals had me on the edge of my seat.
I really thought Pettis was gonna get submitted.

That was intense !! And to see Pettis get the sub.. Wow

 

[Lawrence]

Olivera and Tony may be less reckless, but they will take more chances than most.

It’s gonna be a great fight.

And I do think Charles has shown during his latest run that he’s learned from his losses... It’s going to be interesting to see what Tony has learned, and if Charles can deal with the pressure.

 

[GordoBarraBJJ]

I saw it live - I was in the nose bleeds.

From what I recall it was pretty back and forth.

Pettis pre-RDA fight was an absolute beast and a nightmare for anyone. I really think he underestimated RDA and then took that hard punch to the eye and just never recovered and took a long 5rd beating that kind of ruined him mentally and physically.

Anyone who doubts his toughness needs to watch the fights with Barboza and WonderBrah - he took some serious shots in those fight (and gave some of his own).

The way he messed up Benson (the 2nd time with those body kicks then the fast as hell armbar on a pretty decent BJJ black belt) was some seriously skilled and amazing stuff.

 

[FreddieRoachsVoice]

Despite a few big highlights, Pettis has been significantly better as a grappler than as a striker in his UFC career IMHO even though it doesn't feel that way at first glance

 

[Hazuki Ryo]

Despite a few big highlights, Pettis has been significantly better as a grappler than as a striker in his UFC career IMHO even though it doesn't feel that way at first glance

I don't know, his striking made oliveira panick wrestle a bit

 

[Serge421]

Yes he was amazing, knocked out Stephen Thompson and submitted Charles Oliveira.

 

[BFoe]

It was actually pretty nice against Nate too. Nate was definitely the better grappler, but Pettis held his own really well I thought.

 

[Mr Fahrenheit]

Damn Pettis used to be such a dangerous and complete fighter. He brutalized Oliveira on the feet with hard kicks to the body but he also defended some of his takedowns, and all his subs attempts. He got his back taken several times, and he even got in a body triangle where he had to fight the RNC, but he seemed like he always had a way out in the end. With patience and endurance, he even submitted the king of subs..

Now that Oliveira's game matured, he's more calculated and while his pace is still hard to deal with, he's picking his shots more and doesn't throw himself to get a takedown. This recklessness cost him a few losses and it'll be interesting to see where he's at against Tony..

Anyway, just wanted to pay tribute to vintage Anthony Pettis. He might even have given Oliveira the key to beat Tony

In terms of skills and athleticism Pettis is an all time great. His problem is, interestingly enough, the same problem that Oliveira has. Once they’re up against a solid all-around fighter who is strong and can grind, they get beat up and wilt. In the case of Pettis, RDA was the first guy to publish the blueprint (although the Guida fight provides some hints obviously) and then when Poirier made it work too you knew Pettis was in trouble. And while both those guys are excellent, neither is your classic mauler (GSP, Khabib, Usman, Hughes, Colby, etc.). It was no surprise that they didn’t jump to fill in for Tony when he blew out his knee. Oliveira had a few of those at 145 and then Felder is the obvious red flag at 155.

This is why the Tony fight is so perfect for Oliveira. He’s better everywhere in terms of skills (and probably power too) but Tony is the ultimate grinder.

 

[Hazuki Ryo]

In terms of skills and athleticism Pettis is an all time great. His problem is, interestingly enough, the same problem that Oliveira has. Once they’re up against a solid all-around fighter who is strong and can grind, they get beat up and wilt. In the case of Pettis, RDA was the first guy to publish the blueprint (although the Guida fight provides some hints obviously) and then when Poirier made it work too you knew Pettis was in trouble. And while both those guys are excellent, neither is your classic mauler (GSP, Khabib, Usman, Hughes, Colby, etc.). It was no surprise that they didn’t jump to fill in for Tony when he blew out his knee. Oliveira had a few of those at 145 and then Felder is the obvious red flag at 155.

This is why the Tony fight is so perfect for Oliveira. He’s better everywhere in terms of skills (and probably power too) but Tony is the ultimate grinder.

I agree with you but in Pettis' case both Bendo fights are kind of an exception to what you said. Benson Henderson is an all around solid fighter and he got beat fair and square by Pettis

 

[fightfan70]

vintage pettis, pre rda was a handfull for anyone.

still one of my favorite fighters to watch.

 

[Willek]

Both Pettis and Aloe Vera look for a way out when the going gets tough.

And yes, I'm at home in my underpants as I type that disparaging remark about 2 cage fighters.

 

[TheBigJuicyGuy]

The obligatory

 

[d2s]

vintage pettis, pre rda was a handfull for anyone.

still one of my favorite fighters to watch.

Agreed on vintage Pettis but this was afterwards, his lone win at Featherweight that got him the titleshot against Holloway.

 

[Bos Docken]

People sleep on Pettis' grappling all the time

 

[Joseph_McBride]

Pettis resume is underrated for sure.
Not only has he submitted very good grapplers like Oliviera & Chiesa, but he's the only man to ever submit either Bendo or Gilbert.

Hespect

 

[chiefwiggum]

Olivera and Tony may be less reckless, but they will take more chances than most.

It’s gonna be a great fight.

And I do think Charles has shown during his latest run that he’s learned from his losses... It’s going to be interesting to see what Tony has learned, and if Charles can deal with the pressure.

Exactly. I used to think Charles was mentally weak and quit when times got really tough. I always loved watching his fights.

if he puts it on Tony and gets the win. That will be very impressive.

Tony is old. But he still was a tank in the gaetje fight.
Man I would like this to be a 5 rounder.

 

[Mayonnaiseandjelly]

Olivera and Tony may be less reckless, but they will take more chances than most.

It’s gonna be a great fight.

And I do think Charles has shown during his latest run that he’s learned from his losses... It’s going to be interesting to see what Tony has learned, and if Charles can deal with the pressure.

Hasn’t fought anyone as dangerous or good as Pettis. Not even close