Can stipe stuff majority of Cormier’s takedowns?

[Darren Rodriguez]

Wanted everyone’s opinions on if stipe can stop the takedowns and if not can Cormier hold him down?

 

[Matty da Ranga]

He might be able to, but I have no idea how some people are so confident in Stipe having some incredible TDD, when he's never faced an elite offensive wrestler in his entire UFC tenure. Gonzaga also took him down twice but was unable to hold him down for a long period of time; DC is a lot better at holding people down than Gabriel. Just because you're an accomplished wrestler doesn't mean you have elite TDD; Dan Henderson is proof of that.

 

[myjohnson9]

Cormier will beat him decisively

 

[mirellale]

 

[Rygu]

I hope so, otherwise this fight will be boring as shit.

 

[FrontNakedChoke]

Yes he can.

 

[Typrune Goatley]

Stipe might defend the first couple takedowns.

But eventually DC's relentless pressure, pace and aggressive striking and clinching will both tire Stipe and throw off his rhythm. DC will make adjustments and either time his takedowns better, hit a new angle or transition, or attempt a completely different type of takedown.

It's really interesting because Stipe usually stalks his opponent and cuts off the cage. We all know DC uses constant forward pressure. This will be one fight where Stipe will have to move away and keep his distance. It only makes sense with his reach advantage and the fact that he is fighting an Olympic wrestler. If he moves away too much he may find his back against the fence where DC will pounce and keep him there. If Stipe attacks moving forward, DC can easily change levels and shoot for the legs.

Stipe's only chance to win is by KO. DC can literally win every way: decision, submission or (T)KO.

 

[Badr Hari]

I don't see how can DC beat Stipe. He WAS an olympic wrestler, but he isn't anymore. This will be 90% a kickboxing fight. And stipe > dc in that depart.

 

[IsNormal]

I don't think takedowns will determine the fight.

I'm guessing the fight could look like DC - Gus.

DC might nail one or a few big takedowns, but then get stuffed a few times - and continue attacking with mostly strikes.

 

[Dogo1]

No & yes

 

[AlwaysWonder]

I hope DC wins. Stipe has the personality of a cardboard box. Borrrrrrriiiing.

 

[SlomiGa]

Stipe will be prepared. He will stuff most of them.

 

[The Invisible]

Stipe can take DC down if he wants so I don't see a problem.

 

[TDD]

Its a hard task for Cormier, i dont know if he can Stipe down. Stipe has good TDD but its not incredible and he never faced a wrestler like Cormier. I think it comes down to size, but if Cormier gets him down i think its a wrap, however only if and if he cant he will probably get kod.

 

[Furious77]

I don't think takedowns will determine the fight.

I'm guessing the fight could look like DC - Gus.

DC might nail one or a few big takedowns, but then get stuffed a few times - and continue attacking with mostly strikes.

If Stipe can fight 5 rounds at the pace that Gus fought DC, then Cormier is fucked. I'm curious to see what Stipe's strategy is. I don't think DC really cares about actually getting the takedown as much as making him work in the clinch and defend them. Stipe needs to try to keep the center of the cage, because if DC gets him against that fence it's a whole different ballgame regardless of whether he gets the takedown or not.