- Joined
- Mar 2, 2014
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- 15,458
- Reaction score
- 768
I was a bit surprised by Sonnen's striking too. He normally throws a one two and then shoots for the takedown. Basically the bare minimum to set up his shot. However against Rampage he threw some nice kicks and actually landed some hard overhands. He was quick and kept his defense tight. Chin down, hands up. Then there's the headkick attempt and flying knee, which I didn't see coming. Considering he did all this against a heavy hitter like Rampage was even more impressive.
On the flip side though, I've noticed since coming to Bellator that his ground and pound seems lacking. He used to be so intense and relentless with his ground and pound. See the Silva fights and the Marquardt fight. He kept really busy on top. But in his last few fights he has mainly just held position and work for a sub here and there. I'd like to see him turn up the heat from top position a bit more.
Glad he did the flying knee and not a spinning backfist......