- Joined
- Nov 21, 2021
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I think he has the best chance of beating Islam in the top 10. Not saying he will.
I know he was beaten by Poirier, Gaethje and Oliveira. But I'd still argue that he has a better chance of finishing Islam than any of them.
He's not wrong when he says, the kryptonite to beating Islam is getting him into a dogfight. It was evident earlier in his career when he was the one moving forward initiating the striking exchanges, he became exponentially vulnerable. Throwing combinations is not Islam's forte.
But the problem is it's easier said than done because Islam's defensive striking is just too good nowadays. He no longer deviates from his game plan. His footwork prevents him from getting into any of these brawls.
We already saw Islam shut Oliveira down. I always thought Oliveira was more diverse and more technically polished than Poirier. I think Poirier would have the least success in the striking.
Then you have the explosive guys like Chandler and Gaethje who can blitz in and out. I think unless you have the wrestling to threaten Islam back, these type of fighters are going to have the most success. I don't know if Gaethje can do it but I wouldn't be surprised if Chandler can get in Islam's face before his feet can adjust. On top of that, Chandler is arguably the hardest hitter in the division and has shown that he is quicker than Gaethje. He has better wrestling too.
All this talk of cardio is pointless. I would be intrigued to see if Chandler can finish Islam in the first round or not. After that? Who cares? Islam will probably get him.
I know he was beaten by Poirier, Gaethje and Oliveira. But I'd still argue that he has a better chance of finishing Islam than any of them.
He's not wrong when he says, the kryptonite to beating Islam is getting him into a dogfight. It was evident earlier in his career when he was the one moving forward initiating the striking exchanges, he became exponentially vulnerable. Throwing combinations is not Islam's forte.
But the problem is it's easier said than done because Islam's defensive striking is just too good nowadays. He no longer deviates from his game plan. His footwork prevents him from getting into any of these brawls.
We already saw Islam shut Oliveira down. I always thought Oliveira was more diverse and more technically polished than Poirier. I think Poirier would have the least success in the striking.
Then you have the explosive guys like Chandler and Gaethje who can blitz in and out. I think unless you have the wrestling to threaten Islam back, these type of fighters are going to have the most success. I don't know if Gaethje can do it but I wouldn't be surprised if Chandler can get in Islam's face before his feet can adjust. On top of that, Chandler is arguably the hardest hitter in the division and has shown that he is quicker than Gaethje. He has better wrestling too.
All this talk of cardio is pointless. I would be intrigued to see if Chandler can finish Islam in the first round or not. After that? Who cares? Islam will probably get him.
