That's the biggy
This. It doesn't matter how good his boxing and movement is if it doesn't work against everyone.Wrong! No chin! No fight IQ! No mental toughness! No love!
A more complete fighter will always beat a one trick pony, especially if that one trick, can't take a hit.
He just lacks composure and fight IQ. His issue is always the same, he gets emotional and starts loading up and throwing looping hooks with reckless abandon while exposing his chin.
It’s a shame really.
That's not true. Demian Maia beat plenty of fighters who were more well-rounded than he, including Rory MacDonald, Carlos Condit, and others, but he did it by masking his deficiencies and utilizing the one area where he excelled more than anyone. He minimized the risks and avoided the areas where he was weakest, focusing on his strengths. Cody didn't do the same, being willing to engage in unnecessarily dangerous positions instead of focusing on areas in the striking where he had clear advantages and avoiding the riskier areas, like the pocket.
TJ covers in the pocket where Cody keeps his hands low, chin up, and just throws. It’s not good to stay inside on someone without having the defense to be there safely.
Damian Maia isn't infamous for not being able to take a hit though, Cody is.
This is the big thing IMO. When they're exchanging at range, Cody looks significantly faster IMO. When they get in close, Cody starts looping punches while TJ keeps them tighter. Looping punches are slower.
You forgot robot dancing.His issue is he's Cody "nothing but hooks" garbradnt.