In retrospect, which aspects of Anderson's striking were overrated?

[TonyK]

Surprisingly, a question not very often asked...

 

[Mattitude V1]

None. He was incredible and is still good very good.

I will say though that he isn't some brutal kicker, and really it's probably the worst part of his striking game.

But still, he's the real deal.

 

[Hans Gercmiov]

Only thing I could say is that he got overconfident with it in his later years. But he was so good that he got away with it for a long time.

 

[Got GOAT]

His ability (or lack thereof) to lead, mostly. He neglected learning how to lead with frequent success, mainly with his boxing, and to have it setup his counter punching. His combination punching was never fantastic either, and he specialized with throwing mostly single shot, straight punches almost exclusively. He also isn't real diverse when it comes to changing levels and targeting the body, he's very much a head hunter.

These are the main things that come to mind at the moment. He's always been a master of distance, timing and accuracy though.

 

[MCS]

offensive boxing. he was good with jabs, 1-2's and rear hand straights, but his combinations weren't that good moving forward, and he's had some trouble with pressure. used straight punches to bait in opponents. that's more his style, though, him being long.

 

[Mob69]

His ability (or lack thereof) to lead, mostly. He neglected learning how to lead with frequent success, mainly with his boxing, and to have it setup his counter punching. His combination punching was never fantastic either, and he specialized with throwing mostly single shot, straight punches almost exclusively. He also isn't real diverse when it comes to changing levels and targeting the body, he's very much a head hunter.

These are the main things that come to mind at the moment. He's always been a master of distance, timing and accuracy though.

Agreed, a very solid critique of my personal GOAT. Thanks.

 

[Zanmato]

retrospectively diminishing a guy's skills and accomplishments is something there is already quite enough of on this forum thank you!

 

[Silverstar17]

His ability (or lack thereof) to lead, mostly. He neglected learning how to lead with frequent success, mainly with his boxing, and to have it setup his counter punching. His combination punching was never fantastic either, and he specialized with throwing mostly single shot, straight punches almost exclusively. He also isn't real diverse when it comes to changing levels and targeting the body, he's very much a head hunter.

These are the main things that come to mind at the moment. He's always been a master of distance, timing and accuracy though.

I agree with this. Anderson has always been more of reactive striker. Hence the antics in fights where his opponents tried to make him lead. But outside of that he is as good as it gets. His timing and accuracy are sensational. And once he has his opponents hurt he displays a fantastic finishing ability.

Diaz though loves to lead and come forward non stop. But he also brings in a volume and combination punching Anderson has never faced. Of course Anderson is a massive favorite but this fight has the potential to be really interesting.

 

[CPH]

His Muay Thai. He was an outstanding talent but technique-wise, there are fighters in the UFC who use that style better. When was the last time Anderson used kicks or standing elbows effectively? When was the last time we've seen him time a boxer with a knee? Fact is he was mostly a boxer.

 

[WildShrimper]

I agree with this. Anderson has always been more of reactive striker. Hence the antics in fights where his opponents tried to make him lead. But outside of that he is as good as it gets. His timing and accuracy are sensational. And once he has his opponents hurt he displays a fantastic finishing ability.

Diaz though loves to lead and come forward non stop. But he also brings in a volume and combination punching Anderson has never faced. Of course Anderson is a massive favorite but this fight has the potential to be really interesting.

Luckily Diaz doesn't bring brutal punching power like Weidman, but they could add up. I still think Silva will kill him though.

 

[yekmurat]

wtf are u talking about he is master at mma striking

 

[anthony stark]

kicks

 

[MCS]

wtf are u talking about he is master at mma striking

he is, but even the best have flaws. there are some good examples in this thread. he wasn't a brutal low kicker, nor was he deadly with combinations when moving forward, but his counter-striking, straight punches, footwork and the form of his kicks were all above mma standards.

 

[jimbob27]

He finished fights with punches, elbows, knees and kicks.

I guess he needs to work on his head-butts.

 

[Silverstar17]

Luckily Diaz doesn't bring brutal punching power like Weidman, but they could add up. I still think Silva will kill him though.

Silva also has a good size and length advantage and Diaz usually does not care to much about eating punches coming in and Anderson is definitely the wrong guy for that.

BUT although Weidman has big power he KO

 

[sandbag666]

His ability (or lack thereof) to lead, mostly. He neglected learning how to lead with frequent success, mainly with his boxing, and to have it setup his counter punching. His combination punching was never fantastic either, and he specialized with throwing mostly single shot, straight punches almost exclusively. He also isn't real diverse when it comes to changing levels and targeting the body, he's very much a head hunter.

These are the main things that come to mind at the moment. He's always been a master of distance, timing and accuracy though.

This is on.Basically you get good at what you have to, and specialisation has its merits. Which MMA champs were/are good at everything? Not many. It is not like Fedor or GSP were throwing crazy combos or leg kicking people to death.

 

[TonyK]

Silva also has a good size and length advantage and Diaz usually does not care to much about eating punches coming in and Anderson is definitely the wrong guy for that.

BUT although Weidman has big power he KO

 

[SingaPlata]

Agree with first response. None.

 

[Silverstar17]

Weidman KO'd him while he was goofing off with his hands down, standing in a stance that didn't even slightly resemble anything related to martial arts. it is as much Silva's fault as Weidman's achievement.

If a fighter never makes a mistake he does not lose.

The result of a fight is ALWAYS the result of one fighter making one or more mistakes and the other capitalizing on it.

So, I agree. It doesn

 

[rock2x22]

Not a lot, doesn't have a great jab but dnt need it and still dropped Griffin with it