Is Barao the most complete fighter right now?

[Silverhawk]

So I was thinking about Barao a bit, and then realised that the guy doesn't seem to have any weaknesses at all. Not just that I can't point on any possible weakness in his game, I also think he's pretty damn good at just about any aspect of MMA.

Good boxing? Absolutely. Especially after he steamrolled Faber like this.

Good kicks? Without a doubt.

TDs and TDD? Yep.

BJJ and offensive submission skills? We have all seen his fights.

Now, every other aspect I can think off in MMA, he's pretty good at, too. Speed, cardio, timing, endurance/chin, defense, fight IQ.

Another aspect worth mentioning is that he hasn't fought any predictable so far. Like in his first fight with Faber he was more tenative, while in the rematch he went after it right away, throwing bombs and taking risks. Or the spinning back kick against Wineland. I also can remember a performance early in his UFC career where he did nothing but grappling, grinding out his opponent for a dominant decision victory. You just doesn't know what he's going to do...

This said, I wonder if he might think about moving up to FW after some time, as BW isn't really strong at the moment. Well, I guess that depends on Aldo and if he might stick to LW.

 

[yekmurat]

I am not sure but I don't think he is tested by a top level wrestler

 

[Doodles]

If a heavier fighter performed like him, he'd be hailed as the GOAT.

 

[Deadbelly]

I am not sure but I don't think he is tested by a top level wrestler

Faber is not a top level wrestler?

 

[yekmurat]

Faber is not a top level wrestler?

I don't think he has wrestling background,I mean he is not Chad Mendes level

 

[PivotPunch]

Aldo is better

 

[BareKnucklez**]

Ya he's probably the most successful complete fighter

 

[SherdogGoat]

I agree. He looks unstoppable with no glaring weaknesses.

 

[iLesnar]

Demetrious

 

[JAB2013]

We desperately needed another thread to discuss this..

Thank you, white belt.

 

[Silverhawk]

I am not sure but I don't think he is tested by a top level wrestler

Well, Faber is a pretty good wrestler. I think some people are still overestimating those "wrestling heavy performances" (that many complained about so much), especially at the top level. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that wrestlers are a thing of the past or that a wreslter couldn't beat Barao. Because as we've seen with guys like Cain, Cormier, Chandler, Edgar etc., these guys can become pretty good strikers, too. I just think that these typical "grinding out a decision with takedowns and top control"-performances aren't that great anymore.

Reasons for that:

- Refs are far quicker to stand fighters up or break them up in the clinch. Fights like Couture/Vera for example most likely wouldn't happen these days.

- Fighters have gotten better with countering this style (TDD, getting off the back)

Do you really see a guy like Barao, as quick, flexibel and technical on the ground being just taken down and controlled? I honestly can't. His style of striking is also very well adapted to MMA and the risk of being taken down, in my opinion.

 

[phoenixikki]

Absolutely, number 1 p4p too.

 

[Reach4theSky]

I don't see him losing for awhile. Especially at 45. Would like to see him tested in deeper waters in a heavier weight class, or possibly a super-fight with Might Mouse.

 

[K1OlySbWrestler]

Absolutely, and enjoyable to envision a heavyweight moving that way. Can you imagine a heavyweight 250lbs. being able to perform like Barao. SMH

And, wrestling is king in terms of well controlling people along with having a defense against submissions of course, if not your going to be in a world of tenseness trying to avoid the things you have not prepared for in advanced.

 

[lefthighkick01]

I can tell you this now, a 205lber Barao Destroys Jon Jones.

 

[EndlessCritic]

he is a great champion, unfortunately nobody cares about him.

 

[theincognito]

Barao is one of the new breed who started training for MMA as a kid. That's why he's so well rounded. Not sure why Rory M gets so much credit for that when Barao is better at everything.

 

[Silverhawk]

he is a great champion, unfortunately nobody cares about him.

You might give it some time though. He just defended his undisputed championship belt for the first time. Only 27, too. However, I can see how he might struggle to become a big PPV draw in North America. This said, the Brazilian market seems to be a very strong upcoming force.

 

[GMH23]

Absolutely, number 1 p4p too.

Agree completely

 

[EliteLurker]

Aldo has beaten better comp. But Barao is amazing.