Islam and Volk should run it back

[HuskySamoan]

I think to be fair it was the best anti grappling performance I've seen of someone of that level. I've seen guys deal with dagi grapplers well in the past, but to do it against a guy of the level of Islam is crazy.

He did use that under the crotch and try and turn the corner anti dagi style that Vartanyan uses though so maybe Volk has been watching the same stuff as us lol.

Volk looked phenomenal besides giving up the couple of back takes. No better than Arman looked for the first 10 minutes though honestly. He really fought for underhooks well, kept his base wide, was conscious of the trips almost always, looked to be stronger against the cage at a lot of points in the clinch, did a great job creating separation which historically guys just don't do for some reason. Looks like he was hitting a switch when Islam had the back to really well success as well and he sprawled well at a point or two. Other fighters are going to learn, I mean they have to otherwise they'll get left.

 

[Hellowhosthat]

Volk looked phenomenal besides giving up the couple of back takes. No better than Arman looked for the first 10 minutes though honestly. He really fought for underhooks well, kept his base wide, was conscious of the trips almost always, looked to be stronger against the cage at a lot of points in the clinch, did a great job creating separation which historically guys just don't do for dome reason. Looks like he was hitting a switch when Islam had the back to really well success as well and he sprawled well at a point or two. Other fighters are going to learn, I mean they have to otherwise they'll get left.

I also liked the way he used the cage push himself to break up Islam's offensive pattern with the wrestling. Even if he knows he's not going to get him down, he was using the off balances to create more opportunites to get away.

 

[HuskySamoan]

I also liked the way he used the cage push himself to break up Islam's offensive pattern with the wrestling. Even if he knows he's not going to get him down, he was using the off balances to create more opportunites to get away.

To be honest, I was most surprised with two things. 1. How much longer Islam was, Volk had to take shots and punch his way into distance or quite literally leap into distance, could not get his jab off all night which I know is historically tough vs Southpaws but he had practice vs Ortega and 2. I was relatively confident the size and strength and grappling cardio of Islam would wilt Volk but Volks gas tank ended up looking clearly superior.

Crazy fight, haven't had butterflies like that in a while.

 

[Hellowhosthat]

To be honest, I was most surprised with two things. 1. How much longer Islam was, Volk had to take shots and punch his way into distance or quite literally leap into distance, could not get his jab off all night which I know is historically tough vs Southpaws but he had practice vs Ortega and 2. I was relatively confident the size and strength and grappling cardio of Islam would wilt Volk but Volks gas tank ended up looking clearly superior.

Crazy fight, haven't had butterflies like that in a while.

Yeah. Volk's grappling was better than expected and Islam's striking was also better than expected. Great fight from both guys. Probably one of the highest level technical fights I've seen.

 

[HuskySamoan]

Yeah. Volk's grappling was better than expected and Islam's striking was also better than expected. Great fight from both guys. Probably one of the highest level technical fights I've seen.

Makhachevs striking had all the weaknesses I speculated though, his defense is by default because his output is so low and if you can get inside of kicking distance these guys are able to be hit and flustered, I've seen it with Usman, Umar and Islam. They don't strike there very well and rely on grappling. Islam as Volk also noted doesn't move his feet too well striking wise either (Umar and Usman are much better at that) and Islam doesn't have the best head movement..it's all control of range, a disciplined guard/blocking and defusing striking in close quarters by initiating grappling. I also think vs longer, sharp strikers these guys will be forced to wrestle which is usually a golden blueprint anyways (Shabliy vs Usman better happen).

Makhachevs chin did indeed look suspect though.