Let's discuss what makes Aldo special compared to other guys in the division, because I really think he's something different.
First, I've been trying to think of a fighter to compare him to, and honestly the closest I can think of is '03-'06 Crocop (as well as K-1 Crocop). Both Aldo and prime Crocop have this on/off switch for aggression:
- ultra explosive, sustained offense.
- defense is backing away: doesn't engage when they don't want to, doesn't get lured into exchanges when they don't want to (I've NEVER seen either Crocop or Aldo exchange. They just back off and prepare to counterpunch)
Basically Aldo has the ability to sense momentum, and this I think is what makes him special. When the momentum is in his favor, he presses forward with all his might. When the momentum is against his favor, he disengages and doesn't try his luck.
Also specifically on Aldo's attack, he also uses all the weapons. He kicks and knees and punches both to the head and body, and throws both straight punches and uppercuts. He doesn't seem to throw that many hooks though, I guess he likes to keep it compact. He doesn't seem to prefer any one type of attack either - he just attacks whatever is open.
When you have the kind of gift for 'sensing', and combine it with
- superior mobility/agility (including balance for TD defense)
- superior speed
- superior power
you really get something special.
The only technical deficiency I see from him sometimes is he explodes into risky moves like leading with huuuuge power rear uppercuts. It's bad enough to lead with a rear uppercut but to wind up like Aldo does? Of course I'm sure he knows what he's doing, but I do think someone with the technical boxing level of Mark Hominick has a chance to exploit Aldo's occasional lapses in sound technique.
First, I've been trying to think of a fighter to compare him to, and honestly the closest I can think of is '03-'06 Crocop (as well as K-1 Crocop). Both Aldo and prime Crocop have this on/off switch for aggression:
- ultra explosive, sustained offense.
- defense is backing away: doesn't engage when they don't want to, doesn't get lured into exchanges when they don't want to (I've NEVER seen either Crocop or Aldo exchange. They just back off and prepare to counterpunch)
Basically Aldo has the ability to sense momentum, and this I think is what makes him special. When the momentum is in his favor, he presses forward with all his might. When the momentum is against his favor, he disengages and doesn't try his luck.
Also specifically on Aldo's attack, he also uses all the weapons. He kicks and knees and punches both to the head and body, and throws both straight punches and uppercuts. He doesn't seem to throw that many hooks though, I guess he likes to keep it compact. He doesn't seem to prefer any one type of attack either - he just attacks whatever is open.
When you have the kind of gift for 'sensing', and combine it with
- superior mobility/agility (including balance for TD defense)
- superior speed
- superior power
you really get something special.
The only technical deficiency I see from him sometimes is he explodes into risky moves like leading with huuuuge power rear uppercuts. It's bad enough to lead with a rear uppercut but to wind up like Aldo does? Of course I'm sure he knows what he's doing, but I do think someone with the technical boxing level of Mark Hominick has a chance to exploit Aldo's occasional lapses in sound technique.
