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THE biggest lightweight match-up in years, between the two very best in the division.
Now that the fight is official, let's break it down, and discuss who takes this, and in what fashion?
On the surface, Khabib would appear to be a favorite here. 25 - 0, never lost a single round in any of his UFC fights (The Tibau controversy aside). Just a smothering, relentless pressure fighter, with savage GnP and top control. Wicked trips and throws.
Then we have Ferguson, who is on the longest LW win streak out there. He appears to be evolving his ground game, with aggressive attacking off of his back, with nasty elbows and numerous subs. Wild in the clinches with elbows and snap-downs into dangerous chokes. A wild, yet diverse arsenal of stand-up striking.
I feel that this fight is going to be closer and more competitive than a lot of folks are thinking.
I do think that Khabib is likely going to come out on fire, and probably control the fight for the first two rounds. Takedowns and top control. Probably a good deal of nasty GnP.
HOWEVER - I think that Tony will be busier off his back, in constant scrambles, and throwing elbows and punches. I think he will make Khabib work a little harder to maintain position, and also keep him slightly more honest by threatening off his back than we're (or Khabib) is used to.
After the initial early dominance, I feel Nurmagomedov will begin to tire a slight bit, and this is where I think things may get interesting. Around the mid-point of the fight, Tony is able to now start scrambling back to his feet, and begin to consistently land some of his wild strikes - leg and body kicks, jabs and straight right hands, etc...
By round 4, there is a shift in momentum, and Tonys cardio now starts to become the difference. He is able to shrug off the TD attempts, and is now making Khabib pay, even in the clinches, with knees and elbows. He starts to take control of this fight with striking volume, and bust The Eagle up.
By round 5, the fight is now in El Cucuys favor. He is out-landing Khabib heavily on the feet, at range. Has Khabib noticeably flustered and busted up. Possible 10 - 8 round.
The bell rings....Tony wins a close overall, but clear UD and becomes the official UFC lightweight champion.
Okay, let's hear it - Who do you think takes this EPIC fight, and how do they get it done?
Now that the fight is official, let's break it down, and discuss who takes this, and in what fashion?
On the surface, Khabib would appear to be a favorite here. 25 - 0, never lost a single round in any of his UFC fights (The Tibau controversy aside). Just a smothering, relentless pressure fighter, with savage GnP and top control. Wicked trips and throws.
Then we have Ferguson, who is on the longest LW win streak out there. He appears to be evolving his ground game, with aggressive attacking off of his back, with nasty elbows and numerous subs. Wild in the clinches with elbows and snap-downs into dangerous chokes. A wild, yet diverse arsenal of stand-up striking.
I feel that this fight is going to be closer and more competitive than a lot of folks are thinking.
I do think that Khabib is likely going to come out on fire, and probably control the fight for the first two rounds. Takedowns and top control. Probably a good deal of nasty GnP.
HOWEVER - I think that Tony will be busier off his back, in constant scrambles, and throwing elbows and punches. I think he will make Khabib work a little harder to maintain position, and also keep him slightly more honest by threatening off his back than we're (or Khabib) is used to.
After the initial early dominance, I feel Nurmagomedov will begin to tire a slight bit, and this is where I think things may get interesting. Around the mid-point of the fight, Tony is able to now start scrambling back to his feet, and begin to consistently land some of his wild strikes - leg and body kicks, jabs and straight right hands, etc...
By round 4, there is a shift in momentum, and Tonys cardio now starts to become the difference. He is able to shrug off the TD attempts, and is now making Khabib pay, even in the clinches, with knees and elbows. He starts to take control of this fight with striking volume, and bust The Eagle up.
By round 5, the fight is now in El Cucuys favor. He is out-landing Khabib heavily on the feet, at range. Has Khabib noticeably flustered and busted up. Possible 10 - 8 round.
The bell rings....Tony wins a close overall, but clear UD and becomes the official UFC lightweight champion.
Okay, let's hear it - Who do you think takes this EPIC fight, and how do they get it done?
