Bendo got taken down by Frankie Edgar several times, anyone who saw Bendo x Thompson knows that thompson wrestlefucked him and Bendo gave his back several times. I dont think thats a good idea against a guy like Khabilov. Bendo must keep his range and abuse his strong legs kicks if he wants to win this. Discuss
I expect that Khabilov will ragdoll Bendo. Doesn't necessarily mean he'll win. Bendo is really good at winning close fights.
Henderson fought a lot of tough guys an hasn't been rag dolled yet, not sure if Khabilov will be able to do it.
Even if he does I think he'll get outscrambled by Bendo. This being his first 5 rounder it wouldn't be wise to expend too much energy early too.
Khabilov didn't have much success grappling with Masvidal (Masvidal is a very good defensive wrestler, granted). I doubt Khabilov dominates the grappling.
Thomson is chopped liver? That guy is a damn good fighter. Benson might have some early issues, but as the fight goes on, he'll be fine. Benson will win.
Rooting for Khabilov, but leaning towards Bendo. Hopefully they set up Khabib vs Bendo if Bendo wins this one.
Bendo may be taken down or even slammed, but I don't think anyone is going to hold him down and win fights. The guy is great in scrambles and almost always makes something happen on the ground.
I think he will be able to get Bendo down, controlling Bendo is another question though. Ben is flexible, strong, and durable, can't wait to see how this plays out.
He'll get some tds, but I think bendo is the superior submission grappler. Also, Thompson took the back mainly from scrambles and clinches - he's not necessarily a takedown machine but rather a very smooth, technical, submissison grappler. Rutam's wrestling and sambo is impressive, but josh thomspon would beat him on the mat in a sub grappling comp in my opinion - he's one of the best and Bendo hung in there. I don't think Rustam will get such positions on Bendo, only get take downs and time in top control. He's 'Smooth' for a reason. Rustam isn't what I call smooth, I'd call him brutish and powerful with his grappling. Big, powerful takedowns, then positional smashing. Bendo should be ready for that and should be the superior, faster scrambler and jitz artist when things get dicey on the floor or clinch. Will be close and I'll admit I'm reluctant to have made a play on bendo, but Bendo UD.
That's for sure. Khabilov can ragdoll anybody. Just like Nurmagomedov can. I love them both and I love how they're so similar and yet so different...
Rustam is Combat Sambo World Champion, no chance in wrestling for bendo. I hope we'll see Rustam's exciting style yet again.
