Most people assumed Barao would have killed Cruz. Having watched this fight, it seems movement and speed is Barao's weakness. Has anyone's mind changed on how Cruz vs. Barao would turn out? Mods make this a poll? I thought Cruz would have won and still do. I thought Barao would have won and still do. I thought Cruz would have won, but now pick Barao. I thought Barao would have won, but now pick Cruz. ETA: I am talking about if Cruz was never injured and fought Barao.
I thought Barao would have won and still do. TJ has good footwork like Cruz, but TJs power is substancially better than Cruz's. Cruz not being able to finish was a very important aspect of a Barao match up. I don't see Cruz hurting him early like TJ did, and I don't see him being able to put Renan away either. While I can see Renan getting the upper hand at some point and finishing or hurting Cruz.
Barao losing to TJ doesn't change the fact that Cruz has been out for so long. He needs a tune up fight before fighting the top 3 or 5 guys. Cruz is my favorite BW fighter and I don't want to see him thrown into the wolves immediately.
Cruz has been out for so long that it's hard for me to pick him over Faber let alone Barao. A fight ready Cruz causes all kinds of problems for Barao though.
Theres a reason Cruz has not fought in 3 years. The real question should be: Will Dom ever fight again? Barao would win and then Sherdog can call Cruz overrated for losing 1 fight.
Because some seem confused, I meant the potential Cruz fight if Cruz was never injured. Most people thought Barao beats 100% healthy best ever never injured Cruz. So if Barao fought Cruz and Cruz was never injured.
Of course, but 25 mins against an unhurt opponent who can put people away quickly is a very very long time.
Barao always fades in the deeper rounds due to his weight cut. But you are correct unhurt Barao is more dangerous.
I thought Cruz would have won and still do. Cruz would destroy Barao, it's a terrible matchup for anyone.
Because people said that BEFORE they saw TJ's footwork destroy Barao. How do you not understand? Did you even bother reading? If it was a fight that could happen there would be no asking IF. Why bother posting if you are just going to post nonsense?
