Stylistic match up analysis: Kickboxer vs Boxer

[padirk165]

This question concerns the upcoming UFC heavyweight title fight between Werdum and Miocic. I am hoping someone here can give a explanation of how the stand up in this fight will go. I follow mma a lot but have a grappling background so struggle to understand the finer points of striking match ups. My limited assessment of the matchup is: Werdum is a well rounded kickboxer who uses his kicks well at range and has solid 2-3 punch combs he sets up off kicks or as counters, also benefits from being able to execute any gameplan he chooses on the feet since his bottom game is so dangerous that opponents don't want to take him down. Miocic a boxer/wrestler, will have a speed advantage but has not shown much power in his career, credentialed as a gold gloves champ (Ohio, i think), but hasn't show striking of an elite caliber of a guy like Overeem.

Will Werdum's kick be enough to neutralize Miocic's speed adv, or will speed and athleticism be enough for Miocic?

 

[SuperLuigi]

Where is CK when you need him?

Not sure how this one goes. Werdum seems to be the better striker but Stipe has great cardio, a great chin and a lot of heart. The advantage in hands also helps a lot in a 25 minute HW fight with 4 ounce gloves. If they stand up the whole time I think Werdum wins, but I think Stipe will get a few late round takedowns to steal some rounds.

 

[padirk165]

Grappling with Werdum isnt much of a way to win rounds or the fight. He the best grappler in the division and brob second best in UFC behind Maia. Every takedown Stipe gets is a 10-15% chance he gets finished. Werdum has a guillotine he will hunt off leg attacks and if Miocic gets the TD and tries to stay on top in his guard he will either sweep or submit.

 

[Snubnoze707]

Never heard of these Jabronis...

 

[Karlnybrink]

Werdum is practicing Muay Thai and not Kickboxing. Stylistic-wise a Muay Thai fighter should always beat a boxer but the circumstances change because this is a MMA match and the weight class is heavyweight. It is a high risk to use the roundhouse above the feet in MMA since it can be caught and it'll lead to a takedown where it is dangerous to be on your back because of the ground and pound. However, I belive that Werdum is not worried about that fact since he is so dangerous on his back and a high level BJJ practicioner as well. Werdum should then, execute switch left kick's to Stipe's arms to stop his momentum going forward to combination punch or else threaten his centerline with jabs and teeps. Boxers tend to use a squared bladed stance that is bend for maximum punching power, that stance is a high risk in Muay Thai because the lead leg is exposed for leg kicks. A good example on this in MMA is Rafael Dos Anjos Vs. Nate Diaz.