The moment that makes me think Anderson might be done.

It wasn't the clowning KO, it wasn't the leg break...it was this:



Anderson has grabbed clinches on people for years, and gotten punched, hard, while doing it. In the past, he either ignored it or even laughed it off. Now, a chippy shot behind the ear makes his legs buckle.

When I picture Anderson fighting now, I keep seeing this...and I wonder if GSP is right. Once your body can't withstand shots you're accustomed to simply ignoring, you can't fight your own style. Crazy as it sounds, this might be Nick Diaz by stoppage.

 

Yeah. Me too. That chin is never going to be the same.

 

You can't take shots (no matter HOW good your chin is) over the years and not eventually have it take an affect on you. Anderson has put his body thru a ton of punishment over the years, even in spite of being one of the greatest fighters ever. The wear and tear is catching up with an aging body.

 

Yeah, I think the same way, TS. As soon as this happened in the second fight my hopes were gone...

 

You guys are too much.

The guy is a mortal. He didn't see it coming. Have you ever been hit by something you didn't see coming?

 

I agree. That was the most telling part of both fights. He is done.

 

Strikes like that cause most people to drop. But I agree that Anderson's ability to take strikes to the head is probably diminished, as is expected after a career like his in MMA.

 

Could also have something to do with the fact that he was fighting an undefeated super skilled fighter.

 

Anderson was standing on one leg while eating this shot. You can't absorb a strike if you have no base. The same thing is with the finishing punch in their first fight: Silva happened to stand in very awkward position leaning back and had no base. Even Mighty Mouse could KO him in this position.

 

Agreed. That was a strange and sad moment. I don't think Diaz will be able to do it, but I would be concerned against any big puncher he might fight next.

Hell, Diaz can take a hell of a shot though so maybe. If he can turn this into a brawl and find Anderson's chin a couple times, who knows how he'll take them. Hoping that doesn't happen though, I am a fan of both guys but would not want the GOAT to go out losing to a WW

 

Riveras shots are arm punches. Nothing behind them. Weidman wound up and smacked him behind the ear. The difference is huge.

 

That's what makes me pretty excited for the fight. Niaz will probably push forward a lot and make it a really fun fight.

 

I remember watching that and thinking he was out then hitting the boards later that night and chatting to people and them feeling the same thing. Shot's to the side & back-side of the head really throw you off and take a toll.

 

His chin is what I'm most concerned about going into the Diaz fight. Even if he's hesitant to kick, he should be a good enough boxer to pick Nick apart. Not to mention his clinch.

But if Silva's chin has suffered a Chuck-like decline then his chances are greatly diminished.

 

You probably said the same thing after Chuck got brutally KTFO from Rich Franklin's baby punch from his weak arm. Chins do deteriorate. Yes, not seeing a punch coming is a huge factor but that was NOT a powerful shot regardless. At least Chuck ran into Rich's punch, but it still would not have KO'd him if his chin was not shot. Anderson's eyes rolling and legs giving out from that is not normal.

Hopefully it was just a fluke and Anderson's chin isn't gone. But it's definitely concerning.

Also the GIF you posted is a clean right hook to the chin with follow through. How is it relevant?

 

everyone's ability to take shots begin to drop

 

Was about to say this. Weidman is a beast.

 

He was nearly Ko'd with that punch

 

True, and Anderson is actually better for the wear than all his old Chuteboxe buddies, which isn't saying much.
Can't imagine what they did to each other in the Chuteboxe glory days.

 

Chris framed with his left arm, thats why he was able to hurt Anderson where others couldnt phase him- that and the fact that Anderson had diminished.