EdmundsEmptyBankAccount
Pulsing expert from Pulsylvania
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Fair points! I agree, it seems less likely that Woodley can go up in his late 30's and have success.It's a combo, he's already probably reaching the point of diminishing returns as far as speed and strength. So if his speed begins to decline, the size disadvantage will be a lot more apparent since he will likely not be able to compete strength wise with the guys at MW. Gastelum is kind of an outlier, and we all know it's more likely due to poor discipline rather than being suited for the division ... he just happens to make it work because his skills are so top notch and actually improving. I think moving up in weight when Tyron's athletic prime begins to fade could be a disaster for him. He still looks good though, so who knows maybe he's going to be able to compete into his 40s or something.
Although, I truly believe weight cutting is fucking over a huge % of the roster.
In my mind, purely from fighting with higher hydration levels, Woodley goes up means he gains back strength, he improves his output rate, he increases his speed (potentially - some guys gain "dumb weight" and get slower as they move up) and arguably he will be more powerful given he will have more mass.
Then, you subtract the perils of Age, subtract his height, subtract higher punching power of opponents... it's a tough call.
Whilst many see Gastelum as the outlier, I see Whittaker/Gastelum as writing the new manual for Middleweight.
I am not surprised two "170lb fighters" have risen up to be the best 185lb fighters in the world (I don't believe every line the UFC hands me; this one seems true enough).