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- Dec 15, 2010
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I'm very surprised at the poll results for this fight. I realize Kelvin Gastelum is a fast improving prospect but I think the UFC gave him too much too soon in this fight. Woodley has the kind of power that can end a fight at any given moment and Kelvin's striking defense has constantly left me wondering, "When is someone going to land that put em' away shot?"
In all of Kelvin's last three fights, we've seen him get tagged often and early, especially in the Story fight, Kelvin has almost put away on more than one occasion due to strikes. Not many will remember due to the Ellenberger fight being such a short affair, but in the brief period where the fight was standing, we saw Kelvin get hit by atleast 3-4 hard shots, luckily he wasn't visibly wobbled.
I'm as big a fan of Kelvin Gastelum as any, but it doesn't change the fact that his striking defense is one of the weakest aspects of his game right now. Not to say that won't change in the future, but the way his striking defense has looked as of late, combined with Tyron Woodley's rare combination of power and speed, I don't see Kelvin lasting through the full 15 minutes. I think it's even more likely he goes down due to Tyron's wrestling pedigree, which will make it harder for Kelvin to get it to the mat when he's in trouble.
I'm with the majority on the Gastelum bandwagon, but I think it hits a speed bump in the form of Tyron Woodley. Too much, too soon for the young WW. And everyone who doubts me is going to see for themselves come next weekend. Tyron Woodley by knockout, and an early one at that.
In all of Kelvin's last three fights, we've seen him get tagged often and early, especially in the Story fight, Kelvin has almost put away on more than one occasion due to strikes. Not many will remember due to the Ellenberger fight being such a short affair, but in the brief period where the fight was standing, we saw Kelvin get hit by atleast 3-4 hard shots, luckily he wasn't visibly wobbled.
I'm as big a fan of Kelvin Gastelum as any, but it doesn't change the fact that his striking defense is one of the weakest aspects of his game right now. Not to say that won't change in the future, but the way his striking defense has looked as of late, combined with Tyron Woodley's rare combination of power and speed, I don't see Kelvin lasting through the full 15 minutes. I think it's even more likely he goes down due to Tyron's wrestling pedigree, which will make it harder for Kelvin to get it to the mat when he's in trouble.
I'm with the majority on the Gastelum bandwagon, but I think it hits a speed bump in the form of Tyron Woodley. Too much, too soon for the young WW. And everyone who doubts me is going to see for themselves come next weekend. Tyron Woodley by knockout, and an early one at that.
