My Two Cents on Liddell Vs. Sobral

Shinshoryu · 08-25-2006, 03:19 AM

Just wanted to get this in before the fight so here are my thoughts...

Looking back on Liddell's record he hasn't had to face a skilled submission grappler. Couture doesn't count because he's a wrestler and some would say that Horn is overrated. So this would really make a first time in a while Liddell has faced someone who may be able to submit him once the fight goes to the ground. Now that being said...

Just how good a grappler is Sobral? Or better yet how good a striker? Is he good enough to stand with Liddell long enough to get the takedown? Is he skilled enough to get the takedown? And once he takes him down can he keep Liddell from standing back up? The only fighter to do accomplish any of this was Couture (in 2 out of the 3 fights) and we all know his incredible wrestling credentials.

I really can't say one way of the other how this fight will turn out. But if Sobral wins it will be because

1. His striking (and chin) allows him to stand with Liddell

2. He can actually take Liddell down and keep him there.

If Liddell wins it's because

1. His comes in the superior striker and utilizes the same gameplan as he did against Horn (beat him down, stay out of his guard and back away so the ref will tell him to get up which keeps the fight in Liddell's comfort zone)

2. Doesn't get overconfident and think just because he beat him once it'll be that easy again.

Anyway it's sure to be a great fight Saturday and I can't wait.

Shinshoryu · 08-25-2006, 03:20 AM

And now I'm blue

TapoutMMA · 08-25-2006, 03:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shinshoryu

Just wanted to get this in before the fight so here are my thoughts...

Looking back on Liddell's record he hasn't had to face a skilled submission grappler. Couture doesn't count because he's a wrestler and some would say that Horn is overrated. So this would really make a first time in a while Liddell has faced someone who may be able to submit him once the fight goes to the ground. Now that being said...

Just how good a grappler is Sobral? Or better yet how good a striker? Is he good enough to stand with Liddell long enough to get the takedown? Is he skilled enough to get the takedown? And once he takes him down can he keep Liddell from standing back up? The only fighter to do accomplish any of this was Couture (in 2 out of the 3 fights) and we all know his incredible wrestling credentials.

I really can't say one way of the other how this fight will turn out. But if Sobral wins it will be because

1. His striking (and chin) allows him to stand with Liddell

2. He can actually take Liddell down and keep him there.

If Liddell wins it's because

1. His comes in the superior striker and utilizes the same gameplan as he did against Horn (beat him down, stay out of his guard and back away so the ref will tell him to get up which keeps the fight in Liddell's comfort zone)

2. Doesn't get overconfident and think just because he beat him once it'll be that easy again.

Anyway it's sure to be a great fight Saturday and I can't wait.

ground wise i think he can pull it off, remember that hes gone the distance with randleman and fedor so im beting he can keep him down, standup i have no clue

Bizz · 08-25-2006, 03:28 AM

FlyingTriangle1 · 08-25-2006, 03:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shinshoryu

Looking back on Liddell's record he hasn't had to face a skilled submission grappler..

what about that one time he fought some dude named Renato Sobral?

ChicagoCobra · 08-25-2006, 03:30 AM

Congrats on your blue belt. And congrats on your very intersting thread. I like your two cents opinion a lot.

GJJNY · 08-25-2006, 03:33 AM

I agree Lidell is in over his head on the ground. I've said it before and I'll say it again, the only thing that has saved Lidell thus far has been his takedown defense. I think Babalu will take it provided he doesn't walk into a punch. Babalu is the more well rounded fighter of the two.