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How can Wand beat Mirko?
Wanderlei is my favorite fighter, but I don't know if he can beat Mirko in September. I gave Wand v. Mirko I to Wanderlei because he was more aggressive but I believe Wanderlei sustained more damage: Wand's ribs looked really bruised, while Mirko looked relatively unscathed. Plus, Mirko looked really tentative in that fight - very reluctant to commit to any big kicks out of fear of being taken down.
Today, Mirko is such a better fighter than he was in Wand v. Mirko 1. He has developed a superb takedown defense, and he appears to have gained much more comfort on the ground. As such, he has become a better MMA striker (which is different from being a great K-1 striker). He can now commit to kicks because he isn't as prone to and not as fearful of the takedown.
He is also a better striker than Wanderlei in that Mirko's punches and kicks are more precise. Moreover, although I think Wanderlei may be a more powerful and explosive puncher, Mirko's kicking is better than Wanderlei's in every regard and Mirko's punches are more accurate. Plus, Mirko probably has the reach advantage.
I'm not sure how Wanderlei can win this one. It is certainly possible and I'm definitely rooting for him. If he goes all "axe-murderer" on Mirko maybe he can intimidate and overpower him with punches and soccer kicks. Not sure if that's a likely scenario.
One thing is clear in my mind: if he beats Mirko and is healthy by November, I don't see him losing to Chuck. I believe Mirko is better at everything at which Chuck is good: striking, takedown defense, knockout avoidance, power, and smarts.
Last edited by wanfan_ha : 08-09-2006 at 12:35 AM.
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