Fighters with too much pride in their stand up

Chris Champion · 07-15-2006, 10:17 AM

It pisses me off. You know, there have been a few examples of late, when one guy has a better ground game and CAN get the other the ground - yet he chooses to stand there and bang simply because he trains a lot of stand up.

Cro Cop and Hunt was a prime example.

I wouldn't say they are two equally matched strikers because technically Mirko is far crisper, but with Hunt's chin - the better option would have been to get it to the ground. Hunt's takedown defense isn't so hot. Cro Cop would have unquestionably won that fight if he'd have fought smart.

Arlovski is the other example.

He clinched and went for one takedown, but it almost looked half hearted. Personally, I think he was just a little tired and wanted to avoid striking until he got his energy back. Tim Sylvia keeps bragging in interviews about how X, Y and Z "couldn't take him down so they didn't bother trying."

I think he's full of shit.

Sylvia is the UFC champion through genetics. He's a monster at 6'8 and a decent striker - not great, decent. It's hard to get inside with someone like that, especially when most MMA fighters don't have the skill that the high level pro boxers do. LeBanner would get inside and I fully would expect him to beat Sylvia in MMA rules - AGAIN, because Tim would be too proud to take him down and give himself an advantage.

I think Monson could surprise a few people if he fights Sylvia. Most people have predicted Tim to win, but the last time he faced someone that tried to grapple with him - he got his arm broke.

It really pissed me off though when he started talking about himself as if he were in the same class as Fedor.

Sylvia fights people with good takedowns = Sylvia gets exposed.

Opinions?

**jerzey devil** · 07-15-2006, 10:24 AM

Leben. He should have known better.

they'dkillme · 07-15-2006, 10:27 AM

nick diaz.

EckY · 07-15-2006, 10:28 AM

Why does everyone say that about the Crocop-Hunt fight?

Crocop clinched with Hunt a couple of times during the fight trying to get a takedown but Hunt just pushed him away, you say Hunt doesnt have good takedown defence but when did Crocop get good takedowns? If Kohsaka couldnt take Hunt down then you can be sure Crocop wouldnt be able to.

Crocop even said before the fight he thought his ground game would win him the fight, but he could not get the fight to the ground.

Mr. KiLo · 07-15-2006, 10:29 AM

If you want to see someone who was proud and tried to stand and strike with someone better than them at striking, watch Barnett vs Rizzo. Barnett got what he deservced IMO. You play with fire, you get burned. Or in this case you play with the Brazilian Muay Thai Champ, you get your nose bone pushed to the other side of your face. One of the best and most devestating KOs in history. In slow mo, you see Barnett's whole head just jiggle worse than when CroCop KOd Igor.

tsteppe · 07-15-2006, 10:29 AM

Nick Diaz is a Gracie student, but he prefers to rely on his standup. Then again most UFC fighters are looking not only to win but have an entertaining fight. which is shy they prefer stand up

Mr. KiLo · 07-15-2006, 10:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by they'dkillme

nick diaz.

Nick Diaz has very good striking and some decent boxing credentials, if I'm not mistaken. He also KOd Robbie Lawler, which is never an easy task.

bignothing · 07-15-2006, 10:34 AM

What about BJ... awesome JJ but prefers to bang...

toddwarner99 · 07-15-2006, 10:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jerzey devil

Leben. He should have known better.

THe sad Irony of the story is Leben commented on the fight between Rich and NAte, his attitude was Nate was unprepare. Leben thought he would of done a better job. I guess he did such a good Job against The spider............

subterfuge · 07-15-2006, 10:35 AM

Arlovski definitely, Crocop probably, Leben I think would have had trouble taking Silva down and coming out on top in a scramble. Though of course it would have been difficult to have more trouble than he did on his feet. Also I can't wait to see Sylvia/Monson. Then eventually Arlovski/Monson...!?