They’re both on losing streaks, both are ‘exciting’ fighters. It makes sense as a money maker and a retiree maker.
That volkanovski makhachev fight was one of the best I've ever seen. Those dagastanis have such an advantage in the ufc with their ground game but volkanovski did brilliantly to not get submitted and rocked him a few times. If that fight was a little longer I think volkanovski would've finished it. He even took makhachev down near the end. Pretty even really even though makhachev won. Surely they'll fight again soon
In reality they don’t have any more of a wrestling advantage than other countries with strong wrestling traditions, the US included. They also have some great strikers like zabit magomedsharipov. It’s incredible that such a small region can produce so many great fighters. the size difference was very noticeable. Hats off to both guys especially volk for coming so close to pulling off the upset, even with all the physical disadvantages. Was very impressed with Islam on the feet. That’s where he ultimately won the fight
Very close fight and one I 100% wanna see again. Volk is an absolute beast going up again a huge LW and still making it an extremely close fight. Islam might be even better than Khabib at this point though. What a talent.
Close fight but a fairly clear 47-48 win for Islam imo. The mad thing is he struggled to take volk down and won the fight on the feet. His boxing was surprisingly good. They are the 2 best fighters currently in the UFC imo. Fair play to both fighters I think Islam is on a level with khabib. I don't think his wrestling is quite there but stand up is better. I think he will be better over the next couple of years
Jones vs gane at the weekend. I’m intrigued to see how jones deals with not having the physical advantage, and he hasn’t had an actual fight for years.he’s a slight favourite but I’d have to go with gane, naturally bigger, just as athletic, definitely better on the feet, and he’s been active can’t wait
Jones hasn't looked good in his last couple of fights for me and is giving up pretty much every physical advantage to Gane but I just can't bet against him. Expecting him to lean on his wrestling. Gane got out wrestled by Francis so it seems like the best path to victory for Jones.
If Jones wins this fight then he will cement himself as one of the best to do it imo. Even though he's been caught cheating multiple times you'd have to think he's clean these days. He usually has some sort of physical advantage and I can't name a single one against Gane. Going to take all his skill and craft to win imo. Jones though does have an amazing gas tank. Gane not as much so maybe he'll try and take Gane into the late rounds and wear him down on the ground.
Think he wins pretty comfortably myself. As Machida says, probably wrestle his way to a UD. Can't wait to see what this Shavkat can do, seems like an absolute beast. Finishes fights however he wants to it seems.
i think this is the dilemma that most fans have. Anyone betting on this fight is flipping a coin imo. I also think this is why jones is the favourite going in to the fight. No ones ever backed against him since the shogun fight If jones does win this fight then it strengthens any claims of him being the best there’s ever been. Gane would’ve been champion in most eras of the UFC HW division. This isn’t a belt grab like gsp vs blind bisping. This is a fight against a future HW great who’s bang in the middle of his prime I’ve never been a fan but I consider him anywhere between 1-4 p4p now. If he wins this then he’s top my list without a doubt.
i think shavkat is a bigger threat at WW than chimaev. In fact I think he’s gonna have a better run at MW as well. Let’s hope they get matched up sooner rather than later He’s got a dangerous fight at the weekend though if he decides to stand with neale. Not that I think he’ll lose.
i don’t think there’s any doubt tbh. He didn’t even look in top shape yet runs through gane in less than half a round. He’s only a HW because he got fat
They should make him vs chimaev for a title shot. They are the 2 most deserving but there’s no way that fights made next, even though it makes perfect sense. I think Shavkat would end the chimaev hype. He’s gonna be the next king standing champion. I actually think his toughest fight in the division is probably Leon Edwards
He finally got a bit of luck and beat his bogeyman! I’m happy for him as a fan of both fighters. I thought he won their first KB match up. Was definitely winning the second one and possibly up in the final round of their last fight. Poatan looked comfortable and pretty much controlling the fight until the KO. Who knows who wins in another rematch. I don’t think it will happen next but it has to happen sometime soon talk of poatan moving up to LHW. He should imo. The champion and the best fighters are almost all strikers, and he’d still outsize most of them. I’d back him to beat hill and anyone else standing, at that weight
LHW makes sense for him. He's probably the biggest MW I've ever seen tbh. Apparently he had a bit of trouble making weight this time? Had to cut extra weight with just an hour to go before weigh ins. Would be a shame if he did go up in ways because I doubt he'd comeback down for that trilogy fight if he does move. Definitely some great fights to make if he does go up though. Poatan vs. Jiri is a mouthwatering prospect.
