Jones - Gus, born same year. Both top of the lhw for years.
Jones vs DC, these guys are also in p4p GOAT conversation.
Khabib and Tony still need to establish themselves as the best LWs ever.
For me they have but i don't think it's a popular opinion, they have to do more. Tony winning the belt, Khabib defenses against some real contenders !I don't know man, I feel they are pretty damn close to cementing that if they haven't already.
A couple rounds of grinding will have the same affect on Ferguson it has on everyone else.I've been saying this for a long time and keep repeating it...but it's still true: cardio matters. A lot. Being the best early reduces his competition to gassed and frustrated victims.
You are right. Khabib does have amazing grappling. I've followed MMA for 19 years now. Hes probably the best 2 round fighter I've ever seen. Nobody can stop what he does while he's fresh. But he DOES slow down. He did a bit vs Barboza and that was a 3 round fight. He did clearly vs Iaquinta. He took round 3 off vs Conor to catch his breath after trying to finish in rd 2.
Now the other guy...
Ferguson is much better off his back than any of the guys Khabib has recently fought. He will make Khabib work harder than they did. I have little doubt Khabib will win round 1, and likely round 2. After that? He will have to deal with a cardio machine that doesn't give you a round off. And that's where I think the fight likely changes. Elite grappling means little if you are exhausted and your opponent is just getting started.
A couple rounds of grinding will have the same affect on Ferguson it has on everyone else.
Actually in my estimation all evidence points to Khabib doing exactly that, aside from Tibau he's taken down everybody and worn them down for extended periods of time and that fight was over 6 years ago. Every single fighter that has fought Khabib and his training partners say his top control is different, like a much bigger man. I look forward to seeing which theory holds true.Based on...? Tony has been put on his back and held there forced to defend for long stretches before and he still looked like the way fresher fighter. You have every right to your opinion of course, but it goes against all the available evidence.
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Actually in my estimation all evidence points to Khabib doing exactly that, aside from Tibau he's taken down everybody and worn them down for extended periods of time and that fight was over 6 years ago. Every single fighter that has fought Khabib and his training partners say his top control is different, like a much bigger man. I look forward to seeing which theory holds true.