Dom didn't land the better shots. I thought so too, I rewatched the fight recently at that's just not the case. Dom completely outwrestled him, and in a rematch I'd probably favor Dom - but barely over a year before that Brad Pickett completely dominated DJ, and not too long after Ian McCall probably should have gotten a win over him. Not the same dude we see dominating FW imho.
Compared to other guys considered to have great fight IQ.
You're speaking from the perspective of someone who is a fan of the dude, which is respectable and fair but at least acknowledge it.
Jorgenson and Bowles were the best available, I think most would agree that neither would be top 10 at BW today even in their prime.
Benavidez is an amazing fighter though I must say he nearly took a split against Dom- despite the fact that he was basically fighting a guy up a weight class.
DJ had been in Zuffa for a year - and fighting up a weight class.
Mizukagi is the ultimate gatekeeper.
TJ Dillishaw is a great fighter.
I look at that list, and I look at GSP or Jones' resume and my reaction? Meh.
And it's not even Dominick's fault, I'll acknowledge that - he's been out of the game for way too long
But the fact remains. Meh.
Wait, you mean despite the fact that he pretty much unanimously won the last two rounds on both media and judges scorecards? TJ slowing down and still being able to do that just speaks to him being a savvy enough fighter to make adjustments while tired - which speaks volumes.
You guys are out here pretending like Dom just showcases absolute dominance over elite fighters fight in and fight out. He doesn't,
He's completely shut down Faber (the third time because the second fight was close), Mizugaki, Jorgenson and Bowles - and I guess Joey B the first time around
DJ despite being green gave it to him the first time around, great performance from Dom to overcome that
Benavidez almost took a win off of him, I personally thought the fight was a draw
TJ almost took a win off him, fans and media I think were pretty split
And these are the three best names on his resume
It's not like when he fought the Benavidez rematch he showed massive improvements against the dude.
Really? Best fight IQ ever? Whether or not it's true, there's no proof for it.
Dominick's best in fight quality is making it look like he's winning exchanges even when he's not, if that's what you consider to be GOAT fight IQ then we'll have to agree to disagree.
His biggest strength outside the cage? Making fans believe he's better than he is.
Injuries aside, dude belongs on the mount rushmore of the lighterweight classes right now, especially given his history
But c'mon son, best fight IQ ever? Don't gimme that. I'm looking at GSP shutting out all comers, and Jones schooling elite fighter after elite fighter with brilliant tactics. I'm looking at DJ constantly making improvements dominating rematches with dudes that gave it to him the first time around.
Come back when you shut down an elite fighter bantamweight fighter in his prime.
