@Main_Card_MMA
I re-watched the highlights quickly. No Cannonier Stuffed both takedowns Whittaker did. One because he popped back up and broke Whittaker grip with never having touching his hands to the ground or something so I don't believe it's counted.
Whittaker caught him with his Jab-Head kick combo and that is how they were on the ground. Cannonier showed solid grappling defense there. Anyway, to your points. I don't know about the clinch, is Gastelum particularly technical there?
Its usually bad to be in there with the taller stronger guy in the clinch. With frequent TDs from Gastelum, I believe Cannonier is good enough to stop them. He caught Jack Hermansson coming in for a takedown, plus going for a TD and not getting it is more tiring then defending them.
This will work for Gastelum if he has a significantly better gas, which I can't think for a reason why i would give him that. Has Gastelum showed a real good gas tank? I may be blanking. Whittaker was definitely reacting to the leg kicks, however, this is the same dude who beat Prime Romero with a totally busted leg.
I can't see into Cannonier's gameplan. However, he kicked very heavily with both Silva & Whittaker. I think it is one of his staples. He may finish him, the kicks are bankable strikes that score well and delodge some movement & power from a faster opponent.
Cannonier seems slower than Gastelum, thats definitely a point in Gastelum side. Probably better footwork too.