Here are some vids on your boy. From the Heavies:
Discuss
Wonderboy is developing bad habits by using focus mitts. I never have and never will use focus mitts.
KarateStylist
see above
Wonderboy is developing bad habits by using focus mitts. I never have and never will use focus mitts.
KarateStylist
As a karate feller, what is your take on his technique in the first vid? Strengths, Weaknesses etc.
What is your take on how the fight will play out?
Discuss.
Stephen's standup is half American kickboxing and half American Kenpo. I never did either. I see a lot of similarities, but the stance is much different and in turn, a lot of the body mechanics are different too.
The first video is actually incredibly interesting, I noticed something very unique about Stephen's style: he kicks directly from his stance, but steps and squares up when he punches. For most fighters, it's almost always the opposite. This means he does choreograph when he throws punches, although I'm having trouble seeing if he squares up with his back leg or his front leg (he actually could do both, which either means he's work both mechanically out to be very unpredictable, or he has sloppy footwork. One or the other). He also practices kicking with his instep, which would normally be a no-no, but he did knock Stittgen the fuck out with one, so more power to him. His punches are really crisp and fast, but no hooks... no uppercuts... Really, the focus was on the kicks. I'd like to see him pull off that spinning hook in the fight, for sure.
As for his chances, well, the hell if I know. It really depends on how much Stephen can keep it on his feet. This is a big test for Wonderboy, I doubt Matt keeps the fight standing, he's gonna clinch up and try and take it to the ground. It less depends on Stephen's striking and more dependent on his jits. I think Stephen's style matches up real well (his in and out and deep stance will make it difficult for Brown to clinch in or shoot) but I really don't KNOW how good Thompson is at MMA. Stittgen was a fucking punching bag. So, I guess we'll see.
Then again, dude uses focus pads. He's fucking done.
Stephen's standup is half American kickboxing and half American Kenpo....
The first video is actually incredibly interesting, I noticed something very unique about Stephen's style: he kicks directly from his stance, but steps and squares up when he punches. For most fighters, it's almost always the opposite. This means he does choreograph when he throws punches, although I'm having trouble seeing if he squares up with his back leg or his front leg (he actually could do both, which either means he's worked both mechanically out to be very unpredictable....
His punches are really crisp and fast, but no hooks... no uppercuts... Really, the focus was on the kicks. I'd like to see him pull off that spinning hook in the fight, for sure.
Then again, dude uses focus pads. He's fucking done.
He's got great timing and excellent kicks, but suspect boxing. He boxes like most American kickboxers seem to--i.e. I can see him getting destroyed by a good boxing stylist who can close distance and exploit that wide open defense of his....
l Matt is going to have to clinch up for sure. His last opponent kind of just reacted and applied no real pressure. You can't just hang back and watch, because when he [WonderBoy] [sic] jumps in, you don't no what combo he will use.
It's been the downfall of fighters since the dawn of time...lolThen again, dude uses focus pads. He's fucking done.
lol.
That instep is a friggin nightmare. Its kind of delayed. It hits you at the last possible minute. And it doesnt just smack you, it digs down in your neck. Thats his trademark move for sure. Im going to learn it if it is the last thing I do. I liked the video. I think he focuses more on straights rather than hooks and uppercuts do to his style of fighting 10 feet away from his opponent, closing distance, but not too close, than leaping back out again, to try a different combo. Matt is going to have to clinch up for sure. His last opponent kind of just reacted and applied no real pressure. You can't just hang back and watch, because when he jumps in, you don't no what combo he will use.
Oh, I almost never use uppercuts, but am prepared to do so. I almost always use linear strikes. Don't need anything else than standard karate straight punches, albeit the amount of preparation varies....
KarateStylist
If Wonderboy's punching skill every catch up with his kicking skills, watch out.
He's got great timing and excellent kicks, but suspect boxing. He boxes like most American kickboxers seem to--i.e. I can see him getting destroyed by a good boxing stylist who can close distance and exploit that wide open defense of his.
Still, love his style. Would love to see him go far.