This line’s somewhat hard for me to understand. I think it’s a case of looking at Hettes’ record against other guys willing to trade submission attempts (Pham, Caceres), and his 10-1 overall, 2-1 in the UFC, and liking him over Whiteford who is untested at this level. But Brimage and Whiteford have similar winning records (KO/Decision split, Whiteford’s is arguably more impressive 5/4 v 2/4 kos/decs), and I just don’t think Hettes can have the same type of success against someone whose only objective is to keep it on the feet. In fact I think the age of the pure sub specialist is slowly coming to a close overall in MMA.
Though with Hettes' chin its hard to see a knockout, Brimage showed the blueprint to beat him. Whiteford I think is a little more aggressive of a striker which may leave him open to takedowns, but I still have to like him here. Throw in the fact that they both have the judo background which may help Whiteford keep it standing, and I’ll take the striker/control fighter over the sub spec in this day and age 2 times out of 3 generally (though I prolly make this -150 or less for Whiteford specifically).
The 1 week’s notice would be more scary if he hadn’t been on standby for 6 weeks, and in talks with the UFC before this. As for film I haven’t been able to find as much as I’d like on Whiteford, but do have yet to see him placed on his back, which is good though it fails to answer some questions. RE: Hettes, his striking is just all-around godawful, and I don't think his takedowns are overly impressive.
Though with Hettes' chin its hard to see a knockout, Brimage showed the blueprint to beat him. Whiteford I think is a little more aggressive of a striker which may leave him open to takedowns, but I still have to like him here. Throw in the fact that they both have the judo background which may help Whiteford keep it standing, and I’ll take the striker/control fighter over the sub spec in this day and age 2 times out of 3 generally (though I prolly make this -150 or less for Whiteford specifically).
The 1 week’s notice would be more scary if he hadn’t been on standby for 6 weeks, and in talks with the UFC before this. As for film I haven’t been able to find as much as I’d like on Whiteford, but do have yet to see him placed on his back, which is good though it fails to answer some questions. RE: Hettes, his striking is just all-around godawful, and I don't think his takedowns are overly impressive.