UFC 226: Miocic vs. Cormier (July 07, 2018)

[Thor4140]

Did some film work on Ortega and Blessed last night. Re watched a lot of their fights. I think Blessed had some trouble with McGregor mainly because he was a southpaw but really did hold his own but those takedowns Conor got worry me. Stand up i am not to worried for Bless but Ortega is no joke on his feet. Blessed pick apart Swanson which i was really impressed by. Originally i was big on Blessed but this might be a no play to me. I think this fight is more of an even fight. This to me is the fight im dying to see Saturday night. As for Fielder remember he is moving up to 170 but he is a huge 155. I wonder if Pauls power will be on a different level now with not having the brutal weight cut he usually does. Can't wait for this card

[strictlypaypal]

Looking at the co main from a neutral standpoint i 100% believe ortega’s jiu jitsu is more dangerous to max than max’s standup is to ortega. I know this is mma but it really says something on just how much ortega’s JJ is levels ahead of max when he’s snatching cub’s (jj black belt) head out of nowhere and almost snatching edgars (high level black belt) with the crowd gasping. All of ortegas subs are out of nowhere or in transition as well. I dont even remember him looking for a TD in his last 4 fights for sure not the last 2. I think he might this time around max is a purple belt there’s just levels to this and i think ortega catches him, maybe even a leg lock. Were not dealing with maia caliber stand up here.

[Shagdogy]

Looking at the co main from a neutral standpoint i 100% believe ortega’s jiu jitsu is more dangerous to max than max’s standup is to ortega. I know this is mma but it really says something on just how much ortega’s JJ is levels ahead of max when he’s snatching cub’s (jj black belt) head out of nowhere and almost snatching edgars (high level black belt) with the crowd gasping. All of ortegas subs are out of nowhere or in transition as well. I dont even remember him looking for a TD in his last 4 fights for sure not the last 2. I think he might this time around max is a purple belt there’s just levels to this and i think ortega catches him, maybe even a leg lock. Were not dealing with maia caliber stand up here.

Max 100% TDD over his last 6 fights (maybe more). Ortega attempts very few TDs and when he does he RARELY finishes them. Has 14% TD accuracy according to FightMetric.

What you said about Ortega snatching the neck is correct. I think he is MUCH more dangerous on the neck than anywhere else with his BJJ. Moicano and Brandao both entered Ortega’s guard multiple times and came out unscathed. Neither guy escaped once he had their neck. Neither did Cub. Why is this important? Moicano shot on Ortega looking to secure the round. The secret is out on that tactic. Max will not be shooting, and he has the experience and composure to remember that in the heat of battle. Okay, so Brandao and Cub? Both times Ortega snatched their necks standing. But what did they do? They ducked their heads down in the clinch and Ortega swam over the top with his guillotine or darce grip. Why does THAT matter? Well I have not noticed that ducking down in the pocket and in the clinch is something Max does. I think he avoids this. Also, he is 3” taller than Ortega which will make it even harder for Ortega to swim over and grab that neck from standing. I know Ortega is incredibly dangerous and I won’t count him out but I don’t think he grabs Max’s neck unless he hurts him first.

I think this is a standup fight where Ortega hangs better than we thought but still Max carries an early lead. And then, in rounds 4 and 5 I think it will be an absolute insane sprint to the finish. Both guys seem to have strong cardio and build steam as the fight goes on, and neither one has a mindset that can be broken mid fight. I think both of these guys see the championship rounds for the first time in their careers and we get 2 absolutely thrilling rounds to watch. Both champions. That’s my guess.

[strictlypaypal]

Max 100% TDD over his last 6 fights (maybe more). Ortega attempts very few TDs and when he does he RARELY finishes them. Has 14% TD accuracy according to FightMetric.

What you said about Ortega snatching the neck is correct. I think he is MUCH more dangerous on the neck than anywhere else with his BJJ. Moicano and Brandao both entered Ortega’s guard multiple times and came out unscathed. Neither guy escaped once he had their neck. Neither did Cub. Why is this important? Moicano shot on Ortega looking to secure the round. The secret is out on that tactic. Max will not be shooting, and he has the experience and composure to remember that in the heat of battle. Okay, so Brandao and Cub? Both times Ortega snatched their necks standing. But what did they do? They ducked their heads down in the clinch and Ortega swam over the top with his guillotine or darce grip. Why does THAT matter? Well I have not noticed that ducking down in the pocket and in the clinch is something Max does. I think he avoids this. Also, he is 3” taller than Ortega which will make it even harder for Ortega to swim over and grab that neck from standing. I know Ortega is incredibly dangerous and I won’t count him out but I don’t think he grabs Max’s neck unless he hurts him first.

I think this is a standup fight where Ortega hangs better than we thought but still Max carries an early lead. And then, in rounds 4 and 5 I think it will be an absolute insane sprint to the finish. Both guys seem to have strong cardio and build steam as the fight goes on, and neither one has a mindset that can be broken mid fight. I think both of these guys see the championship rounds for the first time in their careers and we get 2 absolutely thrilling rounds to watch. Both champions. That’s my guess.

This is why i love this site!!! I think this is taking FOTN. Cant wait to be there. Looks like in the embedded Ortega is practicing leg locks

[strictlypaypal]

Also shag whats your thoughts on the main event?

[Thor4140]

Max 100% TDD over his last 6 fights (maybe more). Ortega attempts very few TDs and when he does he RARELY finishes them. Has 14% TD accuracy according to FightMetric.

.

This statement means absolutely nothing. He fought one guy who tries to take you down and Lamas still bangs most of his fights. Im not saying Max is not good at take down defense but that statement is so misleading

[Shagdogy]

This statement means absolutely nothing. He fought one guy who tries to take you down and Lamas still bangs most of his fights. Im not saying Max is not good at take down defense but that statement is so misleading

Did you watch those fights? He fought off a double on the cage against Oliveira with ease, fought off a shot in the center against Stephens and rode it to the fence and then defended with single overhook until he could circle off cage asap, he fought off multiple TD attempts of Lamas including grabbing the neck twice as a counter to single legs and making Lamas full on bail on his TD attempts, and he successfully defended two TDs of Pettis at the end of round 1 and round 2 as Pettis attempted to steal rounds. That’s a lot of takedowns. And can you point to anything that implies Ortega has better TDs than any of those opponents? This is relevant info. There’s no replacement for doing your HW. Watch those fights and tell me Max didn’t defend any TDs.

[Shagdogy]

Also shag whats your thoughts on the main event?

IMO it’s hard to bet against DC especially if you’re gonna give me almost 2.5 to 1. That said, I plan to actually do my HW on this one tonight. I don’t expect to uncover anything ground breaking though. Will mostly be looking to see if I think Stipe’s boxing is suited to the style DC will bring, and if I think DCs particular brand of wresting will work against Stipe. If I notice anything important I’ll try to remember to share.

[Hugo de Naranja]

Looking at the co main from a neutral standpoint i 100% believe ortega’s jiu jitsu is more dangerous to max than max’s standup is to ortega. I know this is mma but it really says something on just how much ortega’s JJ is levels ahead of max when he’s snatching cub’s (jj black belt) head out of nowhere and almost snatching edgars (high level black belt) with the crowd gasping. All of ortegas subs are out of nowhere or in transition as well. I dont even remember him looking for a TD in his last 4 fights for sure not the last 2. I think he might this time around max is a purple belt there’s just levels to this and i think ortega catches him, maybe even a leg lock. Were not dealing with maia caliber stand up here.

Max Subbed Swanson too.

[Hugo de Naranja]

Max 100% TDD over his last 6 fights (maybe more). Ortega attempts very few TDs and when he does he RARELY finishes them. Has 14% TD accuracy according to FightMetric.

What you said about Ortega snatching the neck is correct. I think he is MUCH more dangerous on the neck than anywhere else with his BJJ. Moicano and Brandao both entered Ortega’s guard multiple times and came out unscathed. Neither guy escaped once he had their neck. Neither did Cub. Why is this important? Moicano shot on Ortega looking to secure the round. The secret is out on that tactic. Max will not be shooting, and he has the experience and composure to remember that in the heat of battle. Okay, so Brandao and Cub? Both times Ortega snatched their necks standing. But what did they do? They ducked their heads down in the clinch and Ortega swam over the top with his guillotine or darce grip. Why does THAT matter? Well I have not noticed that ducking down in the pocket and in the clinch is something Max does. I think he avoids this. Also, he is 3” taller than Ortega which will make it even harder for Ortega to swim over and grab that neck from standing. I know Ortega is incredibly dangerous and I won’t count him out but I don’t think he grabs Max’s neck unless he hurts him first.

I think this is a standup fight where Ortega hangs better than we thought but still Max carries an early lead. And then, in rounds 4 and 5 I think it will be an absolute insane sprint to the finish. Both guys seem to have strong cardio and build steam as the fight goes on, and neither one has a mindset that can be broken mid fight. I think both of these guys see the championship rounds for the first time in their careers and we get 2 absolutely thrilling rounds to watch. Both champions. That’s my guess.

I think this is a great read on the fight. Ortega is incredibly dangerous on the mat and also an underrated striker. Still I think Max's composure and fight IQ are off the chart and that will fight the day for him.

[Shagdogy]

I think this is a great read on the fight. Ortega is incredibly dangerous on the mat and also an underrated striker. Still I think Max's composure and fight IQ are off the chart and that will fight the day for him.

Any thoughts on the 4th and 5th rounds? I think it will make it there and we've not seen either fighter there. Both guys have real good cardio and get stronger as the fight goes on. I think the championship rounds could be totally nuts, and while my read says Max in a 3 round fight, the unknown of rounds 4 and 5 has me a bit hesitant.

[Thor4140]

Did you watch those fights? He fought off a double on the cage against Oliveira with ease, fought off a shot in the center against Stephens and rode it to the fence and then defended with single overhook until he could circle off cage asap, he fought off multiple TD attempts of Lamas including grabbing the neck twice as a counter to single legs and making Lamas full on bail on his TD attempts, and he successfully defended two TDs of Pettis at the end of round 1 and round 2 as Pettis attempted to steal rounds. That’s a lot of takedowns. And can you point to anything that implies Ortega has better TDs than any of those opponents? This is relevant info. There’s no replacement for doing your HW. Watch those fights and tell me Max didn’t defend any TDs.

those guys are not takedown machines but than again Ortega isnt either. After reading what u just said i think I’m going to go with Max again. It is Max or nothing for me. Not sure who u like from your post. Looks like u are leaning Max i believe. This should be a terrific fight. Hopefullyy it doesn’t end up like the Rivera fight recently. That would be a bummer

[Hugo de Naranja]

Any thoughts on the 4th and 5th rounds? I think it will make it there and we've not seen either fighter there. Both guys have real good cardio and get stronger as the fight goes on. I think the championship rounds could be totally nuts, and while my read says Max in a 3 round fight, the unknown of rounds 4 and 5 has me a bit hesitant.

I think Max will really pour it on and do damage in the second and third rounds. If Ortega goes into R4/R5 already damaged, I think he will be less offensively potent and Max will win those rounds as well.

[Shagdogy]

I think Max will really pour it on and do damage in the second and third rounds. If Ortega goes into R4/R5 already damaged, I think he will be less offensively potent and Max will win those rounds as well.

Never really seen Ortega damaged. We've seen him get hit, but he has worn everything well so far in his career. Will be interesting to see if either guy can really hurt the other on the feet. I think it will take a lot of strikes. Both chins look solid.

[Sato]

Felder/Perry -> Felder. he isnt going to be intimitated by Mike and hes winning IMO. -155(5d)

Vannata -> Klose. I love Vannata but he put Madkessi away with a miracle shot and couldnt get past Brown. Hes flashy but not that efficient. Klose grinded out Diakiese and I believe he can get do it again vs Vannata. +155 (5d)

Holloway/Ortega -> Max. I really dont like Ortegas 3rd round finishes especially vs Moicano where he was probably behind. Max is another dimension in standup compared to Moicano and Edgar. Its not Holloways time yet to give up the belt. -135(5d).

[Teem]

What do you guys think of Assuncao/Font? Assuncao has low output but if he can keep Font at bay with leg kicks and mix in some takedowns he might take the decision. But with Font's 5 inch reach advantage and his striking aggression he could pick Assuncao apart on the scorecards. I actually like Font here for a split decision. Maybe that's because I secretly want him to win.

[Shagdogy]

What do you guys think of Assuncao/Font? Assuncao has low output but if he can keep Font at bay with leg kicks and mix in some takedowns he might take the decision. But with Font's 5 inch reach advantage and his striking aggression he could pick Assuncao apart on the scorecards. I actually like Font here for a split decision. Maybe that's because I secretly want him to win.

Hard to pick anyone by split over Assuncao. He seems to always nudge those decisions his way somehow.

[Hugo de Naranja]

Felder/Perry -> Felder. he isnt going to be intimitated by Mike and hes winning IMO. -155(5d)

Vannata -> Klose. I love Vannata but he put Madkessi away with a miracle shot and couldnt get past Brown. Hes flashy but not that efficient. Klose grinded out Diakiese and I believe he can get do it again vs Vannata. +155 (5d)

Holloway/Ortega -> Max. I really dont like Ortegas 3rd round finishes especially vs Moicano where he was probably behind. Max is another dimension in standup compared to Moicano and Edgar. Its not Holloways time yet to give up the belt. -135(5d).

Do you mean Green?

[Hugo de Naranja]

What do you guys think of Assuncao/Font? Assuncao has low output but if he can keep Font at bay with leg kicks and mix in some takedowns he might take the decision. But with Font's 5 inch reach advantage and his striking aggression he could pick Assuncao apart on the scorecards. I actually like Font here for a split decision. Maybe that's because I secretly want him to win.

Font is my boy but I think I'm pick Assuncao too. I don't mind a small play of Font ITD (+370) since he's an underrated finisher.

[Thrilla]

"Know that your money is tied to only one outcome when you are betting Stipe...and that's for him to knock me out. That's the only way he could beat me" - Daniel Cormier.

[Teem]

NUUUUUUUUUUUUUUuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu!

Lost both Hawaiians now. RIP Hawaii. The MMA gods have unleashed their fury.

Ortega/Edgar II for the interim incoming? Hmmm. Edgar did give Ortega the fight risking his title shot when he didn't have to. Will Ortega return the favor? Idk, what Edgar would weigh right now.

Most likely won't happen. Sigh.

Really hope Max is okay though, does not sound good whatever it is.

[Kermit]

I was looking forward to Holloway/Ortega more than any other fight this year.

[Kermit]

Max does look fukked up here.

[Rich Benjamins]

For me, this is a relief. I had a bet on Hollaway, didn't feel too good about it glad that got cancelled. I'm more excited about Cormier/Miocic anyways.

[Thor4140]

I was looking forward to Holloway/Ortega more than any other fight this year.

I think most were. This sucks big time

[Thrilla]

MMA Fighting's Marc Raimondi and Shaun Al-Shatti discuss the news of champion Max Holloway being out of UFC 226 featherweight title fight against Brian Ortega due to concussion-like symptoms from Las Vegas.

[Mackballs]

Unbelievable. This has to stop.

[JAKEPEAVY21]

I was really fired up for Holloway vs Ortega but I'm glad fighter safety is taken seriously. If you watched Max's interviews recently, he seemed stoned and was speaking slower than usual and clearly was not right. He was fighting his team to stay in the fight, I'm glad he has people around him that have his long term best interests at heart. Hopefully these symptoms pass and are not permanent.

[Mackballs]

Max simply cannot make 145 healthily any longer. Time to move up.

[Sato]

Again Max? He sounded braindead in that interview with Megan Olivi. 145 literally kills him. Time for lightweight division because pulling out 2 times in a row for high caliber fights has to be a record.

Do you mean Green?

Yes

[PaperTrail07]

100%.....I like Max...he's is committed to the point of death....would go in hurt, sick.....sometimes they need stopped.......it sucks though.....hoping Edgar steps in on a day's notice.....maybe Guida....

I was really fired up for Holloway vs Ortega but I'm glad fighter safety is taken seriously. If you watched Max's interviews recently, he seemed stoned and was speaking slower than usual and clearly was not right. He was fighting his team to stay in the fight, I'm glad he has people around him that have his long term best interests at heart. Hopefully these symptoms pass and are not permanent.

[Kermit]

100%.....I like Max...he's is committed to the point of death....would go in hurt, sick.....sometimes they need stopped.......it sucks though.....hoping Edgar steps in on a day's notice.....maybe Guida....

I don't think Ortega wants to fight anyone but Max. Rumor is that he turned down a fight with Frankie and Jeremy Stephens. Also a rumor that Jeremy Stephens might be fighting Frankie.

[Kermit]

Brett Okamoto ✔ @bokamotoESPN



I’m told the UFC’s first choice when Holloway was pulled, was an interim title fight between Ortega and Stephens. Ortega is declining that fight, opting to wait for Holloway. No timeframe for Holloway’s return right now, obviously, but no chance he’d fight at UFC 227 next month.
11:27 AM - Jul 5, 2018

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[Kermit]

Brett Okamoto ✔ @bokamotoESPN



Per sources, the UFC tried to make Frankie Edgar vs. Jeremy Stephens for interim featherweight title late, late last night, but it’s just too short of notice for Edgar. He wanted to do it, I’m told, but wasn’t feasible.
11:04 AM - Jul 5, 2018

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• 135 people are talking about this

[MadTiger]

"Operation Dumbo Drop II"

Starring:
Will Smith
Channing Tatum
Tony Ferguson
Max Holloway


Max fought hard to get there. I knew he was meant for the strap from the first time I saw him fight in the UFC. Epic win streak lead to the gold. But, he may need to take a step back.