Davis will likely try a kick based striking attack like he did in the standup against Nog. I think 2 judges actually gave Davis the 1st round where all he did was get his kicks blocked. If Rashad comes out wanting to throw hands, he will have to get into boxing range, making it easier for Davis to try to take him down.
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Nog's style isn't one that looks to put the other guy on his back. He was trying to keep it standing against Davis. And since that was the case, Davis could throw kicks with little worry. But it would be the last thing you want to do against another wrestler, all you're doing is giving him something to catch and take you down with. Regardless, I don't see Rashad throwing too many strikes in this fight, as his fighting style has dramatically changed since his KO loss to Machida. He's gotten rid of "Bro Cop" and returned to his 2006 style, going back to the wrestler who beat Sam Hodger and Bonner by decision.
For both of these guys, the real goal is to fight Bones for the championship, that means you're fighting not to lose and essentially following a gameplan designed to minimize the possibility for mistakes. You're going to try to turn it into a battle for position and ride clock as much as possible. That means two things: 1) takedown away from the fence; or 2) clinch and pin the opponent against the fence. Pinning the opponent up against the fence is great way to ride clock, keep doing it until the ref orders you apart. If you do get a takedown, stay in his guard, and try to look busy in order to prevent a stand up from the refs.
If this does comedown to a takedown contest, I think the advantage is with Rashad. Rashad only has to worry about defending the takedown, while Davis still has to respect Rashad's striking as well as takedown ability. That's a huge advantage for Rashad in this fight.Comment -
Rashad has better speed as well, so his shoot for a TD will be faster, as well as with jabs and the "Rashad dance" while looking for punches or takedowns.
I don't really see anywhere Davis holds an advantage other than submissions, which aren't that threatening against top level talent.Comment -
You guys are right. Rashad tends to get caught striking but that shouldn't be a problem because Davis will be reluctant to throw hands with Rashad.Comment -
Anyone like the Evans/Davis distance prop?Comment -
damn.....that sucks.
well sheeeiiit, I'll go for tito/rashad if everone else at lhw is booked. Very short notice, but its kinda a win/win situation for tito and he's not in a bad spot condition-wise from his last fight. I know many people would hate this match up, but I wouldn't be surprised if it happens like they suggest.Comment -
I'm guessing Machida steps up.Comment -
I guess we'll have to wait and see a line. I most likely will still be on Rashad, but it probably will be just a small play.Comment -
Tito Ortiz was offered the fight and turned it down.Comment -
We better not hear Tito say he wants his belt back no more. This was his chance to beat a contender.
As for Evans looksmlike he may not get that title shot for a while with another loss to MachidaComment -
Tito doesn't treat the sport like a fight IMO, which is OK. He seems to like the 9 week training camp and whole peaking thing. He's big on nutrition as well. Has he ever taken a fight on short notice? Not a knock, it's just not his thing.
Also, Tito is a huge LHW, so making that big cut again so soon probably isn't something he wants to be doing.
I'll give him a pass. He certainly shouldn't be scared of Rashad and I doubt he is.Comment -
yeeeuup... http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Ort...-UFC-133-33936
He would have been an idiot to have turned it down, it really is a win - win situation for him. Not necessarily thrilled on this, but like I said I'll go for it!!!Comment -
Matt Hamill (10-3 MMA, 9-3 UFC) has replaced Vladimir Matyushenko (25-5 MMA, 7-3 UFC) and now meets fellow light heavyweight Alexander Gustafsson (11-1 MMA, 3-1 UFC) at UFC 133.
Hopefully Hamill comes out as the favorite.Comment -
Rashad goes from a -130 against Davis to a +245 against Machida, and all the way down to a -450 against Ortiz all in the same cardComment -
Missed out on when they posted the line for Evans vs Machida. Cool to seeComment -
UFC 133 has experienced another high-profile loss in the light heavyweight division as Antonio Rogerio Nogueira has been forced to withdraw from a planned matchup with Rich Franklin.
The UFC is currently seeking a replacement opponent for "Ace."Comment -
Damn I was liking ace as the underdog vs lil nogComment -
f\*\*k, they are dropping like flies! Maybe Hamill/Franklin rematch is happening now, would rather see Gustafsson meet Franklin but I doubt that will happen. Hopefully they´ll find someone so nobody gets axed from the card.Comment
