UFC on Versus Preview: Junior Dos Santos Faces Formidable Test in Gabriel Gonzaga
by Leland Roling on Mar 19, 2010 11:34 AM EDT
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Some fans might say that the heavyweight clash between Brazilian striker Junior Dos Santos (10-1, 4-0 UFC) and fellow Brazilian fighter Gabriel Gonzaga (11-4, 7-3 UFC) should be considered the highlight of the evening's four-fight main card. You'd likely be hard pressed to find any fans that completely disagree as Dos Santos has been linked to talk that he may gain a bout for contendership with a win on Sunday while some fans believe Gonzaga's size and credentials could give large fighters like Shane Carwin, Frank Mir, and Brock Lesnar a run for their money at the top of the division. This bout could potentially vault the winner into the big three at the top of the division.
But that isn't the only intrigue in this fight. First and foremost, it's another test for Junior Dos Santos. He's mostly walked through strikers who were unable to out duel him on the feet. Werdum never had the opportunity to put Dos Santos on the ground, and Stefan Struve was bombed with overhands within the first minute of their match-up. Grapplers haven't had solid outings against Dos Santos, but Gonzaga could change that trend.
One of the most significant advantages for Gonzaga will be the added weight he possesses coupled with his Brazilian jiu-jitsu credentials. Gonzaga could realistically come in 15-20 pounds heavier than Dos Santos, and he has proven that his size can be advantageous on the ground in allowing him to mount and pound out opponents. He's also fairly slick in his transition ability, which could spell trouble if Gonzaga finds a dominant position.
On the feet, it's a tough call, but Gonzaga has been the more exposed fighter. Fabricio Werdum was able to use an improved Muay Thai base to defeat Gonzaga at UFC 80, something Dos Santos could flash in this bout. He was also dropped by Shane Carwin in only 1:08 at UFC 96. Dos Santos has never been stopped on the feet.
Gonzaga's gameplan will more than likely test the ground game of Junior Dos Santos. Santos has stated that he has a surprise in store for Gonzaga on the floor, a secret technique he's been working on. We don't really have any hint as to whether it's a submission or reversal technique to stop Gonzaga from advancing on the ground, but the quote does hint at the fact that Santos expects Gonzaga to put him on his back.
With all of that said, I'm stuck. I think Gonzaga has the tools to be a real problem for a lot of fighters at the top, but Dos Santos is a huge obstacle as he's a proficient striker with a credentialed and highly-trained ground game. Gonzaga's best chance is to clinch, move to the fence, work for the takedown, and advance to a dominant position where he can pepper Dos Santos and wear him down. The question becomes whether he can actually do that or if Dos Santos has the chops on the floor to negate "Napao".
My gut says Gonzaga, but the smart pick is probably Dos Santos here as he has the camp that trumps Gonzaga along with excellent power and striking ability. If he can maintain range and work the jab, he'll eventually wear Gonzaga down. If Gonzaga gains a takedown, this could be a very interesting battle, and I wonder if Gonzaga's size can be the game-changing aspect that leans this fight in Gonzaga's favor. We'll find out Sunday night.
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If Gonzaga’s going to win, he needs to get it to the floor. The only questions then are a) are Gonzaga’s TDs good enough to get JDS down and b) is JDS competent enough off of his back to get back up to his feet or pull off a submission? I’d have to think that training with Nog and Maia is enough to safely assume that JDS isn’t lost when it hits the floor, so a bet on Gonzaga is essentially relying on his KO power alone, which I don’t think he’s going to be able to show off against a faster and more technical striker in dos Santos.
JDS is way overhyped by fans, but I still don’t think he’s at much risk of losing here.
Without pain, without sacrifice, we would have nothing.
by lowellthehammer on Mar 19, 2010 10:10 AM EDT reply actions
I don't know if JDS is over-hyped
He is easily one of the best strikers in the division and he is easily a top contender. Obviously the big question is; Can he handle being taken down? We should find out soon. If not in this fight we will find out when he faces Carwin, Velasquez or Lesnar.
I’m not taking anything away from dos Santos, but when your best win is a KO over an out-of-shape pure grappler and people are referring to you as a top contender, you’re overhyped. dos Santos is an exciting prospect, but nothing more as of right now. That all could change if he wins Sunday.
Without pain, without sacrifice, we would have nothing.
by lowellthehammer on Mar 19, 2010 10:27 AM EDT up reply actions
Beating Gilbert Yvel was enough to send Josh Barnett to number 2 on many rankings, now that Yvel is with the UFC it doesn’t mean shit to beat him. Odd. Nevermind the Cro Cop and still ranked Werdum victories.
I know the losses to Cro Cop and Nogueia didn't propell him to number 2
Regardless, wins over Yoshida, Monson, Rizzo and Yvel are not more impressive than Werdum, Struve, Cro Cop and Yvel
The whole “Barnett beat Yvel and was ranked #2, thus making Yvel relevant” argument is pointless. Barnett was ranked at number 2 based on the UFC HW division being a mess, the fact that he was staying active, and PRIDE nostalgia. Yvel is not and has not been relevant in the HW division since he KO’d Goodridge. Does dos Santos have solid wins? Sure. But if you can’t see that he’s not yet reached contendership than I don’t know what to say to you. Let’s see how he does against a solid gatekeeper in Gonzaga before we pronounce him on the same level as Cain or Lesnar.
Without pain, without sacrifice, we would have nothing.
by lowellthehammer on Mar 19, 2010 11:59 AM EDT up reply actions
I never said he was on the same level as Cain or Lesnar
I do believe he was ahead of Cain until Cain scored the win over Nog though. I also think he is ahead of Carwin unless Carwin beats Mir. He is also rightfully above Werdum, Overeem and Rogers.
I think you're forgetting how shallow
and top heavy the HW division is. Who would you place above JDS? Carwin’s record is no better that Dos Santos. Brett Rogers is coming off a loss, albeit to Fedor. Overeem hasn’t fought MMA against anyone close to UFC caliber in over two years. Cain had no great wins until Nog, which shut my hating mouth. Mir’s only good recent wins are a 1-0 Brock which has been avenged and a sick Big Nog. Nog himself is 1-2 in his last three. JDS has beaten Werdum, and his fights since then weren’t top 10 wins. Randy isn’t an HW anymore and lost his last two at HW anyways.
So, what we have is Fedor who is Fedor, Brock who gets his ranking off being the current top dog in the UFC, Mir, Cain, and then who? Dos Santos is 4-0 in the UFC, all brutal stoppages including outstriking the two most dangerous strikers in the division. Werdum was top ten, Cro-Cop was around 15, Yvel was fringe top 20, and Struve was his only unranked opponent. Dos Santos is, at worst, a fringe top 5 heavyweight and deserves contendership.
"Someone is WRONG on the internet. What do you want me to do? LEAVE? Then they'll keep being wrong!"
-Randall Munroe
I think you have a different definition of contendership than I do.
Is dos Santos top 10? Without question. Is he a contender in the sense that he has paid his dues (ie fought a gatekeeper level fighter) and that he could fight for the title tomorrow? I think the answer to that question is no. If he beats Gonzaga, as many people are predicting, than I would consider him at least at the contender level. But right now he’s more of a prospect, much like Cain was when he beat Kongo. Almost there, but not quite.
Without pain, without sacrifice, we would have nothing.
by lowellthehammer on Mar 19, 2010 1:28 PM EDT up reply actions
Within about a week Carwin and Dos Santos have the chance to cross the threshold into legit contender level.
Then again, it isn’t tough to say he is already there. He is every bit the contender Dan Hardy is…
Explain to me how beating Gonzaga makes dos Santos ready to fight for the title but not Carwin.
Without pain, without sacrifice, we would have nothing.
by lowellthehammer on Mar 19, 2010 1:42 PM EDT up reply actions
Simple. Dos Santos already has 3 wins(can get his 4th) over top 20ish fighters, Carwin has 1.
Also, Dos Santos has already beat Werdum and Werdum is better than Gonzaga as evidenced by him beating Gonzaga twice.
If Carwin wins he’ll have 1 win against top 20 opponent and second against top 3.
by dancingChicken on Mar 19, 2010 2:08 PM EDT up reply actions
Forget it. I don’t know what I had in mind…
by dancingChicken on Mar 19, 2010 2:12 PM EDT up reply actions
And as far as Hardy being a contender, he’s not fighting for a title because of who he fought but more out of being in the right place at the right time. I wouldn’t say he has the record to really be considered a contender for the title, but there wasn’t anyone else and GSP fighting somebody is better than GSP sitting out for even longer.
Without pain, without sacrifice, we would have nothing.
by lowellthehammer on Mar 19, 2010 1:48 PM EDT up reply actions
So in the right place and right time, Hardy is a contender...
Same can be said for Dos Santos then… If the winner of Mir / Carwin can’t fo and Cain gets hurt in training Dos Santos magically becomes a contender…
I think not. If you work your way up the rankings to be withing the top 5 or 6 of your division, you are a contender. Because if the starts aline correctly, you get a title shot.
How about if never lost a round or had a moment of weakness in the octogon. Would he still be over-hyped?
Daley has never lost a round or showed a moment of weakness inside the "octogon".
Would it be stupid to suggest that he’s ready to fight GSP right now? Yes, because he hasn’t faced anybody that would put him in the upper end of the division yet. Now if he beats Kos that’s a different story, but right now he doesn’t have a notable win under his belt. Beating lower end opposition, now matter how dominant, does not make a guy a contender, no matter how much everyone seems to think otherwise.
Without pain, without sacrifice, we would have nothing.
by lowellthehammer on Mar 19, 2010 1:46 PM EDT up reply actions
except JDS has had twice the number of fights in the UFC as Daley AND hasn’t lost for over 2 years. JDS clearly is a centender. If you agree that Daley would be a contender if he beats Kkos then it seems odd you would deny that to JDS even though he has beaten 2 or 3 top ten guys.
...he's beaten Werdum.
Feel free to tell me where Cro Cop or Yvel were ranked in the top 10.
Without pain, without sacrifice, we would have nothing.
by lowellthehammer on Mar 19, 2010 2:15 PM EDT up reply actions
it doesn’t matter what we think now. He’s going to get a stoppage this wknd and will fight at the whim of the UFC. A title shot wont be available anytime real soon anyway so it’s pretty moot. I guess the only interesting question is will they match him up with Cain to determine the next # 1 contender. I’m thinking they wont want to derail either one of these guys by matchng them up together but they might just need a main event sometime and that would certainly qualify.
JDS is a special fighter....
That being said there is a huge difference between a purple belt and a world class black belt. Gonzga should rape him on the ground. If it hits the floor I would be surprised if JDS gets his hand raised at the end of the fight.
"When i get in there, in his face ,pressin the action,I'm RUFF NECKIN'EM,I'm throwin him around,I'm punchin him,hes punchin me, I'm eatin his shots and I'm Blastin him back in the face he's not goin to be able to handle it ." - Chris Leben on how his fight with Anderson Silva is gonna go.
by Rayce. on Mar 19, 2010 10:43 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I just think JDS is going to find a way to hurt Gonzaga on the feet, and previous evidence suggests Gonzaga does not like to be hit.
by Mocha Shaka Khan on Mar 19, 2010 10:12 AM EDT reply actions
i dont know that he doesnt like to be hit, i do know he gets very sleepy when hit square.
"When i get in there, in his face ,pressin the action,I'm RUFF NECKIN'EM,I'm throwin him around,I'm punchin him,hes punchin me, I'm eatin his shots and I'm Blastin him back in the face he's not goin to be able to handle it ." - Chris Leben on how his fight with Anderson Silva is gonna go.
by Rayce. on Mar 19, 2010 10:56 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
JDS wasn’t so hot either when CroCop countered him with left straight…
by dancingChicken on Mar 19, 2010 10:57 AM EDT up reply actions
this is true
Also Napao hits like freight train,much harder then cro cop. JDS has never had to deal with someone as large as Napao . This is a really cool match up.
"When i get in there, in his face ,pressin the action,I'm RUFF NECKIN'EM,I'm throwin him around,I'm punchin him,hes punchin me, I'm eatin his shots and I'm Blastin him back in the face he's not goin to be able to handle it ." - Chris Leben on how his fight with Anderson Silva is gonna go.
by Rayce. on Mar 19, 2010 11:07 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
JDS will wade through Gonzaga’s initial assault and catch him with something hard. If Napao isn’t out cold from it, he’ll wilt and be finished soon after.
Walking the line between intelligence and ignorance since 1985
@deowade
out on a limb
I’ll take Gonzaga, possibly even if the fight stays on the feet. Dos Santos is maybe a little too confident and fearless, and Gonzaga hits like a truck. Dos Santos has the speed and movement advantage for sure, but his competition hasn’t really been that tough. Gonzaga will be his stiffest test to date, and it just wouldn’t surprise me if Napao finds an opening and gets the W here.
www.tapology.com | twitter @tapology
I’m actually going to take Gonzaga as well.
Follow me on Twitter @lelandroling
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
by Leland Roling on Mar 19, 2010 10:39 AM EDT up reply actions
Gonzaga has the skill set to beat just about anybody.
He is one of my favorite fighters to watch for that reason. He doesn’t seem to handle pressure orgetting hit well though. I wouldn’t be surprised by any result except for maybe a JDS submission victory.
if JDS GETS A SUBMISSION THE REST OF THE DIVISION NEEDS TO BE AFRAID! !!!!
Very very afraid.
"When i get in there, in his face ,pressin the action,I'm RUFF NECKIN'EM,I'm throwin him around,I'm punchin him,hes punchin me, I'm eatin his shots and I'm Blastin him back in the face he's not goin to be able to handle it ." - Chris Leben on how his fight with Anderson Silva is gonna go.
by Rayce. on Mar 19, 2010 10:53 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
This is so tough. I am leaning towards Gonzaga at times, and leaning towards JDS at other times. When Gonzaga lost to Werdum and Carwin, I really wondered how he lost. He was winning against both of them, and then suddenly, Gonzaga lost. I am pretty sure it is just mental. As far as this fight is concerned, Gonzaga has to take it to the ground. However, we really don’t know if JDS has good takedown defense or not, and we don’t know his ground game, but we can only assume it is good because of who he trains with. Gonzaga also can’t seem to beat anyone better than a CroCop level fighter (this CroCop, not the one from Pride which I would guess is a top 15 Heavyweight).
by chrisbboy82 on Mar 19, 2010 11:38 AM EDT up reply actions
Don't be so sure
If you watch the slow motion of that right from Carwin, you would see that he was
1) off balance
2) circling left
3) did not even extend his arm or wrist fully
4) did not turn his shoulder into it
For all intent and purpose and from a technical striking view, that looked to be about as bad a punch ever thrown. Yet it dropped Gonzaga like a bomb. I not so sure that would drop everyone.
by SimplePsych on Mar 19, 2010 12:22 PM EDT up reply actions
All those point are true
But Id id notice that he was reversing the torque on his punch which turned him away. I’ve seen this mid-flight chambering done by Fedor to chain his hooks. While clearly unintentional I think it’s a contributor to that shot’s power. Not to say that Gonzaga has any kind of chin, but that I don’t think we can discount a great wrestler’s hips as a factor in this instance.
Normally I’d be picking Gonzaga, since he’s got more ways to win the fight and more experience, but I’m trusting that JDS is good enough on the ground to survive if it goes there, and I just think his boxing and speed are going to be too much for Gonzaga. If Gabriel is smart, he’ll use a lot of kicks, and dare Junior to catch one and take him down.
by Kwisatz Haderach on Mar 19, 2010 11:56 AM EDT up reply actions
This ^
Is right. I cannot imagine that Gonzaga could show JDS anything he hasn’t seen a million times from the Nog twins. I have watched them training at Black House and you would not believe the rolling drills they do, with and without GI.
I agree that the match will be decided on the feet. JDS chin will be the difference.
by SimplePsych on Mar 19, 2010 12:27 PM EDT up reply actions
Where did you see there training. If it was videos I would greatly appreciate a pointer.
Google Ron Paul!
Bad Boy does training videos for their fighters.
Here’s the most recent Dos Santos one: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TwfQE2RyU-s
"Someone is WRONG on the internet. What do you want me to do? LEAVE? Then they'll keep being wrong!"
-Randall Munroe
Any fights between Carwin, Lesnar, Mir, Dos Santos, Gonzaga and Velasquez are going to be fucking great. memorable time for the HW division.
I am. I think. I will. - Ayn Rand
Agreed There is some nice diversity in styles too.
Lesnar is an excellent wrestler.
Dos Santo’s is an excellent striker.
Carwin and Velasquez are wrestler’s with dangerous powerful striking
Mir and Gonzaga have powerful hands and excellent submissions.
The vetrans log Nog and Cro Cop create some more interesting match ups. This is the best group of heavyweights I remember.
HW is the most exciting division right now, by far, in my opinion
www.tapology.com | twitter @tapology
That is because Lesnar is the only guy anyone considers to be remotely beatable...
If Rua beats Machida in the rematch, LHW becomes the glamour division again though.
Rua / Nogueira II
Rua / Rampage II
Rua / A Silva
Rua / T Silva
Plus almost any combination of those guys, Evans, Jones, Griffin, Cane, Bader, Couture
I think this fight greatly depends on whether or not Gonzaga really believes in his stand up.
If he does, then I believe he is playing into JDS’ game and will get in trouble.
However, if he plays to his own strengths, l like the clinch and ground game, then I think Gonzaga can really take this.
Nohing makes me sadder then to see a world class BJJ champ turn into a second rate kickboxer.
Very sad indeed.
"When i get in there, in his face ,pressin the action,I'm RUFF NECKIN'EM,I'm throwin him around,I'm punchin him,hes punchin me, I'm eatin his shots and I'm Blastin him back in the face he's not goin to be able to handle it ." - Chris Leben on how his fight with Anderson Silva is gonna go.
by Rayce. on Mar 19, 2010 11:12 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I know i love Napao's jits. Seems like they just want those highlight reel knockouts. i like subs better personally.
"When i get in there, in his face ,pressin the action,I'm RUFF NECKIN'EM,I'm throwin him around,I'm punchin him,hes punchin me, I'm eatin his shots and I'm Blastin him back in the face he's not goin to be able to handle it ." - Chris Leben on how his fight with Anderson Silva is gonna go.
by Rayce. on Mar 19, 2010 11:41 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
His top game is pretty awsome.
"When i get in there, in his face ,pressin the action,I'm RUFF NECKIN'EM,I'm throwin him around,I'm punchin him,hes punchin me, I'm eatin his shots and I'm Blastin him back in the face he's not goin to be able to handle it ." - Chris Leben on how his fight with Anderson Silva is gonna go.
by Rayce. on Mar 19, 2010 11:43 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I like the match up
I really see this fight being on the ground. After GG gets rocked and tastes JDS’s power he is gonna do anything he can to get it on the ground. I see this as the coming out party for JDS’s Jits skills. JDS by RNC 2nd rd.
what are you basing jds being better on the ground on? jds purple belt/ Napao champion black belt.
I don’t get it. Do you have reasoning ?
"When i get in there, in his face ,pressin the action,I'm RUFF NECKIN'EM,I'm throwin him around,I'm punchin him,hes punchin me, I'm eatin his shots and I'm Blastin him back in the face he's not goin to be able to handle it ." - Chris Leben on how his fight with Anderson Silva is gonna go.
by Rayce. on Mar 19, 2010 11:34 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
JDS is a brown belt
It is just my opinion. I really believe that JDS is gonna have a coming out party. What better stament to make to HW division than a sub victory over GG. Also, JDS has been on Sherdog touting his ground game. If GG is being pummeled on the feet, JDS will have an easier time subbing GG. If this were a Jits match, GG wins.
I am a HUGE JDS fan but I see Gonzaga taking this. I think he will hurt him with some leg kicks then get it to the ground and SUB him
purple belt
Not brown, not black. Purple
"When i get in there, in his face ,pressin the action,I'm RUFF NECKIN'EM,I'm throwin him around,I'm punchin him,hes punchin me, I'm eatin his shots and I'm Blastin him back in the face he's not goin to be able to handle it ." - Chris Leben on how his fight with Anderson Silva is gonna go.
by Rayce. on Mar 19, 2010 11:36 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Even if he was a black belt, there’s a world of difference between a good BJJ Black Belt and a world champion BJJ Black Belt.
Napao WAS a decent bjj HW who was beaten by Maia in bjj absolute matches—TWICE—and he had nearly a hundred-pound advantage.
He’s good but his jitz is overhyped.
Sure glad Lesnar got his shit straightened out.
by judonerd on Mar 19, 2010 3:15 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Mia has beat everyone.
There is no shame in losing to Maia. Name a bjj champ Maia hasn’t beat.? GG is world class.
"When i get in there, in his face ,pressin the action,I'm RUFF NECKIN'EM,I'm throwin him around,I'm punchin him,hes punchin me, I'm eatin his shots and I'm Blastin him back in the face he's not goin to be able to handle it ." - Chris Leben on how his fight with Anderson Silva is gonna go.
by Rayce. on Mar 19, 2010 3:22 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
If memory serves correctly
Xande Ribeiro
"Someone is WRONG on the internet. What do you want me to do? LEAVE? Then they'll keep being wrong!"
-Randall Munroe
i wasnt being literal! !!! lol
I dont think he has beat Roger either while we are naming folks. He is still super Elite. No shame in losing to Maia.
"When i get in there, in his face ,pressin the action,I'm RUFF NECKIN'EM,I'm throwin him around,I'm punchin him,hes punchin me, I'm eatin his shots and I'm Blastin him back in the face he's not goin to be able to handle it ." - Chris Leben on how his fight with Anderson Silva is gonna go.
by Rayce. on Mar 19, 2010 3:57 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Bustin' chops.
Although worth nothing is who Demian and Xande are training with these days:
Yep. Awesome.
"Someone is WRONG on the internet. What do you want me to do? LEAVE? Then they'll keep being wrong!"
-Randall Munroe
that is awsome!
Is xande signed with a promotion?
"When i get in there, in his face ,pressin the action,I'm RUFF NECKIN'EM,I'm throwin him around,I'm punchin him,hes punchin me, I'm eatin his shots and I'm Blastin him back in the face he's not goin to be able to handle it ." - Chris Leben on how his fight with Anderson Silva is gonna go.
by Rayce. on Mar 19, 2010 4:21 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
He has a contract with Sengoku for now.
He notched two KO wins already. Whoda thunk it, right? He fought those two fights at 205, but he’s dropping to 185 from here on out in MMA.
"Someone is WRONG on the internet. What do you want me to do? LEAVE? Then they'll keep being wrong!"
-Randall Munroe
i always thought he was kinda short to fight as heavy as he did
"When i get in there, in his face ,pressin the action,I'm RUFF NECKIN'EM,I'm throwin him around,I'm punchin him,hes punchin me, I'm eatin his shots and I'm Blastin him back in the face he's not goin to be able to handle it ." - Chris Leben on how his fight with Anderson Silva is gonna go.
by Rayce. on Mar 19, 2010 5:35 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
he has beat Marcelo
"When i get in there, in his face ,pressin the action,I'm RUFF NECKIN'EM,I'm throwin him around,I'm punchin him,hes punchin me, I'm eatin his shots and I'm Blastin him back in the face he's not goin to be able to handle it ." - Chris Leben on how his fight with Anderson Silva is gonna go.
by Rayce. on Mar 19, 2010 3:58 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
i am sorry he must have just got promoted.
He is a brown. Less then two years and a brown belt. He must be the next Bj Pen…….. Still GG has the clear edge on the ground.
"When i get in there, in his face ,pressin the action,I'm RUFF NECKIN'EM,I'm throwin him around,I'm punchin him,hes punchin me, I'm eatin his shots and I'm Blastin him back in the face he's not goin to be able to handle it ." - Chris Leben on how his fight with Anderson Silva is gonna go.
by Rayce. on Mar 19, 2010 1:01 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Wow at people putting so much faith in Big Nog as a trainer. Should I assume that JDS is setting up his secret submissions by getting hit in the face just like Bih Nog?
by dancingChicken on Mar 19, 2010 12:07 PM EDT up reply actions
If Gonzaga wants a shot at victory he has to take this to the ground.
Or else JDS will take him to the ground via punch.
"BANG!" - Jim Lampley's first word as a child
I dont
think Gonzaga can take Dos Santos down. This would be a stand up battle where Dos Santos knocks down GG and a stoppage will end the fight.
I am. I think. I will. - Ayn Rand
I basically agree with you. I just wonder if Gonzaga will be sharp enough to fire kicks at will, and keep JDS off him a bit. Junior may just catch one and blast Gabe to the mat, but he also might get suckered into taking him down, then get swept. I’m picking Junior, but this is a pretty intriguing matchup.
by Kwisatz Haderach on Mar 19, 2010 2:30 PM EDT up reply actions
Seems to me
This is one of those fights where Gonzaga has everything he needs on paper to win, but Do Santos so clearly has the better mindset and of course track record (in that he, you know, wins fights). I’m always more inclined to go with the intangibles — that is, pick the fighter who has shown he can win with consistency, for whatever reason. In this case, that’s Dos Santos.
On paper, Gonzaga should be able to beat just about anybody...
He has great grappling ability, powerful and versatile striking, decent takedowns. Plus he has the size and strength to match up with almost anyone. Unfortunately, he doesn’t always put it all together.
That is a really good point.
Its ironic Vera and GG are both on this card. They both have all the tools to be champ but just never seem to cross the finish line. I hope both Vera and Napao win. I totally understand why the new guys would be picked to take these fights. Dos Santos and Jones are both future champs .I am just not sure their time has come yet.
"When i get in there, in his face ,pressin the action,I'm RUFF NECKIN'EM,I'm throwin him around,I'm punchin him,hes punchin me, I'm eatin his shots and I'm Blastin him back in the face he's not goin to be able to handle it ." - Chris Leben on how his fight with Anderson Silva is gonna go.
by Rayce. on Mar 19, 2010 1:08 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I don't know if JDS is big enough to deal with the powerhouse wrestlers at the top of the division.
Inless his striking develops to an Anderson Silva level, or his takedown defense develops to the level of BJ Penn he may have a hard time getting and or staying on top of the division.
has anyone actually tried to take him down?
He could be a Brazilian Chiek Congo for all we know. I trust Nog wouldn’t just hand a brown belt out to anyone but we have no evidence of his grappling skill.
"When i get in there, in his face ,pressin the action,I'm RUFF NECKIN'EM,I'm throwin him around,I'm punchin him,hes punchin me, I'm eatin his shots and I'm Blastin him back in the face he's not goin to be able to handle it ." - Chris Leben on how his fight with Anderson Silva is gonna go.
by Rayce. on Mar 19, 2010 1:43 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Even if he has some solid BJJ, a bigger stronger wrestler can often neutralize that.
…ask BJ Penn about his fight with GSP
…ask Ken Flo about his fight with Sherk
…ask Nick Diaz about his fight with Guida
…ask Gonzaga about his fight with Couture
Special BJJ guys like Penn, Maia and Nog seem to have answers, but JDS isn’t at that level.
Gsp is a blackbelt
Couture is at a blackbelts level even if no one has given him one yet. And has been beat by bjj guys a few times.
And don’t you mean nate Diaz? And that was a split decision fotn. Clay also just got subbed by kenny.
I get your point. I don’t agree with it.
"When i get in there, in his face ,pressin the action,I'm RUFF NECKIN'EM,I'm throwin him around,I'm punchin him,hes punchin me, I'm eatin his shots and I'm Blastin him back in the face he's not goin to be able to handle it ." - Chris Leben on how his fight with Anderson Silva is gonna go.
by Rayce. on Mar 19, 2010 2:24 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Yeah, I meant Nate. Kenny subbed Guida with a RNC after decking him with a big shot.
My point is more or less that there are many instances where an elite wrestler can work within the gaurd of a solid BJJ guy (and sometimes even elite BJJ guys) to grind out a decision.
Obviously the wrestler must be aware of sub defense, and this does ALWAYS apply, but unless JDS poses a major threat off his back or has a great ability to sweep, he doesn’t likely fair so well against those powerhouses that WILL take him down. This is especially true given his size disadvantage.
i think thats fair.
I am bjj Guy. I suppose I got a little defensive.
"When i get in there, in his face ,pressin the action,I'm RUFF NECKIN'EM,I'm throwin him around,I'm punchin him,hes punchin me, I'm eatin his shots and I'm Blastin him back in the face he's not goin to be able to handle it ." - Chris Leben on how his fight with Anderson Silva is gonna go.
by Rayce. on Mar 19, 2010 3:03 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
and no jds isnt at Black Belt level
That I do agree with.
"When i get in there, in his face ,pressin the action,I'm RUFF NECKIN'EM,I'm throwin him around,I'm punchin him,hes punchin me, I'm eatin his shots and I'm Blastin him back in the face he's not goin to be able to handle it ." - Chris Leben on how his fight with Anderson Silva is gonna go.
by Rayce. on Mar 19, 2010 2:26 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
How sure are we....
that Gonzaga’s BJJ translates to MMA. He’s only subbed two guys in the UFC: McCully and Marrero, not exactly top guys.
He has great skills on paper, but besides his Cro Cop fight, he hasn’t beaten anybody of note.
he never goes for take downs.
He seems to enjoy koing fools and being koed
"When i get in there, in his face ,pressin the action,I'm RUFF NECKIN'EM,I'm throwin him around,I'm punchin him,hes punchin me, I'm eatin his shots and I'm Blastin him back in the face he's not goin to be able to handle it ." - Chris Leben on how his fight with Anderson Silva is gonna go.
by Rayce. on Mar 19, 2010 1:22 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Uhh… McCully’s AWESOME BJJ Black Belt is enough proof.
:-)
Follow me on Twitter @lelandroling
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
by Leland Roling on Mar 19, 2010 3:02 PM EDT up reply actions
the words black belt and any team punishment fighter rarely belong in the same sentence.
"When i get in there, in his face ,pressin the action,I'm RUFF NECKIN'EM,I'm throwin him around,I'm punchin him,hes punchin me, I'm eatin his shots and I'm Blastin him back in the face he's not goin to be able to handle it ." - Chris Leben on how his fight with Anderson Silva is gonna go.
by Rayce. on Mar 19, 2010 4:25 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Turn on Versus.
Follow me on Twitter @lelandroling
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
by Leland Roling on Mar 19, 2010 3:02 PM EDT up reply actions
Apropos of nothing
Have I mentioned how much I love this card?
Tatum: I think he's a good man. I like him. I got nothing against him, but I'm definitely gonna make orphans of his children.
Gonzaga has great skill and athletic gifts, but he has about as much heart as this guy:
Dos Santos wins this putting Gonzaga on the defensive and watching him fold up like a cheap suit. Just like he always does when his opponent gains the upper hand.
lol
I would rec this but I am mobile. I don’t agree but its funny as hell.
"When i get in there, in his face ,pressin the action,I'm RUFF NECKIN'EM,I'm throwin him around,I'm punchin him,hes punchin me, I'm eatin his shots and I'm Blastin him back in the face he's not goin to be able to handle it ." - Chris Leben on how his fight with Anderson Silva is gonna go.
by Rayce. on Mar 19, 2010 3:07 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
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