Frank Mir's Strategy To Win: Speed

by Luke Thomas on Jan 28, 2008 9:41 AM EST in MMA News

I'm really not sure how far this is going to carry him:

In addition to a decided edge in MMA experience against Lesnar, the 28-year-old Mir (10-3) will have advantages in the stand-up game, and his jiu-jitsu skills are battle-tested. Lesnar's strength will be the equalizer.

"Obviously, Brock Lesnar is stronger than I am," Mir said. "He's stronger than most anybody he competes against, so if I just lay there, I'm going to get crushed. But, if I can use constant motion, move around and use some speed; the same thing when a little guy fights a big guy in the gym. He has to keep the fight moving."

This is all good and well, but what if Mir discovers Brock Lesnar is actually faster than him? Even with Mir's excellent hip movement from the guard position, Lesnar seems quick enough and heavy handed enough to lay to waste the best laid plans of mice and men...and former UFC heavyweight champions. I'm not sure at all that speed is Mir's ally in this fight.

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Re: Frank Mir's Strategy To Win: Speed

I think speed helps Mir in the sense that speed kills -- ie if Mir can keep the transitions coming fast and furious his chance of catching Lesnar in a bad position that's unfamiliar to Brock increase dramatically.

by Kid Nate on Jan 28, 2008 10:27 AM EST reply actions

Re: Frank Mir's Strategy To Win: Speed

Fair enough, but that's a big "if"...

by Luke Thomas on Jan 28, 2008 10:42 AM EST up reply actions

Re: Frank Mir's Strategy To Win: Speed

what other "ifs" does he have to cling to?

by Kid Nate on Jan 28, 2008 10:46 AM EST up reply actions

Re: Frank Mir's Strategy To Win: Speed

"If" Lesnar doesn't know how to defend the arm bar attacks, Mir could win...;)

by Luke Thomas on Jan 28, 2008 10:55 AM EST up reply actions

Re: Frank Mir's Strategy To Win: Speed

I bet Frank dips deeper into his bag of tricks than the arm bar. I'm sure he's got many subs that Lesnar won't see coming.
The old Frank Mir vs Lesnar could've been a fight for the ages, we'll see how broken leg Frank does.

by Kid Nate on Jan 28, 2008 11:24 AM EST up reply actions

Re: Frank Mir's Strategy To Win: Speed

Lets not forget that things that take a lot of energy have never been Mir's friend. I know I keep bringing it up but Mir's gas tank has always been way smaller than it should be for a guy who needs to be as aggressive as he does to win fights. If he is on bottom trying to change positions to catch Lesnar...he is going to be doing so with a guy who is as big and strong as anyone in the division.

Mir's tank didn't hold up against Freeman, it failed him in the second fight against Sims (luckily Sims was bad enough to still get beat), he looked awful against Cruz, and other than Sims and Christison he hasn't had to go beyond the first round in the UFC.

As long as Lesnar can survive the opening 2:30 I'd say he should take the win.

by Brent Brookhouse on Jan 28, 2008 11:23 AM EST up reply actions