Do you believe Coach Merkerson with this statement ?

Likewise.

He has the speed and can throw the crisp shots like he used to, but he cant sustain the effort. The biggest difference I have observed in RJJ has been his legs. A relfex fighter must fundamentally have his footwork and be nimble on his feet in order to be successful. That RJJ does not have anymore. He still has the punch arsenal and quickness in the hands, but he does not have the mobility he once had that made him effective against his opponents.
Watching the Ajamu and Hanshaw fight, he spends so much time on the ropes now just blocking punches with the the gloves and looking to counter off with something big. He can still put combos together, but his style is not what it was.
Even against Tito, his energy and stamina simply were not there. He may look impressive physically, but he did not impress in the ring.

 

This is the long and the short of it really. I have no doubts that Roy (in small spurts) can do some of the **** he used to do back in the day. I'm sure they'll be a moment or two where we'll step back in a time machine to 1995-1996 and Roy will flash the skills that made him an ATG.

The question is could Roy do that consistently enough to steal rounds and win a decision over a more active fighter?