...and opt to stick and move a la Frankie Edgar for the first 3 rounds (or more)? The closer we get to the fight (and after seeing how they sized up at the weigh-in), I'm starting to think Cain might fight more with his head and less with his heart, and try to put the first three rounds in the bag with some pretty fan-unfriendly boxing and moving (verging on running), before trying to mix it up with a tired Brock in the last 2. Will Brock be adept at blocking kicks? I doubt it very much. Brock has never fought past 3 rounds (in fact he has only fought 3 rounds once), and although he is in superb shape for a guy his size, he is carrying a huge amount of muscular bulk. Even if Brock's cardio is sound for a 5-round fight (and I have my doubts), he is obviously not going to be as energetic and aggressive in the last 2 rounds as he will be in the first 2, so I think it is definitely the discerning choice for Cain to try and take him into the deep waters. If Cain has the speed, agility and takedown defence to avoid Brock's takedown charges (and yes, that is a very big if), he undoubtedly has the better stand-up game, not only with the KO/TKO in mind, but also the ability to go the Edgar route and look to pile up points through fast, elusive attacks and a high workrate. Ultimately, I really really hope the fight is like Brock vs Carwin, where two top guys go at each other from the first bell. But, it wouldn't surprise me if it didn't turn out like that. I think Velasquez's best chance is to try and make sure it doesn't. If he tries to take Brock on in a firefight, I don't fancy his chances much. Thoughts? :bbb
Maybe. But Edgar's strategy worked because Penn is a puncher, looking to establish himself in the centre of the ring and box on the counter. Lesnar is looking to take Velasquez down and impose himself on the ground. Boxing on the move will require frequent shifts in balance that will leave him open to takedowns. And Velasquez's headmovement isn't really good enough to be illusive. If I'm Velasquez I look at Couture's fight against Lesnar as my template.
I would suspect it would be pretty hard for a Heavyweight to replicate that kind of Lightweight gameplan. Plus, consistently stopping Brock's takedown shot for three rounds would be easier said than done IMO.
Sticking and moving will be a tough ask to keep your balance with Brock shooting in on you. Guy is explosive when shooting.
I hope we'll be surprised by Cain's wrestling. If he can stop early takedown attempts it's gonna be a very interesting fight.
Yes, OP.. I expect him to do this. It's the only way I see him winning, past 3 rounds. It would be foolish of him to come out and expect to stand in front of Lesnar and establish dominance in that way.
Apart from the Big Nog fight Cain appears to be a 'grinder', wearing his opponents down. I honestly cant see him out muscling Brock for 5 rounds and to me he doesnt posses enough power in his punches to keep Brock from clinching or going for the shoot, so sticking and moving seems to be the best strategy. But with that you will have to consider Brocks speed in the shoot, and with Cains lack of head movement it is not inconcieveable that Brock will be able to tag him at least once in this fight, even though his stand up is pretty poor. If Cains gonna win he needs that good old Mexican attribute of tremendous heart, cause he will be in trouble at least once. I hope Im wrong though
i was just watching that on Spike and i had Couture winning the fight until the stoppage. To beat Lesnar it looks like you need either incredible power ala Carwin(but with more stamina) or grind him down with a combination of boxing and wrestling. Basically using the wrestling to make a stand and stall with it while wearing out Brock. Brock is a big guy and if past the 3 rounds i heavily favor Cain. Also what about leg kicks. Thats alot of weight those legs are supporting. taxing them would really put more stress on them and keep those takedowns a little more under control right?
Cain doesn't look in great shape IMO, he's tried to make up as much weight as he can IMO, and it shows. Lesnar will be too much for him whatever Cain tries to do IMO. Cain will have some success with his stand up, but Brock looks in great shape, determined and seems to have had a good camp. I think he will have answers to the areas Cain is stronger in.
Terrible, plodding arm punches. I think he'll have to shoot for Cain whenever his punches are getting too close for comfort. Then again, I'm not sold on Velasquez's power, Big Nog was not the iron chinned warrior of old.
Just when you said that "Lesnar will be too much for Cain no matter what he tries to do". If Cain tries to keep it standing and is successful, he wins.
I havent seen any evidence that Cain has the hand speed, footwork, chin or power to keep it standing. But a guess we'll find out in a few hours
Kongo didn't even seem to land hard on him when he sent him down a few times in Germany was it? Unless Cain pulls something out of his arse i can't see him beating Lesnar.