Daniel Cormier TV - Daniel Cormier & Ben Askren on Merab Dvalishvili BEATING Umar, Alex Pereira vs. Magomed Ankalaev
Jan 23, 2025
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Ben Askren, a former UFC welterweight and ONE Championship champion known for his bold insights, joins Daniel Cormier for a lively discussion. They dive into Merab Dvalishvili's impressive victory over Umar Nurmagomedov, declaring him the GOAT of the bantamweight division. Cormier shares Henry Cejudo's thoughts on Dvalishvili's dominance. The duo also anticipates the Alex Pereira vs. Magomed Ankalaev match, pondering Pereira's potential ascent to UFC greatness. Plus, Askren advocates for a thrilling matchup between Sean O'Malley and Umar!
Merab Dvalishvili's high-level cardio and relentless pressure fighting highlight the importance of conditioning in overpowering skilled opponents in MMA.
The discussion on Alex Pereira's grappling weaknesses underscores the evolving dynamics of the UFC light heavyweight division and the challenges of elite wrestlers.
Deep dives
The Impact of High-Level Cardio in MMA
High-level cardio is pivotal in mixed martial arts, as demonstrated by standout fighters like Merab Dvalishvili. Known for his relentless fighting style, Merab showcases an ability to maintain a high pace throughout a match, which often exhausts his opponents. The discussion emphasizes that pressure fighting can break the will of even highly skilled competitors, as they struggle to keep up both physically and mentally. As fighters try to defend against relentless attacks, their energy diminishes, leading to an eventual decline in performance.
Analyzing Merab's Recent Performance
Merab's impressive victory as a three-to-one underdog highlights his resilience and tactical skill in the octagon. Unlike typical underdog narratives, his well-rounded fighting ability, which includes effective takedown strategies and striking, makes him a formidable opponent. This successful performance leads to conversations around his potential future matchups, particularly against top fighters in his division. The discussions culminate in acknowledging his significant experience, having faced several elite contenders without faltering in his fight consistency.
The Gaps in Sean O'Malley's Skill Set
Sean O'Malley's grappling and wrestling skills are scrutinized in the context of his upcoming match against Merab. Given O'Malley's striking capabilities, his ability to defend against high-level wrestling will be critical for his success. There is an argument that O'Malley should prioritize wrestling training in anticipation of this fight to counter Merab's onslaught effectively. Unless he addresses these weaknesses comprehensively, it may prove difficult for O'Malley to secure a victory against Merab's relentless grappling style.
The State of the UFC's Light Heavyweight Division
The UFC light heavyweight division is characterized by a notable lack of elite wrestlers, complicating matchmaking for champions like Alex Pereira. Despite Pereira's championships, conversations revolve around how he might fare against wrestlers, especially given his weaknesses in grappling. The prevailing consensus is that to exploit Pereira's vulnerabilities, opponents must effectively employ wrestling tactics, highlighting the broader shifts in MMA where fewer elite wrestlers transition into the sport. As the division evolves, the strategic approaches to fights continue to adapt based on fighters' strengths and weaknesses.
Ben Askren IS BACK with Daniel Cormier for a BRAND NEW EPISODE of Funky and the Champ! Askren and DC give their takes on UFC 311, including Islam Makhachev's first-round submission of Renato Moicano, Merab Dvalishvili smothering Umar Nurmagomedov in the win, and why Merab is now the GOAT of the bantamweight division. Cormier brings up Henry Cejudo's comments on Dvalishvili, and why he's RIGHT to call him the bantamweight GOAT. And don't miss Cormier and Askren react to the Alex Pereira vs. Magomed Ankalaev announcement for UFC 313, and why Pereira is entering UFC GOAT status if he defeats Ankalaev. Plus, are you with Ben saying that Sean O'Malley vs. Umar is the fight to make?! #Volume #Herd