Heavy Hands 598 - Now or Never
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Nov 13, 2025 Islam Makhachev's move to welterweight raises questions about his prime and tactics against Jack Della Maddalena. The hosts explore whether his wrestling will hold against a striking powerhouse. Meanwhile, they analyze the high-stakes bout between Valentina Shevchenko and Zhang Weili, debating each fighter's strengths and game plans. The discussion also touches on Leon Edwards' elite status and how Carlos Proches' style might challenge him. Uncertainty looms as they share their fight predictions.
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Analyze Jumps As Case‑By‑Case Experiments
- Treat weight-class matchups as unique experiments rather than predictable transplants.
- Account for style, age, and how size alters both striking and grappling effectiveness when making forecasts.
The X‑Factor Of Weight Jumps
- Weight-class jumps create an unpredictable X-factor that resists tidy analytical frameworks.
- Outcomes depend on style, size, and individual responses to weight and age, so predictions remain highly uncertain.
How Weight Affects Strikers vs. Grapplers
- Moving up in weight often favors strikers while moving down tends to favor grapplers in MMA.
- Islam Makachev's elite takedown and top control complicate that trend because his wrestling converts takedowns into long, dangerous top positions.