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UFC 319 / Moses Itauma deep dive (can he beat Usyk?!)

🕑 Added 2025-08-17 08:36:58 +0000 UTC

Comments

Kyle McLachlan

Yep, I agree with all of this really, as I said on the pod Chimaev was dominant but we know he's not THAT dominant when someone can deny his Plan A. Whether there's anyone NOW at 185 that can do it, well that remains to be seen

Luke C.

There was a contingent of fans ready to anoint DDP as the 2nd best MW of all time. In hindsight I think we can say the writing was on the wall with the (lack of) takedown defense that DDP had put on tape, but it was surprising how few ideas he had to deal with the rear body lock considering that that’s the position that all of Chimaev’s offense runs through. I’m not convinced Chimaev’s issues with falling off after the 1st won’t show back up if he’s not just doing rounds on a grappling dummy like he was here, but who in this division can actually force that fight out of him is yet to be seen

Kyle McLachlan

I agree with this, but let’s see what happens if someone can replicate what Kamaru did. A big ask, given his wrestling pedigree! I don’t really see anyone at 185 now who has a chance. You’d think Bo Nickal, but he’s so far away in terms of his all-round MMA game that it seems highly unlikely!

Kyle McLachlan

Okay let’s pivot: who has the best intercepting knee in the division? 😂

Luke Stenson

I see no one with the wrestling pedigree at MW to stop Khamzat’s relentless takedown attempts. I also don’t see anyone who’ll be able to get up consistently from them. I’d hoped one day we got to see Khamzat vs Shavkhat but not certain that’ll ever happen. I always thought that with Khabib the takedown is inevitable, it’s how much damage you can do before hand which gives you a chance against him. I think the same with Khamzat but he shoots so quick so early he gives you no chance!

Creative Username

I think Khamzat looked very impressive, I think he managed his energy (and expectations) well last night. I think the reason he faltered against Usman but won down the stretch against Burns was that Usman couldn't deny the first round assault, and Burns could. Chimaev didn't have his expectations instantly dashed in this fight the he STILL won down the stretch, I think this trend began with Whitaker and I think it speaks to a new maturity as a fighter that Khamzat has found.

Kyle McLachlan

A couple of things: deffo seeing some pushback on Chimaev already online (for stalling/not doing much with the positions he had) but it was dominant and he’s now champ. So I doubt he cares too much!

Micheál

I was extremely excited about the main event. My heart was literally pounding out of my chest in anticipation and then it happened. Extremely underwhelming. Very disappointing. However, it was a brilliant display by Chimaev. I don't think ANYONE could have forseen him doing that for 25 minutes. Awful defeat for Asakura! Pantoja's wins over him and Erceg aren't aging well. MVP Cannonier was really fun. Just a silly fun fight between two absolute polar opposite styles and polar opposite personalities. Loved this episode. Great work Boss!

Kyle McLachlan

Yeah for a guy who has dished out a lot of damage in his career to date he was strangely ineffective for a guy who absolutely DOMINATED for 25 minutes.

Kyle McLachlan

It’s an interesting question but it does seem a case of, ‘shit or get off the pot’. These are champions/veterans and grown men so it’s not like they need to be brought along slowly. I think the UFC wanted Pico to do well tbh as he’s a marketable fighter. I mean, they gave Kai Asakura an instant title shot. They had to expect that he MIGHT win which would surely undermine their product if a debutant won their title. So I don’t think it’s any great conspiracy tbh but that’s just my take! It’s a great question to ponder for sure

Stephen Abdullah

What do you make of how hard the UFC are matching these former bellator guys of late? Pitbull, Patchy, now Pico suffering losses in their UFC debut, sure, but if I put my conspiracy hat on for a moment, they're all getting pretty tough matchups. Maybe the UFC don't want them to do well?

Christopher Kowalchuk

Yeah. Props to Chimaev for dominating, but it’s kinda weird to see the crucifix multiple times with no real damage coming from it. It seems every other crucifix I’ve seen in a fight leads to a stoppage.

Kyle McLachlan

Definitely wasn’t even good to watch as a hardcore MMA fan! Chimaev won’t win many people over with that performance, even if he did what he had to do to win the belt

Salvador Dardy

Khamzat fight was god awful. There's a reason I watch more muay thai than anything else. The highs of MMA are crazy, but there's just so much absolute shite to wade through unless you're a casual fan.