Any predictions? Who are the good strikers here?
Adesanya vs Alex Po-somethingAdesanya strengths: Adesanya is the more skilled and technically-sound kickboxer. Adesanya is more fluid with his movement and more accurate with his strikes. Adesanya's stamina (gas tank) is likely better than Alex's tank. Adesanya is a great offensive and defensive striker. Advantage goes for Adesanya the longer the fight goes. If it goes into rounds 4-5, I give it to Adesanya to out-point Alex and get a decision victory.
Alex strengths: He has power behind his strikes (knockout power). Alex holds 2 wins over Adesanya (first fight via decision and second fight a knockout) and this gives him a HUGE psychological advantage. Alex is a highly skilled kickboxer, much like Adesanya, but not as technically smooth as Adesanya. Adesanya moves like a video game character when he delivers his strikes. Alex is a good offensive and defensive striker, but not as great in both departments as compared to what Adesanya displays. Advantage goes to Alex in the first 1-2 rounds, round 3 is a toss up as to whether he will have enough in the gas tank.
Prediction: Alex by knockout within rounds 1-2. If it goes to round 3, it becomes neutral. If it gets to the end of round 5 with a decision, Adesanya takes the win by out striking (winning by points) Alex.
Dustin Poirier vs Michael ChandlerPoirier strengths: Crisp boxing technique and good ground game by way of jiujitsu and decent wrestling. Dustin packs power behind his punches and is economical in his delivery of strikes.
Chandler: Explosive power and amazing speed especially during the first 1-2 rounds. Chandler's striking is good, but he leaves himself open at times and can get clipped. If Chandler lands a clean hook on Dustin's chin, it's game over (he's very strong). Chandler's true strength is his wrestling and his ability to evade submissions. If it goes to the ground, I think Dustin will have a hard time, as Chandler is a very good wrestler.
Prediction: No clue. This is the fight I want to watch, as it's hard to call and I think both guys are pretty good. If it stays standing, Dustin takes the win. If it becomes a wrestling match, Chandler takes it. It's truly a toss up, as either fighters can surprise us.
Carla Esparza vs Weili ZhangWeili strengths: Strong as fuck. Let me reiterate, strong as fuck. Also, did I say strong? She has power behind her punches and is a very calculated striker. Her inherent discipline shows well in her fights, as she sticks to the plan and performs as coached to. Her ground game is good, but not masterful. I don't think the ground game is much of an issue as Esparza is more of a wrestler, but not submission artist. If Weili can dictate the pace and determine where the fight mostly takes place, she will win.
Esparza strengths: Wrestler. She's boring and would love to make it a "lay-and-pray" situation whereby she rides her opponents like a backpack until they wear out and give up due to exhaustion.
Prediction: Weili knocks the fuck out of Esparza by round 1-2.
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