I think Rose was more so confused at the decision than anything else. I'd bet Rose went out and nearly flawlessly executed the game plan Barry and Wittman put together. It was just a very bad game plan based on an assumption that didn't come to fruition - Esparza would engage more. Esparaza never grew impatient and was fine taking shots here and there. Despite being the better fighter, Rose not only used a game plan that would results in the judges' decision, but executed in such a way there was so little action it essentially rendered the fight outcome 50/50. That's silly. What's even worse was Barry not being able to recognize how the fight was going in real time and continue to pump Rose full of bad information (stay the course, boos are proof you're executing). Wittman at least hinted at being more active, but having competing voices in the 1 minute between rounds rest is not an option. This has to result in Barry getting fired as a strategic coach - especially in corner Does he get fired as boyfriend and emotional support person? Someone above mentioned how Rose's mentality is all over the place. She seemed more confident than usual going into and during this fight. Glad she lost after that performance. She needs to make changes.
I’m happy with the outcome (even as a Rose fan), b/c it sets the precedent that you can’t just be inactive, and expect to retain your belt. Every title fight from this point forward, is now incentivized to have more action.
It hurt seeing Ferguson getting dropped so hard. That was one of the most brutal KOs the sport has ever seen, and I hate that it had to happen to one of my favorite fighters.
No chance Pat and Trevor were on the same page. Pat seems to be the problem to me. It reminds me of watching AJ McKees dad tell him he's up 4-0 right before he loses a decision. These corners arent telling their fighters what they need to hear. The wild thing was watching Roses takedown defense hold up, and she didn't gain anymore confidence to engage more.
All I know is everyone wants to fight everyone but really no one wants to fight chuck but everyone does want to fight Connor for the money and legacy
Chuck can eat your best shots now and then make you tap. He’s at a level I didn’t think he’d ever get to. It’s remarkable tbh
I love that a lot of prognosticators tried to question his “heart” before his last several fights. At this point his heart is somehow capable of keeping him conscious while eating strikes from the best in the division. Also side story. I bet on Ferguson +300. Was talking to a coworker who was like. No way! Chandler Will win! And I was like yeah… most likely. That doesn’t make this a bad bet… of course he texted me the second Tony went down. this same coworker was confident Gaethje would beat chuck and I told him I didn’t see it. Of course I texted him after that fight and he took about an hour to respond. Some people man.
I knew Chandler would dominate Tony. He hasn’t been the same since Gathje turned his leg into warm pudding. Do Bronx lost to Holloway and got choked out by Pettis and looked gassed in the later rounds. questioning the heart of mma fighters is lunacy. To get where there guys get requires more heart than any of us have. It’s a trope I hate in sports tbh.
I love it for other sports though "Hell, I could've made that shot/kick/catch/throw" or the even ballsier "I coulda hit that pitch" Feels good
I want Charles to beat Islam so bad. Khabib has to be so mad at Oliveras success right after his retirement
Imo, Khabib is happy to go out on top. He quit when he did for a reason and doesn't seem to have any temptation to come back.
Khabib retired as the undefeated GOAT. He also wasn't getting damage from the guys Oliviera is getting dropped by then beating. Moral of the story is I think Khabib is fine and he doesn't strike me as a jealous/bitter person anyway.
Anyone picking Jan to bounce back tonight? He gave up so easily against Glover, I don't know what to think about him.
I just dont see how PFL and Bellator can both be successful, seems like one would have to eventually eat the other. If you combined both, you can probably make some interesting fights with a bigger budget.
The UFC would probably gobble up anything that is a true competitor and then kill it. WEC, Strikeforce, etc.
I think ESPN/PFL should just do a better spin off of TUF. They need a way to build characters, and getting people invested in their fighters besides just overpaying for big names like Diaz or whoever past their prime.
Heard a clip from him last week. Basically says what the ufc pays him is irrelevant. No one knew who grew was before and now he has a huge platform and is making tons of money with endorsements and appearances.