Breakdown | Alexander Volkanovski vs Diego Lopes 2
It was a pointless rematch on paper and it played out that way in actuality too, but Lopes did try to make some adjustments (even if they were just the classic MMA gimmicks). Still, any fight with Volkanovksi in it is worth digging into because we have to enjoy him while we have him.
Comments (5)
This performance from diego felt like a short notice no prep game plan. A couple idea’s without the prep time to actually put it together Also find it funny how often we will see mma fighters randomly get a good idea mid fight. Then stop using it later in the fight. And just never again. Lopes randomly throwing a couple body jabs for a minute lol
Feel like Volk’s composure in the pocket has really dropped off post-Islam 2/Topuria. Still got enough nous and power to out do Lopes but these exchanges look messier than they did in Holloway 3. From memory at least. I’m sure an aspect of that is Holloway’s (at that point in his career) lack of power punching compared to Ilia/Lopes, but also residual worries from being KOed. Great breakdown. Hopefully one of the contenders can replicate this performance on Lopes, really not a fighter I enjoy
In a video volk posted reaction to the fight he said the knockouts changed him a bit He said if he gets into an exchange, even if he wins and doesnt get close. All he can think about is the shots that almost landed or just grazed him.
Considering he is closer to having 40 fights than 20, do you think Diego will be able to turns things around technically? Or as Jack Slack pointed out he might not bother cause he can probably beat a lot of the top 15 without changing a thing. Golden handcuffs of being a great athlete I guess.
Yeah what Slack said plus his team doesn't seem equipped to help him to make the improvements he needs to. His grappling is good enough thought that just crudely forcing that phase more often would probably make him a lot more cohesive than he is now though.