Treat it like an Art

What a beautiful surprise this movie was, for multiple reasons.

When watching fighters, my attention generally is drawn towards #1) the techniques/physics at play and #2) the mentality/spirit of both ppl. Usually #2 affects #1, and this case applies as well. I suspect that Usman's choice (presumably) to run out the clock meant his positioning was more passive than defensive. Edwards had time to measure and set up that kick bc Usman allowed that luxury, for some reason. Edwards caught Usman with his weight on his left side and manipulated him right with a polished (and very standard) left feint that Usman was evidently not prepared to read/defend, for some reason. I imagine his buddy Izzy will go over all this and more before the rubber match. But the thing, again, was #2. Pre-fight Usman talked about having the will Edwards didn't have. But in this moment of the fight, 60 seconds left, I didn't see that will in his body language or mental focus. But I did see it in Edwards. And his technique reflected as much.

I would guess that the weight increase played a factor. If they run it back it should be much more competitive.

Might be the best use of the spinning elbow I've seen.

Oh wow. 🙏🏾

What a weird KO. I had to watch a few times to see where the contact actually happened. But hey, a win's a win.

Incredible spacing and timing.

Attempted murder lol

That kick was pretty telegraphed after two non-threatening punches. Maybe if the boxing is sharpened in future training, the kicks can be more disguisable.

My old BJJ coach used to say that you don't know how good your form is until you're tired. This clip seems like that's what happened. Moving backward this way against an opponent with such solid form is not safe.

So you just walk into Gaethje's boxing range without urgency or apparent plan? The dude that Khabib said hits like a truck?

Great breakdown.

This is bonkers. In a good way.