Max Holloway faces Khabib Nurmagomedov in the main event of UFC 223. It is a virtual certainty Nurmagomedov is going to get Holloway down, but that wouldn’t be an accurate reflection of Holloway’s takedown defense. By any sober and informed assessment, ‘Blessed’ has excellent takedown defense.
Yet, some are discounting it now either suggesting a five-year-old fight with Conor McGregor is representative of Holloway’s current level or that he’s never really fought anyone with good takedowns. All of this is nonsense.
No, Holloway isn’t the wrestler Nurmagomedov is. In MMA, I’m not sure who is. But we don’t need to denigrate and unfairly grade Holloway’s skills to build of Nurmagomedov’s. In fact, it’s because Nurmagomedov takes down skilled fighters like Holloway that we rate him so highly.
The Luke Thomas Show airs weekdays, 3 to 6pm ET, on SiriusXM RUSH, channel 93.
For the love of god, please start using a pop shield. Whatever that mic has built in, if anything, is not enough.
Yes Luke in general Holloways takedown defense has gotten a lot better but I don't understand why you are flipping out when people are comparing his past opponents to Khabib and Khabibs grappling ability when that's who he is going to be fighting..
On paper we know Holloway has been taken down before and we know that's khabibs strength. Yes it's MMA math but if you have been taken down before we can assume Khabib will most likely be able to accomplish this as well.
Holloway was taken down by Conor because he was badly concussed in that fight. If, and it's a big if Holloway can badly beat up Khabib standing I think Khabib will have trouble keeping Holloway down. If this doesn't happen then I think Khabib will be able to take him down with ease because Holloway has NO training camp, 6 days notice, was only cleared to spar 2 weeks ago AND that ankle injury is still there. My prediction is the fight will either be stopped between rounds with Holloway unable to continue due to the ankle injury or TKO stoppage by Khabib, (ref seen enough) or less likely not able to put him away and mauls him for 5 rounds.
Also want to mention that it is very possible the weight cut turns out really bad for Khabib in that he does make the 155 lb weight but the rehydration, recovery process fails and therefore we may see him get knocked out by Holloway. Very possible as we have seen this happen in the past before hence why they introduced the extra hours for rehydration since banning IV's although it doesn't always go to plan.
Good content but why must these shows feel the need to draaaaaaggggg it out into whole lot of nothingness. Lots of redundant obviousness repeated. Basically 5 minutes of great content and questions but shorten it up and you'll sweeten it. You'll likely have more views and maintain people's attention spans. These podcasts are only good for trying to kill time while you're in the car or at work. No one is negating the Champions' road and accomplishments. Do upset happen, yes. But looking at the pattern of Khabib, chances are, no one will be able to stop him for a while, even despite knowing what he is coming at you with. All else is a hype train.
They shoulda put yellow mustard in your coffee!
Love it… of course Max has a chance in this fight. I'm super excited but I do fear that he hasn't had enough time after his injury to be back at the top of his game, but we'll see. I love that he has the balls to take this fight and I love that Khabib does too. Short notice is no joke for either guy. I predict a good fight but I do favor Khabib. I can't see Max doing worse than Barbosa…
Lol luke is arguing a non sequitor this entire time. Holloway has never fought an elite wrestler. Who is the best wrestler holloway has stuffed repeatedly? Ricardo lamas? haha.
PUTA Madrid!!!!!!!
holloway has no chance bud
Luke Thomas, Russian mobster.