Thoughts on UFC Lightweight

Everything Tony had to go through is really unfortunate, he deserved to fight Conor and Khabib, but there is a lot of crazy stuff happening lately, not much you can do about it.

Right now the plan seems to be Conor vs. Khabib and Tony vs. Dustin as co-main for the next title shot. From Tony's perspective it's probably better if Khabib wins, for several reason actually:

1. Tony vs. Khabib just HAS to happen! Conor isn't just a money-fight, he's also very good, but stylistically and technique-wise a fight with Khabib is far more exciting. It would also be the 5th attempt. I repeat, it HAS to happen!!
2. have you seen Khabib's latest Q&A? If we forget the ignorant and embarrassing moments and look at the big picture, something very important becomes apparent: Khabib always had a huge fan-base, sure, the reasons for that are obvious, but now, more than ever, he's turning into a money-fight too. Conor is a better negotiator (and he loves them smelly dollars more), but Khabib is getting there too, step by step. DC's success should contribute aswell.
3. If Conor would win, he'd most likely fight Nate next and possibly retire afterwards (unless he would want and could get GSP in there). Not the best scenario for Tony.
4. If Khabib beats Conor, and Tony gets to finally fight him, and Tony wins, then I think he could and perhaps should challenge GSP aswell. Conor will be less interesting after a loss, (not exactly) Rhonda-style! Plan A, plan B, plan C, plan D, read ahead and aim high, it's worth it! ;D

And Kevin? Well, I hope he succeeds with his plans for 165 and 175 divisions, it would make stuff a little bit more comfortable and it could add variety and increase overall quality too.

So they want to do Nate vs. Dustin? I see where they are going with this, but I don't like it. Who's Tony going to fight then?

Ok, it's official now, Khabib vs. Conor UFC 229. I'm sure Tony will stay ready, just in case one of them won't fight.

Oh snap, I can't wait for UFC 229.

Honestly, I'm glad Tony's not fighting just yet as he likely needs more rest. He probably feels one hundred, but still, after a injury like that, rest and patience is paramount.

khabib doesnt make fight and mcgregor forces him to do pushups

I hope Tony gets the winner of Khabib/Conor. All others can wait

Since Tony gets Pettis on the same card, he'll most likely get the winner of Khabib/Conor. That's good.

If conor or Khabib get injured tony moves in

https://youtube.com/watch?v=tbZnL6-7dRM

That's what I'm talking about. People fear you, they fear your authenticity, they fear who you are and what you are capable of. Show them! Show them your full potential!

https://youtube.com/watch?v=eMLrWRULo8k

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Eddie Bravo

I hope Tony gets the winner of Khabib/Conor. All others can wait

---

After last night, now this definitely HAS to happen!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Unfknbelievable bouts last night

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by maxmarkov

For those who haven't seen UFC 229 yet: SPOILER ALERT!

Tony was amazing, as always, congrats brother! The forward pressure, being on the offensive the whole time, switching stances, throwing those "jump from the fence"-punches (I believe they are hooks), really great stuff.

---

I really like Tony's performance. I've seen some of the stuff I talked about a while ago. I still believe this is the only way Khabib can be beaten and at the moment Tony is the only one who can deliver that (maybe Woodley too, but that would be an entirely different fight).

These are Tony's tools that should be very effective against Khabib:

- constant forward pressure/offensive, just like Khabib
- insane endurance, just like Khabib
- durability
- high(est) level jiujitsu > can counter Khabib's wrestling
- insane elbows from the bottom > can counter Khabib's top game
- weird, somewhat unpredictable movement
- creative and mostly unpredictable attacks
- insane strength (based on the training videos I've seen) > can counter Khabib's insane strength

If Tony can dictate the pace, remain as unpredictable as possible and surprise Khabib that way, he will beat him. HOWEVER, after UFC 229 I guess we have to re-evaluate Khabib's striking. Tony, you have incredible strengths, and one of them is your durability, but durability doesn't last forever brother! One drop too much and the glass overflows. Improving one's strengths is always good, but eliminating one's weaknesses is just as important. You're creative guys, I'm sure you and your coaches can come up with some kind of stand-up-defense that lets you keep your forward pressure too.

Khabib's uncle says Khabib wants to fight Tony next

If Khabib wins, he'll most likely retire.

If Tony wins, they will fight at least twice 8)

If it ends in a draw, they might fight a second time.

Looks great for Tony! :D

https://youtube.com/watch?v=OnlsYJZsHUY

According to recent news there seems to be interest in trading DJ for Ben Askren.

Here are a few interesting scenarios they might be planning:

Khabib vs. Tony and GSP vs. Ben Askren

The winner fights the winner and the loser fights the loser. That would be a huge win-win-situation for the UFC. Making a fight between those who lose might not happen though, I don't know.

Askren vs. GSP could be done at 165 or 175, if they want to finally introduce the new weight classes.

In the longrun the UFC is most likely looking for a "undefeated russian wrestler vs. undefeated american wrestler"-superfight. Sounds great to be honest, but I want to see Tony succeeding.

Dana is sounding like Khabib vs Tony is most likely happening