Demetrious Johnson thinks one thing wants to alter in Sean Strickland’s combating model after UFC 312.
Strickland (29-7 MMA, 16-7 UFC) misplaced to middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis (23-2 MMA, 9-0 UFC) for a second time, this time in far more definitive trend when he dropped a unanimous resolution in Saturday’s principal occasion at Qudos Financial institution Area in Sydney.
After dropping their first battle by break up resolution at UFC 297, many anticipated a way more aggressive Strickland. Nonetheless, Strickland wound up getting outworked by Du Plessis, and Johnson encourages the previous champion to change his combating model, or the game will move him by.
“I do know you guys all the time say I’m a Sean Strickland hater, however I’m not,” Johnson mentioned on his YouTube channel. “I principally name it how I see it. Sean Strickland has a mode the place he wouldn’t deviate from it. Whether or not he’s dropping a five-round resolution, or if he’s profitable a five-round resolution, he won’t deviate from that ‘Philly Shell’ model, with that lovely jab he has, together with a 1-1-2 and a 1-1-wide 4. He won’t deviate from that – the teeps and the push kicks.
“He’s been doing that model from the very starting, up to now 4 years of his profession, and he’ll do it for the following for years of his profession. With a purpose to get higher on this sport, it’s important to take the time, swallow your pleasure, swallow your ego, and put your self ready the place you’re going to power your self to evolve and get higher and be taught new instruments. That’s the one means you’re going to grow to be a greater fighter on this recreation. In any other case, people who find themselves youthful, who will take the time to evolve and get higher, are all the time going to beat you.”
Johnson additionally thinks Strickland must cease prioritizing protection over offense. He likes Du Plessis’ suggestion of Strickland rematching Israel Adesanya subsequent.
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