Originally posted by: Sedulous
Date: February 25, 2009 at 01:57 PM
Source: https://forum.mmajunkie.com/threads/if-i-was-the-promoter-i-wouldnt-have-guys-like-that-page.10899/
SheerTerror said:
Sedulous said:
SheerTerror said:
Right now Rampage is the only one with the tools to do it. Rashad has as good a chance as anyone but I think both Rampage and Lyoto would outclass him, Greg Jackson gameplan or not. Rampage's tight boxing, ability to cut off the cage, and wreck counter strikers shows that (on paper atleast) he should be able to hang. As far as ground game, Rampage is not on the same level as Machida but I don't believe Machida wants any part of Rampage on the ground. Heres why:
1: Slam KO over Richardo Arona
2: His strength will allow him to power out of alot of sub attempts, if they can even get him on the ground. Rampage was doing a seminar in Lakewood, Ca one time and he allowed a BJJ Blackbelt to get him into a keylock and he nearly threw the guy across the mat as he powered out of it. Rampage is insanely strong and I don't think Machida would try to take him down.
All that leaves is the stand up. Its really up the in air but Rampage has handled one of the best strikers in MMA history (Chuck) pretty easily twice and Chuck was notorious for his counter striking. While its completely accurate to compare Chuck to Machida, its the closest comparision we have to a fighter Rampage has already fought. I think if Rampage can cut off the cage and not let Machida dance around him he has a chance. His KO ability and hand speed are nothing to sneeze at and I think if Rampage is able to land that one clean shot the tides will change.
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Ya but Chuck's counter striking is not even in the same hemisphere as Machida's. Chuck doesn't throw faints like Machida does. Machida throws like 5 faints for every strike it seems like. You never really know where the strike is coming from. Chuck also doesn't mix up his strikes like Machida, you rarely see Chuck throw a kick. There is also no danger of a TD with Chuck and even if there was it wouldn't come from the clinch. The ONLY similarity is a very general use of the term "counter striker" but if you break it down any further than that, you have two COMPLETELY different fighters.
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I used Chuck as an example because his style is the closest to Machidas out of anyone that Rampage has fought, even if its kind of a long shot. If you have a better example go ahead and share it.
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You see that's the thing, Page hasn't fought anyone even close to Machida. The best way to determine how the fight plays out is not to look at who Page has fought that is similar to Machida but look at who Machida has fought that is similar to Page. Page is more of a boxer/wrestler than anything. To be fair I'm not really sure Machida has faced such a fighter. Thiago Silva was more an aggressive Muay Thai guy. You really have to fight smart and patient against Machida. I think Rampage can do that but Machida takes advantage of openings like no one else and if you don't leave yourself open, he's going to hit you more than you hit him anyway.
