-- guys who go all out from the opening bell with no goal in mind but to finish their opponents by sub or KO, and who don't demonstrate that by flailing like Toughman contestants but by combining their high level of skill with non-stop pressure.
Think of how incredible it would be if everyone fought like that rather than clinching against the fence or lying on each other on the ground or circling and throwing jabs from 10 feet away or brawling like grade schoolers.
I left out Wanderlei. I love him and his spirit is what the sport is all about, but honestly too often he seems to just be brawling and relies on landing first with the big shot, even in his prime.
Henderson has had many less than inspiring performances. Both the Franklin and Palhares fights were not exciting and the Bisping fight was hardly a barnburner before the KO.
Shogun is a good pick and I think I just forgot him because his uber-conservative approach in the Lyoto fight was still fresh in my mind. But yeah, he belongs on there. High skill in all areas and constant aggression.
Aggression + pace + skill + always looking for the finish is what I'm talking about here. Marquardt is another example, and a particularly good one because he has done a total 180 from how he used to fight.
Carlos Condit
Donald Cerrone
Miguel Torres
Gegard Mousasi
Manny Pacquiao
There are lots of them out there, but I'm greedy and want everyone to fight like that.
"A fear of losing has gotten the best of too many fighters. ""
Maybe, but skill combined with aggression and pressure is often the best way to win, and many times going for the finish is less risky than playing for the decision, due to iffy judging and the danger of letting your opponent have the full length of the fight to catch you with something.
He may not go out from the bell flailing his arms but Jon Jones is a lethal finisher and always puts on exciting fights. I think he is just as deserving to be on that list. He is a perfect example of someone who fights in a manner that shows "fear of losing". The variety and boldness of some of his moves prove that much.
-- guys who go all out from the opening bell with no goal in mind but to finish their opponents by sub or KO, and who don't demonstrate that by flailing like Toughman contestants but by combining their high level of skill with non-stop pressure.
Think of how incredible it would be if everyone fought like that rather than clinching against the fence or lying on each other on the ground or circling and throwing jabs from 10 feet away or brawling like grade schoolers.
Habitual Point Fighters Demetrious Johnson Rashad Evans Chad Mendes Michael Bisping Yushin Okami GSP Jake Shields Mike Pierce Rick Story Jon Fitch Gray Maynard Frankie Edgar Dominick Cruz Joe Warren Ben Askren Charlie Brenneman Tyron Woodley Chael Sonnen Jacob Volkman
Point Fights When it Counts Ryan Bader Clay Guida Gilbert Melendez Gleison Tibau
