If Connor wins - it will be the worst for this game. They will make his takedown defense unstoppable in game and it will justify this unrealistic imbalance between grappling and stand-up
If Khabib wins they will have to lower Connor TD.
I have analyzed the crap out of these two guys and it comes down to overall strategy and how Khabib reacts in three moments.
1. It will be when Connor throws that kick to the body early to establish range. Will Khabib put him on his *** then or at least keep coming forward. If he allows Connor to establish range with the kick it is game over
2. When Khabib enters boxing range. Many opponents have made the mistake of striking right away and they get countered. If he presses forward without striking. Connor is in a world of trouble.
3. Connor I think will eventually hit Khabib with a lead uppercut. I have seen him do 2 things in that situation. Freeze...in which case that will be game over for Khabib. I have also seen him level change and bully threw it which will be game over for Connor.
How Connor will react is most predictable. He will wilt under pressure and fade if things aren't going his way, especially late. He is a snake charmer who uses his kicks to set range and then he boxes primarily as a counter puncher. He is really yet to evolve since his debut.
Its all about how Khabib will react and he has grown. This is going to sound crazy but I think Khabib should have trained minimal boxing. Boxing instincts will make him retreat more than he should. He should be doing primarily wrestling. Those instincts will make him bite down and bring that relentless pressure. I would love to see him run at Connor...but unlike Aldo..dont throw a punch...pressure him to the cage.
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