it was certain NEVER a 49-46 in the Rose fight.... I think you could seriously argue 48-47 either way for me....Usual situation - to be the champ, you need to beat the champ....
Gaethje vs Chandler - seriously good scrap - both swinging for the fences...Great fight.
Usman - looked solid and never really in trouble, pretty solid win without being spectacular....
Rose - similar - could argue either way I think - Zhang didn't look like she was annoyed a the result in the end so I always think that's a good guide to the fighters thoughts.
Chris Barnett with a highlight KO on the early card....Big dude to connect with that kick!! and the front flip celebration after was funny.
Zhang specifically said in the pre-fight cinematics that she would only accept that Rose was a better fighter if it went 5 rounds. As that is now exactly what happened, I guess Zhang thinks "fair play, Rose is better". There is on doubting Rose is a savage with such a big heart, I really like watching her.
Regarding Usman, I really think he is the de facto best striker in the division and no-one is going to beat him in stand-up in the current roster. His true test will come when Khamzat gets a turn in a year or two and then his 100% takedown defence will get a true test against the scariest grappler I have ever seen. Khabib was strong, but this guy is stronger
and a psychopath.
I think Dustin Poirier will also step up to Welterweight and then start making waves in that division, and he probably has what it takes to give Usman a run for his money; I don't think that he quite as technical, but he is a true warrior that does not quit and is hard to put down.
But yeah, I think fighters with a stand-up focus need to start finding answers for grapplers like Chimaev, or its going to be game over for that division and others both now and in the future. Khabib is no longer unique and his gym are pumping out scary grapplers.
That Gaethje Vs Chandler fight was an all time classic, great fight!
It was a fun fight but god damn Gaethje needs to stop standing there with his feet glued to the floor taking punches, otherwise his career is going to be at a premature end and he will end up with serious brain damage. Sometimes, often even, he does not even try to move out of the way or be light on his feet and I have no idea why he soaks up so much unnecessary damage.