Comments on: UFC 96: Previewing and Predicting Gabriel Gonzaga vs. Shane Carwin

By: mu_shin

mu_shin — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 07:50:49 +0000

Watched some of Carwin’s matches online, and the guy is another in the line of emerging bigger stronger faster athletic wrestlers making the move into MMA. He’s listed at 6’4″, 265, right in line with the Brock Lesnar/Bobby Lashley dimensions, and has compiled a 10-0 record, five knockouts and five submissions. The fights I saw were pretty impressive, showcasing blitz knockout power and a penchant for serious Gn’P. Also impressive is that Carwin has come this far in MMA as a part time fighter who works full time as an engineer.

As none of Carwin’s bouts have gone past the first round, it remains to be seen whether either one of these guys has a deep gas tank, but pitting Gonzaga’s BJJ against Carwins’s wrestling should make this a challenging match for both of them. Definitely a step up for Carwin, and an impressive win for either fighter.

Agree or Disagree: 1 0

By: RU486

RU486 — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 05:35:51 +0000

If Carwin can use his wrestling and brute strength to control Gonzaga in the clinch, there is no reason why he shouldn’t walk right through him. Randy gave Carwin a step-by-step formula to whipping Gonzagas ass. Also, I’m not sure how well Gabe will hold up if the fight goes past the second round. He seems to be a little out of shape as of late.

Agree or Disagree: 0 0

By: Echolocating

Echolocating — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 03:45:35 +0000

Good point, Mike, about the quality of Gonzaga’s wins over that of Carwin’s. I think Carwin has this one, personally.

Agree or Disagree: 0 0

By: Angry Mike

Angry Mike — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:39:27 +0000

Imo, this fight is closer than the records may suggest. Gonzaga has more experience, but has lost twice to Werdum and once to Couture. He beat Cro Cop, but Cro Cop’s disappearance in the UFC undercuts the quality of that victory. I question whether the rest of Gonzaga’s wins were significantly better than those of Carwin.

I like Carwin’s chances. He’ll have to push the pace, clinch, and look for the takedown every step of the way. If Carwin lets Gonzaga set up, Carwin could eat a high kick that takes his head off.

Agree or Disagree: 0 0

By: Cathedron

Cathedron — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 20:42:21 +0000

This is the fight I’m most excited about right now if only because I have no idea how this fight will go. Carwin is such a huge question mark, but the buzz says he’s going to be true to the hype. I don’t know. Gonzaga is a little unpredictable. Like you mentioned, his will can be broken, but when he’s confident, he’s dangerous standing and on the ground. I’m leaning towards Carwin being able to physically overwhelm Gonzaga and break him, but I can’t count out Gonzaga’s KO power either. On Saturday, I’ll definitely flip a coin.

Agree or Disagree: 0 0