Frank Mir proved that he is still a force to be reckoned with in the UFC’s heavyweight division when he outworked and outclassed the loveable Roy Nelson to earn a unanimous decision victory at UFC 130. Before the fight took place, Mir stated that he believed a win would put him in the number-one contender position. After watching him dominate this weekend, I believe that he is a viable threat to whoever wears the heavyweight belt, and has a strong shot at becoming a three-time heavyweight champion.
Roy Nelson posed an interesting threat to Mir due to the fact that he has solid stand up abilities, a well documented BJJ acumen, and an uncanny ability to take punishment throughout a fight. However, Mir worked his game plan over fifteen minutes to prove that he is the better fighter of the two. Many times it’s easier to forget about a fighter’s past accolades when he or she hits a tough stretch in his or her career, but Mir has finally fought his way out of that tough stretch. Looking forward, there is a very strong possibility that Mir could become the second man to hold the UFC heavyweight title three times.
Mir is an opponent that current champion Cain Velasquez would struggle with, possessing the tools in the right areas that could lead to a title upset. While Cain would undoubtedly be the stronger stand up fighter, Mir’s striking is not too far behind the current champion’s. He can do what is needed in exchanges to keep the champion honest, while not staying in a defensive position. Plus, he could work his striking to earn a takedown or two, which is where he would truly flourish in the matchup.
The biggest question is how well Mir would be able to stick to his gameplan. When pushed away from his set strategy, Mir has often placed himself in the type of fight that benefits his opponent. We saw this against both Brock Lesnar and Shane Carwin. Instead of sticking and moving, Mir tried to use a power game to match the guy against the cage, and both times the bout did not end well.
While Shane Carwin and Junior dos Santos prepare to compete over who will fight Cain Velasquez later this year, Frank Mir sits on the outside. Once that bout is over, (barring a draw or another similar situation) Mir could become the next man to challenge for the belt. He has improved over his last few fights, and has what it takes to make one more title run.
I don’t see Mir
as having tried a power game. I think Mir does try to stick and move. Against
Lesnar Mir seemed to have too much faith in his bottom game. Against Carwin Mir
was lost when Carwin pushed him up against the cage. Nelson tried the same
strategy, but simply pushing his weight against Mir was not the same as Carwin
applying his strength to do the same. That’s where I see Velasquez presenting a
challenge. If Mir has any luck at range, Velasquez will push him up against the
fence where Mir has shown the least improvement.
Must say I disagree on a few points. Gassing so hard in the fight makes me doubt his ability to last against athletes with proven cardio (JDS and Cain Velasquez for example). Additionally, you say that Mir is an opponent Cain would struggle with, and allude to a takedown strategy possibly being implemented. You concede the striking game for Mir versus Cain – but believe that Mir might be able to wrestle with him? I think that is a difficult argument to sustain.
I didn't think Mir gassed that hard, but I agree with you overall. Mir's best chance is if Can takes him down.
Conor —
I'm not saying that Mir would outwrestle Cain at all. What I'm saying is that if/when Cain would take him down he's have to be EXTREMELY careful because Mir has one of the most active guards in MMA….and that goes for any weight class. Unless if a fighter like Brock or Shane has that sheer size to hold him down, mainly his hips…they can netrualize that ability. I know Cain would take him down to the ground but I think that Mir's grappling on the mat would be a serious issue once it gets there.