ً@trading_axe
I wouldn't tail this at all, probably my riskiest bet hence the downsizing.
But I have two reasons to think this way.
Firstly, Merab is an extremely dominant pressure fighter with a genetically mutated gas tank.
To beat him, you need to match his pace and outperform him or land a flush knockout.
Both SUPER DIFFICULT THINGS to achieve when you're constantly on the backfoot.
If there was anyone to beat Merab, I would say it's Petr Yan with his technical striking.
Yan's first fight with Merab, you could very clearly tell his right hand was compromised but he still fought with an injury.
Merab made Yan look like an amateur, mainly due to all the takedown attempts, but also Yan's injury.
I think if Yan comes in at 100%, it'll be a much more competitive fight than anyone is giving credit for right now [the odds are insane - it should be evenish].
Secondly,
I think Merab wants money.
He doesn't give a fuck about his record, legacy or the belt. Ex-construction worker.
What makes the most logical sense right now?
A damn near x4 return on him losing [match fixing/someone throwing] is a big "problem" right now in the UFC.
When you have the chance to make generational wealth by "not performing your best" [you're already up 1-0] and you know you'll get a trilogy that you can get it back on,
Why wouldn't you?
UFC fighters aren't paid the best.
A trilogy also makes the division x1000 more interesting.
It would be an incredibly smart business move.
I can envision the aftermath discussions: "Merab didn't quite look like himself, something seemed off..."
~ Dr. Axius.
