Usman threw like that because of his opponent. His striking isn't advanced, but he's strong, rangey, and is a bully in the clinch and on the fence. If someone is worried about the TD, it's even more dire. You'd need a Robert Whitaker type of fighter. No such thing exists at WW right now (maybe?).
The opponent needs some grappling chops. There needs to be a plan B, C, and possibly D to stop that pressure and caliber of grappling. In addition to the sprawl for the double you'd need a whizzer for the single leg attempt. A good frame in the open, awareness of the cage (either for avoiding the clinch and TD or knowledge of how to use the cage to wall walk away from the mat).
Plus, the fight may get to the ground anyway. Escapes, controlling posture and use of a butterfly guard to keep Usman from advancing to buy time to get back to the feet, etc. Lots of opening, closing and transitioning between guard types while on bottom. Lot of nuances.
Usually, a sprawl and foot work isn't enough. Especially against the chain. There's 2nd and 3rd order effects that need to be planned for. Usually, strikers hadn't evolved their game to deal with all of that. Colby having a strong wrestling background caused Usman not to pursue wrestling in the fight.
Usman will not kick box to win against a guy he feels he can control like a ragdoll. Usman looked at Woodley one time and knew Woodley would fold under the pressure.
We think alike
