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- Sep 24, 2007
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I said the grappling "edge" because he is larger meaning I think that Cerrone will not be taking him down at will to use his ground skills. This is my own opinion and trust me 10 lbs of weight difference is a huge difference when grappling. Cote surely respects Cerrone's ground game . Saunders is better than Cerrone on the ground and Cote didn't have too much a problem with him. Doubt he even takes him down once. Cote dictates where the fight goes and is the value bet in this fight. Honestly I would take Cote over Cerrone even if his line was -175 and at +140 imma super smash it.
Yeah I agree that despite Cerrone's improved offensive wrestling he wouldn't find it easy to take Cote down. Doesn't mean he couldn't get it to the mat with a well timed level change, but definitely not a gimme by any means (esp with the size edge like you said). And come fight night it's probably more than 10 lbs honestly.
Killa B has a nice ground game, but he's not better than Cerrone. He really isn't. I'm not sure why people don't get by now that Cerrone isn't just good on the mat, he's elite. His guard is very active and he's durable which allows him to not go into a defensive shell while on his back. And his transitions are extremely slick, especially if he does get top position.
I'm on Cote too for this fight and I think you're right in that this is a standup fight throughout but I think that's because Cote won't want to mess with Cowboy on the mat at all. Where with Saunders, Cote was just fine going there. Even though Cowboy is better than Ben standing too, Cote would rather fight standing vs Cowboy than grapple with him I'm guessing. (Though maybe try to mix in a takedown very late in rounds for the judges when Cowboy won't have time to work? It's what I'd do if I was Cote).
I don't agree with your capping the fight, I see it as a pick 'em so the value is all Cote as the dog imo. If you're capping the fight that way I know you'll have a huge bet on Cote though, I would if I capped it that way. And although Cowboy is one of my favorites to watch, I'll be rooting for my $ right along with yours on Cote LOL.