Sean sent me this video of Dennis fighting in Philly and asked me:

"Dennis for whatever reason went completely against our game plan. He was supposed to trade with the guy for most of the first round then take him down.

"Lastly we both have trained against this but we have the habit of extending our lead hand as a check. Let me know what you think."

Erique, who also worked the corner, sent me an earlier text, letting me know that Dennis had been fouled, that his ear drum was swollen so it was a DQ No Contest. Also that the other man's coach was ejected from the event for bad sportsmanship, which can be heard in the background. The other fighter was still talking shit on the stairs later but then realized that he had really hurt Dennis with that ear shot. Dennis didn't end up losing any hearing.

As to advice on dealing with this kind of opponent.

1

Fight at 160, not 170. This guy was a lot bigger.

2

Against a bigger, better kicker, your game plan was good, having them mix it up on foot and than have Dennis do a high takedown rather than a leg pick—because the guy has good hips.

The reason why I don't think Dennis felt comfortable with this in the cage was that his punching footwork is still lagging behind his shoot drive. He is still doing single step jabs, instead of double and throwing the right hand on a reaching pivot against the tall guy.

I'd rather see my savage love son beating up and mugging guys his own size.

But against this kind of foe in the future work the following:

-1. Throw double jabs and triple jabs, stepping with each jab until one lands.

-2. Throw pass hooks when not kicked.

-3. Practice the U-hustle when not kicked.

-4. Work on switching leads with a forward shift, turning a jab into the follow on rear hand as you step past his foot.

-5. Do not throw the right until you have been kicked and then throw over his kick.

-6. Throw the majority of punches at his chest, since he is so much taller.

-7. When you find yourself extending the lead as a checking hand, double step and fire a jab from the extended hand—from extension. Do this in shadow, on the bag and in sparring and in time it will come. Make sure you tuck that chin.

Ideally you want this guy to start ripping shots so he can be taken down with throw.

Figure out which three r four of these methods he can absorb in a training camp and work on them, adding the items he is less comfortable with later.