Cung Le's Potential...

jesusatemyhotdog · #1 (**permalink**) 06-23-2007, 11:34 AM

Although I have seen all three of Cung's prior MMA fights and many of his K-1 san shou bouts, this was the first time that I have seen him live. All I have to say is: WOW!

His striking is something to behold. He truly puts the art in mixed martial arts. Having said this, I was wondering on how far you guys thing that Cung Le can progress in the sport.

There are very few guys at 185 that can strike with him: Anderson and Kang being two of the obvious picks who could go toe to toe with him. But even then, Le presents many problems on the feet that most fighters have never had to deal with, most prominently his kicking combos.

Cung also has solid wrestling credentials combined with his mastery of throws that are part of san shou. There is no doubt that he has a solid skill set for success and his attitude seems to be top notch.

But, how far do you think he can go in this sport? He is 35 after all and is only in his second year of MMA. He has so far fought mostly C fighters. When he does jump up to the next tier of competition, do you think that guys with superior wrestling and ground games will be able to get past his striking and have his way with him?

Last night on the PPV Mauro was talking up a potential Le vs. Shamrock face off for the Strikeforce title. Do you guys think that he would have a chance against Glamrock? And is Cung Le a future champion with the big dogs?

Harlem · #2 (**permalink**) 06-23-2007, 11:51 AM

Because Cung is getting up there in age, I think he has to work really fast to make a legendary impact on MMA. I do think he has the potential to change the game because he has proven people wrong that all of the kicks and techniques he employs are impractical. I think Cung may be the best striker in MMA P4P. He uses every part of his limbs to his advantage and can strike from any potential, mixed with great throws, if he has a really good ground game, many of his throws can be used as take downs to set up the ground game. Also, he has very good take down D, which many people missed The Freak trying to start a grapple that was tharted be Cung the few times he tryed.

I think Cung may be a very bad style match up for Frank Shamrock. The reason is, Frank isn't a better striker and Cung has great take down D and Frank has no take down D at all. It will be a great fight but don't be surprised if the fight never goes to the ground and Frank makes it to the Cung Le highlight reel on the receiving end of crazy slam.

Frank is a great fighter, but Cung Le is on another level striking IMO. The only chance for Frank to win is sub but Cung isn't stupid enough stay on the ground with him, and I think he has enough skills to avoid a sub in enough time to get up.

Cung will do extremely well in MMA until he gets to old in about 3 to 4 years and gets caught with a lucky KO punch from somebody.

Thaistylist · #3 (**permalink**) 06-23-2007, 12:01 PM

I wish he had started MMA a bit sooner. Even 2 years would make a world of difference but I think he still has the potential to make an impact. Not only are his skills amazing he seems like he would be very marketable. Also, his unique throws will be tough to defend just like judo throws because they arent seen as much.

Beatts35 · #4 (**permalink**) 06-23-2007, 12:04 PM

Cung is old, and hasn't shown anything mixed about his martial arts. all we've seen is striking. i've seen his san cho matches and he out points guys on his throws.

we need to see him fight someone that will put him on his back. i think his striking and kicks are top notch, but there are alot of wrestlers that would put him on his head for trying the ax kicks and the never ending spinning back kicks.

i hope they don't try and pair cung ans frank. they both should be fighting different matches.

drop toe hold · #5 (**permalink**) 06-23-2007, 12:41 PM

he'll be like crocop, as long as he can keep the fight standing there are not that many guys that can bang with him, he is going to make some $$$, with moves that flashy and solid he will be a huge draw, last night they said he wrestled in high school and seems like an alpha male at anything he does so i think anybody will have trouble getting him down

Kimuras"R"Us · #6 (**permalink**) 06-23-2007, 12:52 PM

Last night was the first time I had the opportunity to watch Cung Le, and I was just blown away. His striking is crazy and his repetoire is just above and beyond almost if not everyone in MMA. The only thing that worries me is some of his kicks leave him wide open for an awkward takedown if someone were to time it up perfect... but if they didn't time it up right they'd get clocked.

Mac · #7 (**permalink**) 06-23-2007, 12:59 PM

I don't know yet, I mean we all know he's unparallelled in striking, but I gotta reserve judgement until I see him fight someone a step up that has a ground game. I think at this point someone like Filho would maul him, but I'd love to see him fight a Mayhem or Lutter just to see where he could go.

Bran · #8 (**permalink**) 06-23-2007, 01:14 PM

man, his strikes were amazing. it was like watching the final scene of bloodsport or something. this guy needs to fight more often since he's only got a few years left.

Severn · #9 (**permalink**) 06-23-2007, 01:32 PM

Potentially he can do anything, it's just that he has a short window to work from. Beating Frank would be pretty big and it's something that he can do fairly soon as both are in the same org. That would be one early accomplishment in his MMA career "hey, he beat Frank Shamrock". After that he should focus on going to the UFC as that's the big stage and that's where he'd get the most recognition (and Dana would love to invite the guy who beat Frank).

That's assuming he will get past Shamrock.