By Bleacher Report’s Kevin Hess:
When people discuss who the best striker is in the UFC heavyweight division, many will say that Junior Dos Santos is that man. There is little reason to disagree, as Dos Santos has racked up 6 straight wins inside the Octagon with all but one fight ending before the final bell due to his powerful striking.
His opponent at UFC 131 is Shane Carwin, who is also known for his powerful punches, has sent four of his five opponents in the UFC home in the first round. Carwin may not be known as a technical striker but the results of what his hands can do cannot be disputed.
When I compare these two dominant strikers, I come to the conclusion that I have to give the advantage to Shane Carwin for a few reasons.
Dos Santos has exceptional power in both of his hands. “Cigano” has dropped Gilbert Yvel and Gabriel Gonzaga with hard left hook shots. He put Roy Nelson and Fabricio Werdum to the mat with the right uppercut. Though it would be wise to throw leg kicks as a striker, neither JDS or Carwin tend to use them.
Now where is the weakness that makes me believe that Carwin has the advantage?
First it lies in his hand placement and the style of punches JDS throws against his opponents. Dos Santos moves in and drops his hands to waist/stomach level when he throws his punches, and the style of strikes he usually throws are wide and sometimes loopy shots.
Stay tuned to Bleacher Report for all things UFC 131, including the latest UFC 131 results, fight card analysis, UFC 131 news and live reaction from Vancouver.