Part 5/13:
He described Rod Tang’s exceptional ability to absorb punches—remarkably standing through heavy strikes—comparing it to fighters like Ali Bagatinov, whose durability surprised even Johnson. The discussion highlighted how elite Muay Thai fighters prioritize clinching, impact, and durability, making their matches unique spectacles of striking skill. Johnson appreciates that despite the impact, the sport often minimizes clinch dominance, perhaps for the sake of action, but he believes that clinch control is essential to true mastery.