Wlad looked good abeit against a mediocre opponent who fought scared. I mean, Austin just kept throwing that left hook off balence cause he was so scared. Every time he threw it, he leaned so far the other way to avoid getting hit that he had nothing on the punch.

That being said, I gotta say wlad did a good job and handled his business well by getting his inferior opponent out of there quickly and with one hand at that.

What I liked the best though is when Merchant asked him why he took such a fight, he quickly responded by saying that he didn't choose it and it was clear by his tone that he didn't want it. I was convinced that he is more ready than ever to make his move now as he is truly confident now.

Just one thing. He can unify all he wants but the best HW fight out there is him & Peter and until he makes that and wins it legit, I'll never be convinced.

That means no compulsive holding. BTW, I don't want to hear about no rabbit punching cause wlad was turning his head.