El Fuerte

Description:
Stamina: 900
Stun: 1,000
Fighting Style: Lucha Libre Wrestling
Fighter Type: Grappler
Strengths: High speed, excellent mix-ups, mediocre damage, fast specials recovery
Weaknesses: Low stamina and damage, no solid reversal special

Character Videos:
Video #1: Abel vs El Fuerte (IDHMANA vs GODMAN1979)
Video #2: Abel vs El Fuerte (Vern vs YC Yik)

Offense Strategy:
El Fuerte is a character that's constantly on the move, dashing or jumping off walls so you'll need to pin him down first. You'll need to find an opening to sneak in a Step Kick or a sweep before you can move in on him. Even when he's down though it can be tricky to keep up your offense as he can wriggle out of your grasp with his EX Dash and even a whiffed EX reversal. Despite that, keep close to him and up the pressure. With his low stamina, El Fuerte will go down even with a few hits so trading a bit of stamina is an advantage for Abel.

Defense Strategy:
Try to avoid from getting knocked down as much as you can in this match-up. Combined with Abel's dismal defense, El Fuerte's mix-up game from his Habanero Dash and Wall Jump can do some serious damage. If you are knocked down and stuck in the vortex, use the options in the notes to try and create some space. An offensive defense strategy actually works well against El Fuerte. Set yourself up and go for the counter opportunities, even one successful counter can be the payback you need to turn the tide and win the match.

Notes:
- El Fuerte's Guacamole Leg Throw has a very fast recovery on landing.
- Example of some of El Fuerte's dash mix-ups and how to counter them:
1. Stop: Sets up for throw/block string or HP links, tech or block
2. Slide Kick: Decent range, block low or FA
3. Body Splash: Overhead attack, can cross-up or hit from front
4. Tortilla Twister/Fajita Buster: Throw move, jump away or back dash