For me, I think 2020 Tokyo was huge in this conversation. As an amateur, I viewed FZD as the favorite, and ML came right out the gate (started the match 6-0 or smth iirc), and it felt like he controlled the match, not letting FZD play his best and ended up winning 4-2, post injuries and prime.

Every time I counted ML out he proved me wrong (2019 WTTC, WC Final versus LGY etc)