Dark Defender Says Be Ready for What XRP Will Do in the 2nd Leg. Here’s Why

Crypto markets move in cycles, and history often leaves clues for those willing to study it closely. As Bitcoin consolidates near cycle highs and capital rotates across the broader market, attention has shifted once again to Bitcoin dominance—a metric that historically signals when altcoins may take center stage. For XRP holders, that signal is beginning to flash.

Dark Defender, a widely followed technical analyst on X, recently reignited discussion around this theme. He pointed to historical market structure and argued that investors should prepare for what he describes as XRP’s “second leg” rally. His thesis rests on the relationship between Bitcoin dominance and altcoin expansion phases, particularly the dramatic events of 2017.

The 2017 Blueprint: When Dominance Collapsed

In early 2017, Bitcoin dominance stood near 90%. As the year progressed and speculative capital flooded into alternative cryptocurrencies, dominance fell sharply to below 40%, according to CoinMarketCap historical data.

During that same period, XRP surged from approximately $0.006 to an all-time high near $3.84 in January 2018. That move represented a gain of roughly 63,900%, making XRP one of the most explosive performers of that cycle.

Dark Defender’s attached chart overlays that historical dominance collapse with current market conditions. He argues that the structural similarities suggest a comparable setup may be forming, though he stops short of predicting identical percentage returns.

A Sharper 2026 Dominance Decline?

The analyst projects that Bitcoin dominance could fall toward the 30–35% range in 2026, a deeper retracement than many mainstream forecasts anticipate. If capital rotates aggressively into altcoins, XRP could benefit from renewed liquidity inflows, particularly if traders view it as a large-cap alternative with established exchange presence and global recognition.

Technical indicators strengthen his argument. The Relative Strength Index on higher timeframes, as shown in TradingView-based analyses referenced in his post, signals what he interprets as momentum building for a continuation move. He frames the next phase not as an initial breakout, but as a “second leg”—a continuation pattern that often follows consolidation.

Context and Caution

Market structure today differs from 2017 in meaningful ways. Institutional participation has increased, derivatives markets have matured, and regulatory frameworks have evolved. Bitcoin dominance also reflects structural shifts such as stablecoin expansion and the rise of new blockchain ecosystems.

Still, historical precedent shows that sharp declines in dominance often coincide with broad altcoin rallies. Dark Defender’s analysis suggests that XRP may once again sit at the intersection of capital rotation and technical momentum.

Whether history repeats exactly remains uncertain. However, if dominance weakens significantly, XRP’s past performance during similar conditions ensures that traders will watch closely for confirmation of that anticipated “second leg.”

Disclaimer: This content is meant to inform and should not be considered financial advice. The views expressed in this article may include the author’s personal opinions and do not represent Times Tabloid’s opinion. Readers are urged to do in-depth research before making any investment decisions. Any action taken by the reader is strictly at their own risk. Times Tabloid is not responsible for any financial losses.

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