UFC 158 MArch 16th

[edman5555]

Again?




Not to get all MMAthematical, but I thought Kos beat Hendricks . . . and GSP destroyed Kos with ease.

I think it would be intersting because Hendricks is hard to takedown. That would mean that GSP would likely have to stand with him for most of the fight. Hendricks has huge power in his hands. If GSP is forced to spend 5 rounds standing with a guy that has huge power in his hands he could be in trouble. Couple that with Hendricks aggresiveness. Then consider that Condit has much more stopping power then GSP. Then consider that Hendricks went toe to toe with Condit. If Hendricks can go toe to toe with Condit he can take GSPs punches. They aren't fight enders most of the time. Occasionally he will hit someone with some serious power that might hurt them but he isn't dropping dudes/knocking them out with one punch. I think it is a horrible stylistic matchup for GSP. Hendricks is a guy with great TDD and huge power + a good enough chin to take Condits power. I'm not saying he will beat GSP but he certainly has a hell of a shot. More than Nick Diaz or anyone else that has fought GSP. Condit probably had the best shot out of all GSP's opponents. He had shit wrestling but he always went for it. 25 minutes out of 25 minutes condit would try to finish.

[SPX]

Well, I look at it like this. . .

The wrestling will probably cancel, just like it did in the Kos fight. So this means it will be a kickboxing match . . . just like in the Kos fight. And GSP is more technical . . . while Johny has more power.

COULD Hendrix land a huge bomb that would put GSP out? He could. And like you say, that's what makes it an interesting fight. But I think it's more likely that GSP jabs him death while Hendricks jumps around winging haymakers.

[Thewisemann]

Kos broke his orbital in the first rd I believe. I think Hendricks is better on the feet than Kos. If they rematched Hendricks would Knock him out. And yes, I want to see Diaz./Condit 2

[SPX]

I mean, am I the only one who remembers this is GSP we're talking about?

[Svino]

I didn't know who either of the guys in the first fight, no one in the room cared and neither did I. I have no idea why these guys were on the main card and Rick Story was on the undercard.

I think it was just because they're subjects of the Queen.

[MMA_scientist]

I think it was just because they're subjects of the Queen.

I guess... but I would still imagine that most of the PPV comes from the US.

[MMA_scientist]

I mean, am I the only one who remembers this is GSP we're talking about?

He's just a man. They all have to lose eventually. Hendricks was landing on Condit. He has put away several good fighters, including some that went the distance with GSP. I am not guaranteeing a victory, and you of course have to favor GSP, but I think Hendricks has the style to give GSP trouble, I said it 2 or 3 years ago, and I still believe it. He swings hard, he makes it ugly, and he will be a match for GSP in the wrestling department. It is clear at this point, you can't beat GSP by being a better fighter, you have to just make it ugly and get lucky.

[poopoo333]

I am interested to see GSP's gameplan against Hendricks. I think he will try to put him on his back.

[poopoo333]

Ben Askren @Benaskren After tonight I am 100% sure I could beat GSP @dukeroufus

[SPX]

It is clear at this point, you can't beat GSP by being a better fighter, you have to just make it ugly and get lucky.

I guess that's pretty much it. You have to "catch" GSP. And in 10 fights, maybe Hendricks could do it 2 or even 3 times. But I still have to favor GSP and think he will win.

If Hendricks had better boxing fundamentals I would have to give him more of a chance. But like you say, he makes it ugly. There at least doesn't APPEAR to be much technique involved. He just jumps toward you and throws hays.

[SPX]

Ben Askren @Benaskren After tonight I am 100% sure I could beat GSP @dukeroufus

Ben Askren is a retarded person.

[poopoo333]

I'm interested in it.

[MMA_scientist]

Ben Askren @Benaskren After tonight I am 100% sure I could beat GSP @dukeroufus

I want Askren in the UFC, but it is never going to happen. I would be curious to see if Askren could put him on his back. GSP maintains his position mostly d/t being able to put anyone down and not allowing anyone to take him down. I would love to see someone who "might" be able to put GSP on his back. I don't think he could keep him there though. Askren is trying to be interesting lately, but I wish he would call out guys he might actually fight, instead of GSP and Bisping.

[poopoo333]

I really want to see Askren in the UFC. There is nobody to beat him in Bellator. He is going to beat Lima (again) or Saunders easily this year. I would like to see him come to the UFC and fight someone like Rick Story and work his way up.

[MMA_scientist]

I guess that's pretty much it. You have to "catch" GSP. And in 10 fights, maybe Hendricks could do it 2 or even 3 times. But I still have to favor GSP and think he will win.

If Hendricks had better boxing fundamentals I would have to give him more of a chance. But like you say, he makes it ugly. There at least doesn't APPEAR to be much technique involved. He just jumps toward you and throws hays.

Brawling works pretty well in MMA. I think "technical" striking is kind of overrated in MMA. And I hate to say this, but technical grappling is overrated too. A boxing match is 12 rounds, the damage adds up. A grappling match is scored on nuances, so having a foot here as opposed the there matters. But in MMA, it seems like you need a basic level of technique, and some power. I would say the biggest upside to "technical" striking in MMA is that you avoid getting hit, not so much that it helps you deliver more. The same with grappling, really technical grapplers are less prone to ending up under mount or side control, so it helps defensively, but in MMA, where the rules don't force you to engage, I think being powerful is more important for actually imposing your grappling.

That said, I would probably agree with your 3/10 assessment on GSP/Hendricks. I just think it is in the air. Hendricks is rolling and GSP is getting more and more cautious with every outing.