‎137: GSP - Diaz

[giggle-maker]

Does anybody realllly think we'll ever have a GSP - Silva?

 

[Interrogator]

I'd say theres about 60% chance it'll happen. As Dana White said after UFC Rio, Silva wants big fights before he retires and they don't get much bigger than that. Theres also very few decent challengers from within the middleweight division, they'll probably start bringing in outsiders like they are with GSP. Then again, White seemed to cast doubt on the event actually happening, not finding a big enough venue really isn't the big deal he says it is. I'm also doubtful they could agree on a catch-weight for both of them. Silva isn't exactly flabby, if he loses much more weight he'll disappear. GSP will also suffer from a weight gain, he's fairly built as it is, if he gets much bigger he'll slow down and his game will be off. It would suck for the fight to happen and neither are at their best. Theres also lots of challenges from within the welterweight division to keep GSP busy, he would have to take off a lot of time to prepare for Silva, I doubt the other welterweights would be happy. Having said this, the demand for the fight is so big they might go ahead with it anyway.

 

[Snail Shell]

GSP/Silva is back-burner at this point. If it ever happens (unlikely), it would be a horrible career move for one of them. Either GSP for suffering a nasty KO loss or Silva by being humiliated from losing to a smaller opponent. I really don't think it will ever happen.

For Silva, the best move would be to move up to 205 and make a serious run at the title there. All the big names/fights you can handle at 205 and a solid chance at being the first in UFC history to win belts at two weight classes simultaneously.

For GSP, he could conceivably hold his own at 185, but I doubt he'd beat Silva. Sadly, Nick Diaz is the most marketable fight for him right now (GSP will crush him) until a clear contender emerges in the log jam beneath him at 170. Jon Fitch, BJ Penn, Carlos Condit and others are waiting, but not one of them is a clear #1 contender.

Until Silva and GSP retire or step up a weight class, both divisions are in danger of growing stale. Sad, but it's the nature of the sport.

SS

 

[Interrogator]

Until Silva and GSP retire or step up a weight class, both divisions are in danger of growing stale. Sad, but it's the nature of the sport.
SS

True. Thats why I love the Light Heavyweight division so much, you've got at least 4 guys (Jones, Rampage, Rua and Machida) who could all legitimately challenge for, and win, the belt. I just hope the Featherweight division doesn't stagnate as well. Lots of good fighters to be sure, but I don't see many who threaten Aldo, certainly not Florian.

 

[giggle-maker]

It would suck for the fight to happen and neither are at their best.

I hear ya and understand. The actual caveat (at least in my opinion) would be to ignore the weight difference.

Let me say that as its own line.



Ignore the weight difference.



The point being, you have two extremely talented fighters, who, despite weight class, can market themselves in a whole different aspect. Ironicaly, this "non-weight-class-specific" marketing was already done in the Gracie era! Gracie would take on fighters two weight classes above him on a regular basis.


All that being said, with the weight classes being what they are now, Silva would stand to lose more due the weight class mentality.


So the real question is: How do you market the GSP-Silva fight while simultaiously excluding the weight class?

 

[Snail Shell]

You just answered your own question. Market it as the two best pound-for-pound fighters of this generation against each other.

That said, Silva would still be the favourite to win. Whenever two greats from different weight classes fight, the larger man is almost always the favourite. That said, it would be a mistake for Silva to take the fight with GSP. If he wins, he was supposed to win anyways. If he loses, his legacy of the best ever is crushed. Silva would be much better suited to move up to 205. I could see GSP holding his own against just about anyone at 185 except Silva. GSP has also stated no real interest in moving up a weight class.

Incidentally, the co-main event for UFC 137, aside from GSP/Diaz is announced to be Penn/Condit. The winner will most likely get GSP after he's done stomping a hole in Diaz.

SS

 

[giggle-maker]

You just answered your own question. Market it as the two best pound-for-pound fighters of this generation against each other.

That said, Silva would still be the favourite to win. Whenever two greats from different weight classes fight, the larger man is almost always the favourite. That said, it would be a mistake for Silva to take the fight with GSP. If he wins, he was supposed to win anyways. If he loses, his legacy of the best ever is crushed. Silva would be much better suited to move up to 205. I could see GSP holding his own against just about anyone at 185 except Silva. GSP has also stated no real interest in moving up a weight class.

Incidentally, the co-main event for UFC 137, aside from GSP/Diaz is announced to be Penn/Condit. The winner will most likely get GSP after he's done stomping a hole in Diaz.

SS

My gut says Penn over Condit.

Not sure bout the whole "stomping a hole" kinda win outta GSP. I think he will beat Diaz, but in a more clinical and steril fashion. GSP has turned lopsided matches into a wierd sortta "practice spar" lately (at least that's the feel I've been getting). I could be wrong and he might just say fuckit and stomp said hole in the 1st, but truthfuly we will have to wait and see.

 

[Snail Shell]

That's GSP's new M.O., apparently. He fights wherever his opponent is weakest and takes only necessary risks in order to take as little damage as possible and still win the fight. It's not the most impressive way to win, but having only lost one round since 2007 against every top 5 Welterweight in the world since 2004 speaks volumes about that mindset going into a fight.

SS

 

[Interrogator]

That's GSP's new M.O., apparently. He fights wherever his opponent is weakest and takes only necessary risks in order to take as little damage as possible and still win the fight. It's not the most impressive way to win, but having only lost one round since 2007 against every top 5 Welterweight in the world since 2004 speaks volumes about that mindset going into a fight.

SS

I just hope more fighters don't adopt that strategy, as successful as it may be its very dull to watch. GSP is so concerned with winning that he doesn't take any risks, he never really engages in striking exchanges and he doesn't look for the finish. In his fight with Shields he knocked him to the ground some time in the 1st I think, but backed off and let Shields up. He probably was (justifiably) wary of Shields' jiu jitsu, but he's fought BJ Penn and dominated him on the ground before, so why not try against Shields? His fighting style is very techinical and precise, but I'd rather watch a Korean Zombie vs. Garcia slug fest. I pray the day doesn't come when MMA gets boring.

 

[giggle-maker]

In all reality, can you blame him? This is MMA after all. He is well aware of the judges and the score-per-round. He is a very intelligent fighter first. Pay is based on results and unfortunatly for the spectator, those results can be earned in a lackluster style. However, you can't fault GSP for doing what works.

That is probably why the masses are crying for a GSP-Silva in the first place. Niether GSP nor Silva can "go academic" on their opponent to earn an easy win/paycheck. Weight be damned, both would have to bring the "A-GAME" and the crowd knows it. (IMO of course)

 

[giggle-maker]

BTW Silva-Jones is less than "back burner" also. True, Silva will probably take Jones but as far as "next match" goes...

 

[Interrogator]

Breaking news chaps, Diaz is out, Condit is in. Not sure what my feeling are about this. It'll probably be a better fight but I was really looking forward to seeing GSP ripping Diaz a new one. Also, Penn now has no one to fight so is off the card.

 

[Snail Shell]

Condit's not ready. Neither is Diaz for that matter, but Diaz was a more marketable fight. GSP by Decision.

SS

 

[giggle-maker]

Trailer....if you will....



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dTtfhYvQBUI


Not sure what to make of this. Penn has been left out on the sidewalk it seems.

 

[giggle-maker]

Condit's not ready. Neither is Diaz for that matter, but Diaz was a more marketable fight. GSP by Decision.

SS

More likeley a decision than GSP-Diaz. And this has more potential for upset. (did I say that out loud?)

 

[giggle-maker]

Penn-Fitch II?

 

[Interrogator]

Penn-Fitch II?

Oh God I hope not, nobody wants to see those two grind out a decision again. There are plenty of welterweights I'd like to see face Penn (Story, Shields, Koscheck), but they're all tied up in other fights. I agree that Condit isn't ready for a title shot, if he had beaten Penn then maybe, but not right now. Having said that, I'm not sure who else could fight GSP right now. I give it to GSP by decision.

 

[Snail Shell]

Penn/Fitch 1 was supposed to hammer out a #1 challenger for after Shields. Having that fight end in a draw left GSP without a clear challenger. Nick Diaz was practically the only marketable fight and injuries on both sides have delayed Penn/Fitch 2. Sorry to say it, but BJ Penn and Jon Fitch may well be the two best welterweights in the world after GSP. While it may well end up grinding out to another decision, they're about the only two in the weight class who come anywhere close to St. Pierre's talent level.

SS

 

[Interrogator]

WTF is going on, seriously? Diaz will now fight Penn on the undercard, with the UFC seemingly reversing their decision about kicking him out. Nick and Dana must have had one serious phonecall. Not sure who I back for this, Penn in spirit definately, but I think Diaz has a slight edge in striking. If Penn can get him down then things might change, but I'm giving Diaz the win, TKO in the 3rd.

 

[Snail Shell]

Penn by dismemberment.

SS

 

[Dave Pavet]

I guess Diaz was too high to make it to the press conference.