The MMA Thread

[seahawk]

Chael Sonnen returns to the cage at UFC 136 and gets Brian "All-American" Stann. This after making some disparaging comments about several Brazilian fighters.  Following that, UFC 137 sees GSP against Nick Diaz and BJ Penn face Carlos Condit.

[Damian]

I think I like Sonnen, GSP and Condit....

[Mr. Patience]

I'd have to go Sonnen, GSP and Penn.  I'm surprised Nick is getting a shot.  Perhaps the punchers chance, but I don't think he's in the same class as GSP or some of the other top contenders.

[donkeyy0]

GSP has nobody left to beat at 170...I'm not even excited at hearing about his fights anymore because the outcome is never really in question. Especially in this match. GSP is gonna make Diaz look pretty  bad imo.

[Damian]

I agree about GSP at 170.... take your time and move up or retire... its over at that weight class... its really that simple

[darcy tucker16]

I think Nick is pretty under-rated boxer and ju-jitsu artist, BUT I dont see him beating GSP. I do see Stann knocking out Sonnen however and I think BJ will beat Condit. 

GSP has to finish Diaz tho or alot of people are gonna start rooting against him.  Im even getting a little annoyed with his performances lately cause it always seems to be the same excuse. Sorry, tried my best, was fighting an injury, blah blah blah.  Finish him George.

[mustacheman]

People are under the impression that GSP is a massive welterweight, he is not. There are a number of WW that are bigger, Fitch,Alves, Kos to name a few. Moving to MW he would be facing guys that walk around at 215-220 when not training. The man is having trouble finishing guys at 170 how is he going to do trying to finish guys at 185? I'm content with GSP staying at 170 and dominating it's where he belongs.

[seahawk]

The injury bug continues to hit UFC cards. Little Nog is out of his UFC 133 co-main event against Rich Franklin. This news comes only 3 days after Phil Davis had to pull out of the main event against Rashad Evans. Tito Ortiz will take his place. In other news, UFC 136 has 2 title fights on the card. Maynard-Edgar 3 and Aldo-Florian.

http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Nogueira-Exits-UFC-133-Co-Main-Event-34007

[WhatIfGodWasALeaf]

This increase in fighters pulling out is probably directly related to the UFC introducing an insurance plan two months ago that means injured fighters still get their money.   

[Damian]

This increase in fighters pulling out is probably directly related to the UFC introducing an insurance plan two months ago that means injured fighters still get their money.

things that make you go "hmmmmmm"

[Darryl]

I am sure the increased fight schedule doesn't help as well. Add in several Versus shows a year now as well.

[Guilt Trip]

I agree about GSP at 170.... take your time and move up or retire... its over at that weight class... its really that simple

Why should he? You're blaming GSP for being dominant. It's not his fault he's THAT GOOD....Time for others to step their games up to match him. It's like telling Orr, or Gretzky to retire because they were dominant...it's not that simple because GSP isn't a huge WW and your frame will only allow so much weight to go on it without severely compromising speed because of mass. Ask any hockey player. Of course he could just compete in MW at a lower weight but then again, the lack of weight hurts power and grappling abilities.
Having said that, I think he'll move up after dominating the next fight.

[Guilt Trip]

GSP has to finish Diaz tho or alot of people are gonna start rooting against him.  Im even getting a little annoyed with his performances lately cause it always seems to be the same excuse. Sorry, tried my best, was fighting an injury, blah blah blah.  Finish him George.

Yeah it's GSP's fault Shields poked him in the eye and virtually blinded him for 3 rounds. Guys like you kill me. You may want to see KO/stoppages but the skill level of a GSP is off the charts and it's so impressive how bad he makes fighters like Sheilds, Kos, Alves, Penn, and Fitch look. Sure I'd like to see him put someone away but the pure brilliance of the game plan and execution is a thing of beauty. He never even lost a round for 7 fights until the Sheilds fight, and IMO he didn't lose one then either.
Heard an interview with Royce Gracie and he said he loves the way a guy like GSP fight...Come in with a game plan, and execute it to perfection.

[donkeyy0]

I agree about GSP at 170.... take your time and move up or retire... its over at that weight class... its really that simple

Why should he? You're blaming GSP for being dominant. It's not his fault he's THAT GOOD....Time for others to step their games up to match him. It's like telling Orr, or Gretzky to retire because they were dominant...it's not that simple because GSP isn't a huge WW and your frame will only allow so much weight to go on it without severely compromising speed because of mass. Ask any hockey player. Of course he could just compete in MW at a lower weight but then again, the lack of weight hurts power and grappling abilities.
Having said that, I think he'll move up after dominating the next fight.

Well it's kind of like boxing...where certain people (Klitschko's and Valuev) refused to face top end talent and only fought (for a while anyways...haven't followed boxing in a long time) the forced title defences...it's frustrating for fans of boxing.

Same with GSP. Nobody challenges him. It's kind of like he just goes out there because he has to. It's different because it isn't his fault because there's absolutely NO challenge for him in his weight class...but just like it was boring as hell to watch a Klitschko beat up a guy who had no business being in the ring with him...it's just as frustrating watching GSP sleep through a match and absolutely  mangle whoever it is he's facing.

[TheMightyOdin]

I think Diaz is a little underrated. Good striker, ground game and conditioning. 

I don't think he beats GSP but I think it's not going to be a one sided fight either.