[rivethead]

Originally Posted by dan the man 67

Let me ask you guys this; what would you have more respect for, GSP getting KO'd by Alves because he engaged him in a full blown stand-up war and lost, or GSP winning by GnP or submission?

Don't bother saying that you'd have the most respect for him if he won a stand-up war with Alves - it is NOT one of the options.

First, I think that Alves is the only WW more softly ranked than Hardy, so I think Koscheck would be a far better example.

Obviously, beating another fighter is more respectable than losing to them, so losing a stand-up war would have a more negative impact than positive. But to break your example down to specifics:

*Factor in specifically that Alves' striking is very, very overhyped and that Georges has six + inches of reach on him, and a loss just looks terrible for Georges.
*Factor in that it would be the second time GSP got KTFO'd by a guy he was a few inches taller and hald half-a-foot reach advantage on. So I can't see anyone seeing that as a respectable issue.
*Then, factor in that he hasn't finished an actual WW-sized-WW for going on 3 years now, so actually finishing someone--softly ranked or not--is going to be a nice change of pace for him and polish up his already-sterling credibility.

I simply can't see anyone thinking standing and banging and getting beat is more respectable than any win, whether it's a decision or not. Maybe some clueless mook who fights at barbecues or something...but I just can't see someone who actually is an MMA fan thinking that.



Back to Koscheck...I think it will be interesting to see if Georges is willing to exchange standing at all, or if he gets in a situation like the first fight where he's clearly not going to be able to get one specific submission, whether he'll take any risks in transitioning to another position to attempt another one, rather than simply ride out the round in a dominant spot.

If he's willing to trade, if he's willing to transition, that will be more respectable than simply riding to the most conservative win possible.

rh