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Originally Posted by dbader08  Does hitting or barely hitting someone (Penn-Stevenson) with a glancing elbow that happens to open up a cut really count as frightening ground and pound? And Penn becomes a punching bag after 1 and a half rounds, the damage to Kos was done on the feet. He did beat Fitch and Alves pretty good (especially Fitch) but lets be honest, their bottom game isn't nearly that of Diaz's. I'd be more worried about Diego's GNP than GSP's, and I think Nick had more left at the end of that fight...he just couldn't keep Diego off the top of him consistently enough to win rounds. But GSP is obviously better on the feet and better and controlling position.
Another thing to Note is GSP will not have much of a reach advantage in this fight. Out of all GSP's recent opponents, only Condit matches Nick's reach. Nick just has to watch out for the leg kicks (he should be able to match GSP's jab), but honestly GSP does not kick that hard...just like Condit didn't lol...but points are points when you gotta turn to the judges for a winner. |
I doubt Nick can match GSP's jab. Diaz throws his very traditionally whereas GSP throws his by elongating his body making it faster and himself a more elusive target. Secondly trying to pry any knowlegde from a Sanchez-Diaz fight that happened 8 years ago isn't very relevant.
GSP doesn't "gotta turn to the judges" either. That guy fights full speed the whole fight and consistently faces guys who almost never get finished by anybody. Look at the faces of his opponents after the fights, he isn't coasting or going for decisions by any means.
GSP has faced all kinds of fighters and has beat them all.
Wrestler with a strong double, GNP and throws bombs - Koschek
Wrestler who grinds and has a great submission game - Shields
BJJ ace with good boxing - Penn
Overall good fighter who grinds - Fitch
Striker (punching base) - Hardy
Striker (muay thai) - Alves
Dangerous from everywhere, great muay thai - Condit
One thing those guys all did wrong was rest on their laurels. They developed a game plan with few surprises and GSP ate them up because he knew exactly what to do. Diaz needs to be like Penn-Fitch and surprise the fuck out of GSP to have a chance. Otherwise he's just another victim.