First off, this entire thread is by & large a straw man argument. Dana never said Nick Diaz deserved a title shot more than Johnny Hendricks. GSP never stated he wouldn't fight Hendricks. All we know is that GSP requested to fight Diaz, & Dana appears to be granting that request.
Is it fair? No
Is it unprecedented? No
Does it undermine the credibility of the sport? No. As long as champions are fighting the consensus #1 contenders on a regular basis the sport is fine.
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Originally Posted by Supe  Anyone holding a UFC belt between the weights of 157 and 207 are turning into big(ger) dbags |
Why? Because they're dominant champions that get bored with the ho-hum title defenses that've made up their reigns so far?
Condit was the first fighter to actually threaten GSP other than the Serra fluke. If Diaz (a legit top 10 contender) gets him motivated, then let him fight Diaz.
Bones has lost 1 round during his entire reign, and there is no clear #1 contender at 205. If Sonnen gets him motivated and creates the biggest fight possible then so be it. It's not like Bones won't fight Machida eventually if Lyoto continues to win.
Silva's a little different because his intentions for avoiding Weidman are unclear, but if Weidman continues to distinguish himself that fight will happen eventually. Why? Because the more momentum Weidman gains the more money a showdown with Silva will draw.
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Originally Posted by rivethead The terms are linked too often. Ducking doesn't automatically equate to scared.
But when a champion doesn't fight the #1 contender and asks for someone else, he's ducking the #1 contender.
Georges is absolutely ducking Hendricks.
Please. Don't get all Bill Clinton and start debating bullshit semantics.
Georges is champion. Hendricks is #1 contender. Diaz is coming off a suspension and a loss. Georges is asking for Diaz. That's ducking, and it's bullshit.
You can try to justify it by saying he's still angry because Diaz talked shit. You can throw money into the equation, though I'm still not convinced Diaz is a huge draw.
But when it all washes out, ducking is ducking. This is every bit as bad as Anderson stating he has no intention of fighting Weidman. It doesn't mean anyone is scared.
It does mean they're not living up to the fundamental obligations champions assume when they strap on the belt.
rh |
rivethead, there's a big difference between "ducking" the #1 contender & simply wanting another fight first. Ever heard of a tune-up? Maybe GSP think sso little of Nick he's just using him to get ready for Hendricks. I don't actually believe that for a second, but then again, you don't actually believe GSP is "ducking" Hendricks either do you? GSP will fight Hendricks eventually. He just wants Diaz first.
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