pick him apart again RUSH.

“Of note, not one fighter (including Evans) was able to take down St-Pierre and it definitely wasn’t because of a lack of effort. On the other hand, it looked as though St-Pierre took everyone down almost at will with probably a 95% success ratio.”

    Wow I get the feeling most severely underestimate gsp’s wresting he definitely doesn’t get the recognition he deserves because he doesn’t have a decorated history. Hughes is in for a bad night, his only chance is to get gsp down, if he can’t see gsp/hughes 2.

All questions regarding GSP’s takedown defense will be answered on the 29th. Hughes is a great wrestler and he has something to prove: The last fight with GSP was a miscalculation in his fight approach.

I also don’t doubt the wrestling skills of GSP, Hughes couldn’t get get a takedown the last time these two tangled. Although I do see GSP winning, I don’t see a beatdown of epic proportions happening again to Hughes this time. This will be a much better fight.

I hope some of GSP rubs off on Rashad because Rashad is not top 10, yet gets to be on a main event.

GSP picks up the win here by tko (strikes) – my guess

I hope some of GSP rubs off on Rashad because Rashad is not top 10, yet gets to be on a main event.

Rashad is ranked about 5th. Dana said winner of bisping evans breaks into top 5… unless he changed his mind since ufc 78.

I’ve seen footage of GSP wrestling with some big Russian dudes in Canada (I’m not talking about his All Access) and it was pretty impressive. These guys were MUCH bigger than GSP and he was completely schooling them. I don’t know what level they were at but there has been talk of him training with Olympic-Level guys in the past. I honestly believe that if Wrestling was GSP’s core discipline (Thank god its MMA!) then we would see him compete in the Olympics.

I’m a huge fan of both Hughes and GSP… I just cant see Hughes winning this fight. GSP is starting to look like “The Future” of the welterweight devision. Obviously he’ll need to prove his mental state on the 29th, but if he wins this… Its just a matter of time before he revenges his Serra f**kup.

I hope some of GSP rubs off on Rashad because Rashad is not top 10, yet gets to be on a main event.

Rashad is ranked about 5th. Dana said winner of bisping evans breaks into top 5… unless he changed his mind since ufc 78.

That is Dana up to his old tricks trying to hype these two fighters up. These fighters are Dana’s types of fighters, fighters that are be marketable and are paid cheap. That is the Ultimate Fighter formula. Why pay fighters $100,000 when you try and market a fighter as “good” for under $75,0000?

In a catch weight fight, GSP would kick Rashad’s ass anyway :)

Rashad is ranked about 5th. Dana said winner of bisping evans breaks into top 5… unless he changed his mind since ufc 78.

Don’t believe everything Dana says. Top5. You have Page #1..Shogun #2..Henderson #3..Wandi #4…Chuck..#5..Soko and Jardine 6 and 7.. Where would Evans be ranked higher than these fighters??

I think Hughes wins this fight for the following reasons:

1) When they fought last, Hughes took the fight on less than 8 weeks rest after a very tough win over BJ Penn. There is no way that that is enough time to prepare mentally and physically for a fighter like GSP.

2) In their last fight, Hughes made the mistake of thinking he could stand and strike with GSP; he can’t. While it is true that GSP stuffed Hughes’ takedown attempts, those attempts came after Hughes took a few shots, and as I wrote above, Hughes was not in the proper condition for the fight.

3) Hughes is coming into this fight in great shape, and with a game plan that will play to his strengths. While I agree that GSP is great on the ground, I believe that Hughes has the edge there, and if it goes to the ground, I think Hughes will be able to punish him.

4) Hughes is more motivated for this fight then the last one, and I think we will see the Hughes that fought Trigg and Gracie. Hughes is a very dangerous fighter after a loss, and I think he will be focussed a ready.

5) I think GSP is looking past Hughes in the way that Penn did. That is a mistake.

This will be a great fight that can go either way. However, I see Hughes winning by rear naked choke in round 4.

why do i have a feeling that gsp could beat rashad in the octogan regardless of the weight difference. im just sayin…

Don’t believe everything Dana says. Top5. You have Page #1..Shogun #2..Henderson #3..Wandi #4…Chuck..#5..Soko and Jardine 6 and 7.. Where would Evans be ranked higher than these fighters??

MMM… what about Forest!!! Number one contender baby!

MMM… what about Forest!!! Number one contender baby!

Forrest is 2/3 since he beat Elvis Sinosic in ‘05. One year ago on Dec. 30th he loss to Jardine. Had an a win over Hector Ramirez..than upset Shogun in his UFC debut. I wouldn’t consider him #1..for real he is in the top10. If he had fought top10 guys and was on more than a 2-0 win streak then I can say comfortably that he is the #1 guy. Dana says he is the #1 contender for the title..and this whole TUF season 7..with him and PAge is just more good old UFC marketing..Just looking alone on what goes down in the octagon with the premier fighters I form my opinion on ranking..Forrest may not be undeserving of a title shot..but I’m not going to swallow him being ranked the #1 Lhw figher in the world..Today??No way..He is the ufc’s #1 most marketable guy to fight Page now.

On a side note I don’t like the idea of a current champ being a coach..and having to film..edit..broadcast..to then have a title match is stupid. Serra/Hughes could of went down months ago..now look what happened. A reality TV series should not interfere with title defenses.

GSP will Finish Hughes within 3 rounds….My guarentee of the year.

In a catch weight fight, GSP would kick Rashad’s ass anyway :)

Agreed. And what’s with those boy shorts, Sugar? Ick.

I think Hughes wins this fight for the following reasons:

1) When they fought last, Hughes took the fight on less than 8 weeks rest after a very tough win over BJ Penn. There is no way that that is enough time to prepare mentally and physically for a fighter like GSP.

2) In their last fight, Hughes made the mistake of thinking he could stand and strike with GSP; he can’t. While it is true that GSP stuffed Hughes’ takedown attempts, those attempts came after Hughes took a few shots, and as I wrote above, Hughes was not in the proper condition for the fight.

3) Hughes is coming into this fight in great shape, and with a game plan that will play to his strengths. While I agree that GSP is great on the ground, I believe that Hughes has the edge there, and if it goes to the ground, I think Hughes will be able to punish him.

4) Hughes is more motivated for this fight then the last one, and I think we will see the Hughes that fought Trigg and Gracie. Hughes is a very dangerous fighter after a loss, and I think he will be focussed a ready.

5) I think GSP is looking past Hughes in the way that Penn did. That is a mistake.

This will be a great fight that can go either way. However, I see Hughes winning by rear naked choke in round 4.

There have to be a few more excuses you can think of, kind of a short list, don’t you think?

If GSP “is on his game” then he must be considered the favourite. IMHO this fight is more important to GSP’s career than it is to Hughes’ career. Off topic: Did anyone else notice how Faber kicked Curran using the leg that he (Faber) was using for support (his other leg was being held in the air) and therefore for a second or two Faber had no legs on the ground? Talk about athleticism and creativity!

Hughes Cant take GSP down. Its as simple as. He will be forced to stand and get KTFO! This will be my guarentee of the year. BIG Money on GSP….GSP is gonna double my christmass bonus for me!

If GSP “is on his game” then he must be considered the favourite. IMHO this fight is more important to GSP’s career than it is to Hughes’ career. Off topic: Did anyone else notice how Faber kicked Curran using the leg that he (Faber) was using for support (his other leg was being held in the air) and therefore for a second or two Faber had no legs on the ground? Talk about athleticism and creativity!

Yeah, Faber is scary good. In another year or two, he could probably come take the UFC LW belt if he wanted.

I think Hughes wins this fight for the following reasons:

1) When they fought last, Hughes took the fight on less than 8 weeks rest after a very tough win over BJ Penn. There is no way that that is enough time to prepare mentally and physically for a fighter like GSP.

2) In their last fight, Hughes made the mistake of thinking he could stand and strike with GSP; he can’t. While it is true that GSP stuffed Hughes’ takedown attempts, those attempts came after Hughes took a few shots, and as I wrote above, Hughes was not in the proper condition for the fight.

3) Hughes is coming into this fight in great shape, and with a game plan that will play to his strengths. While I agree that GSP is great on the ground, I believe that Hughes has the edge there, and if it goes to the ground, I think Hughes will be able to punish him.

4) Hughes is more motivated for this fight then the last one, and I think we will see the Hughes that fought Trigg and Gracie. Hughes is a very dangerous fighter after a loss, and I think he will be focussed a ready.

5) I think GSP is looking past Hughes in the way that Penn did. That is a mistake.

This will be a great fight that can go either way. However, I see Hughes winning by rear naked choke in round 4.

Hughes was out classed.

“A reality TV series should not interfere with title defenses.”
WELL SAID!! i’ve been sayin the same shit for awhile now. im sick of havin to wait a year to see the titles defended
leave the champions out of the show and let them do what they r supposed to be doin and that is defendin their belt..

GSP will Finish Hughes within 3 rounds….My guarentee of the year.

Yeah like when the Steelers “guaranteed” a victory against the Patriots right? you know what you’ll end up looking like if you are wrong and it starts with an A

I think IF hughes can’t get gsp down, its as close to a guarantee as your going to get that hughes loses. Hughes isn’t serra, serra hits much harder than hughes, I honestly wonder if hughes can beat any welter weight on his feet, doubtfully any of the top ten. Hughes is, IMO one of the worst on his feet in that division and gsp is one of the best, it doesn’t take a genius to deduct he’ll lose in he can’t get gsp down.

Remember hughes almost got koed TWICE in his last fight, I agree with big john that stylisticly there a bad match up.

LOL.
I have 2 agree with everyone saying GSP could take Rashad.
People that say Hughes will win have not been around the UFC for long.
Watch all of GSP’s fights. Rarely does he ever lose a round.
The first time he lost, I’d say he was winning the fight, and the second fight, well we all kno what happened

LOL.
I have 2 agree with everyone saying GSP could take Rashad.
People that say Hughes will win have not been around the UFC for long.
Watch all of GSP’s fights. Rarely does he ever lose a round.
The first time he lost, I’d say he was winning the fight, and the second fight, well we all kno what happened

Yeah i’v seen his past fights and they where all scrubs.Only people he’s beat was Hughes the 2nd fight.Thats it! I know technically be beat BJ but that fight was bullshit and BJ got ROBBED.I dont think he’ll beat Hughes twice.I’d love to see him vs Nick Diaz or Robbie Lawler.

LOL.
I have 2 agree with everyone saying GSP could take Rashad.
People that say Hughes will win have not been around the UFC for long.
Watch all of GSP’s fights. Rarely does he ever lose a round.
The first time he lost, I’d say he was winning the fight, and the second fight, well we all kno what happened

GSP wins this fight imo, but how the f*ck can you say he was winning the first fight? Did you even watch it? A spinning back kick and a takedown that your opponent gets up from does not add up to a won round. Hughes slammed him, worked some gnp and got an armbar and you thing GSP was winning? Granted he wasn’t in it 100% but he got worked.

Hughes wins this one, but not as guaranteed as Wandy KIlLS Liddell.

Yeah i’v seen his past fights and they where all scrubs.Only people he’s beat was Hughes the 2nd fight.Thats it! I know technically be beat BJ but that fight was bullshit and BJ got ROBBED.I dont think he’ll beat Hughes twice.I’d love to see him vs Nick Diaz or Robbie Lawler.

There have to be a few more excuses you can think of, kind of a short list, don’t you think?

I think GSP wins this fight for the following reason: He’s just too much for Matt Hughes. Entirely too much. If 6.5 minutes of total domination over Hughes isn’t an indicator of how much better GSP is than Hughes, I don’t know what is. Well, he could have dominated him for much longer, but Hughes felt like grabbing a bedtime snack (GSP’s shinbone), before going to sleep. But WAIT….Hughes will be much better this time and GSP doesn’t know what he’s in for??? HAHA….right. Quite frankly, as Big John McCarthy stated, its just a bad matchup for Matt. GSP WILL be ready, and I can’t wait to see another display of GSP’s dynamic striking and versatility.

There are some fighters who just can’t beat the style of other fighters. For example, Silva vs Franklin or Silva vs anyone or GSP vs Hughes.

GSP is quick and does damage slowly throughout the fight. Let’s hope GSP wins so he can hold the belt for a long time. He’s definately getting better and smarter as a fighter and should be able to hold the belt for a long time after he beats Serra.

why do i have a feeling that gsp could beat rashad in the octogan regardless of the weight difference. im just sayin…

Because he could put a serious beatdown on him. GSP is that good.

Hughes stated that he was hoping to catch GSP off guard with only 5 weeks to prepare.
In my opinion, it’s sounds like Mr. Hughes is a little apprehensive about this fight. As well Matt talks about being unsure about fighting Matt Serra in the future.
Where’s the confidence.
He sounds more worried about what happened last time, he’s been saying over and over that this time will be a different fight, but he has yet to watch a replay of their last fight. I think Big John is on to something, this fight is a bad match up for Matt Hughes. I believe this fight has the potential to be compared to Anderson Silva-Rich Franklin 2.

I think Hughes wins this fight for the following reasons:
1) When they fought last, Hughes took the fight on less than 8 weeks rest after a very tough win over BJ Penn. There is no way that that is enough time to prepare mentally and physically for a fighter like GSP.
2) In their last fight, Hughes made the mistake of thinking he could stand and strike with GSP; he can’t. While it is true that GSP stuffed Hughes’ takedown attempts, those attempts came after Hughes took a few shots, and as I wrote above, Hughes was not in the proper condition for the fight.
3) Hughes is coming into this fight in great shape, and with a game plan that will play to his strengths. While I agree that GSP is great on the ground, I believe that Hughes has the edge there, and if it goes to the ground, I think Hughes will be able to punish him.
4) Hughes is more motivated for this fight then the last one, and I think we will see the Hughes that fought Trigg and Gracie. Hughes is a very dangerous fighter after a loss, and I think he will be focussed a ready.
5) I think GSP is looking past Hughes in the way that Penn did. That is a mistake.
This will be a great fight that can go either way. However, I see Hughes winning by rear naked choke in round 4.

I think Hughes doesn’t have a chance for the following reasons.
“Of note, not one fighter (including Evans) was able to take down St-Pierre and it definitely wasn’t because of a lack of effort. On the other hand, it looked as though St-Pierre took everyone down almost at will with probably a 95% success ratio.”
Gsp has the best takedown defence in the business and he can take ANYONE down (yes,even great wrestlers, 2 weight classes above him). If Rashad can’t get GSP down ,then Hughes sure as hell won’t.
Lastly, Hughes is nothing but a punching bag, in the standup. Hughes is just too slow for GSP. HE can’t andle is riddum.

GSP will Finish Hughes within 3 rounds….My guarentee of the year.

Yep, guarenteed 3rd round finish, Probably won’t last that long though,unless GSP has something to prove in his wrestling department. It will take longer to school Hughes in wrestling than to just KHTFO.

“A reality TV series should not interfere with title defenses.”
WELL SAID!! i’ve been sayin the same shit for awhile now. im sick of havin to wait a year to see the titles defended
leave the champions out of the show and let them do what they r supposed to be doin and that is defendin their belt..

I’ll add another vote to that.

LOL.
I have 2 agree with everyone saying GSP could take Rashad.
People that say Hughes will win have not been around the UFC for long.
Watch all of GSP’s fights. Rarely does he ever lose a round.
The first time he lost, I’d say he was winning the fight, and the second fight, well we all kno what happened
Yeah i’v seen his past fights and they where all scrubs.Only people he’s beat was Hughes the 2nd fight.Thats it! I know technically be beat BJ but that fight was bullshit and BJ got ROBBED.I dont think he’ll beat Hughes twice.I’d love to see him vs Nick Diaz or Robbie Lawler.

You must be a newbie to the sport. Gsp beat the best there is and Diaz and Lawler ain’t them. Alot of your so called scrubs, were former CHAMPIONS.

LOL.
I have 2 agree with everyone saying GSP could take Rashad.
People that say Hughes will win have not been around the UFC for long.
Watch all of GSP’s fights. Rarely does he ever lose a round.
The first time he lost, I’d say he was winning the fight, and the second fight, well we all kno what happened
GSP wins this fight imo, but how the f*ck can you say he was winning the first fight? Did you even watch it? A spinning back kick and a takedown that your opponent gets up from does not add up to a won round. Hughes slammed him, worked some gnp and got an armbar and you thing GSP was winning? Granted he wasn’t in it 100% but he got worked.

Jono ,many people had GSP ahead on the scorecards (Joe Rogan),the UFC JUDGES included. It was a close fight, but GSP was definitly NOT getting worked. You need to rewatch that fight from an OBJECTIVE point of view.

I think Hughes wins this fight for the following reasons:

1) When they fought last, Hughes took the fight on less than 8 weeks rest after a very tough win over BJ Penn. There is no way that that is enough time to prepare mentally and physically for a fighter like GSP.

2) In their last fight, Hughes made the mistake of thinking he could stand and strike with GSP; he can’t. While it is true that GSP stuffed Hughes’ takedown attempts, those attempts came after Hughes took a few shots, and as I wrote above, Hughes was not in the proper condition for the fight.

3) Hughes is coming into this fight in great shape, and with a game plan that will play to his strengths. While I agree that GSP is great on the ground, I believe that Hughes has the edge there, and if it goes to the ground, I think Hughes will be able to punish him.

4) Hughes is more motivated for this fight then the last one, and I think we will see the Hughes that fought Trigg and Gracie. Hughes is a very dangerous fighter after a loss, and I think he will be focussed a ready.

5) I think GSP is looking past Hughes in the way that Penn did. That is a mistake.

This will be a great fight that can go either way. However, I see Hughes winning by rear naked choke in round 4.

If these are the reasons why Matt Hughes will win the fight, than GSP will win the fight. Period.

You know there was a time when I really liked Matt Hughes but after that moment on the reality series where he was dissing George before their rematch, I sort of lost some respect for him as a fighter and a person.

Regardless of that… I think this will be an interesting fight.. George is certainly the superior fighter, no question. But will Matt have changed up his game plan this go? Their last re-match saw Matt totally out of his element… trying to stand with a very talented striker. I remember thinking what the F are you doin? Although it has been said that Matt has improved his stand-up (and he has) it’s just nowhere near George’s level. And so we’ll certainly see the Matt Hughes of the past, shooting probably right out of the box, every chance he gets… and if he can get him down and keep him down (two very tall orders) could he ground him out or submit him?

Momentum and mental strength play an important part of the fight game. What happens if Matt can neutralize George’s striking or even get him down and pound him a little. That could throw George’s game off, throw his fight rhythm off.

One could argue that anything is possible… but what is probable?

It’s probable that George will win this fight.

But if George comes in a little “off” though and Matt comes in at 100%, then you could see an upset.

I’m looking forward to this fight. I hope it’s exciting.

I know that it is now popular to bash Hughes, but if you look at his record, you will see that he is not someone to take lightly. Other than losses to Penn and GSP (On Seven weeks rest after a fight), Hughes has dominated the division for the past several years.
Hughes dominated Sherk, he tko’d Penn, he beat Trigg twice. GSP also won against these fighters, but he was not as decisive against Sherk (Only three rounds as well) and he barely beat Penn. I have a great deal of respect for GSP as a fighter, but I think it is a mistake to write off Hughes.
As for the bit about Rashad, “Don’t believe the hype.” If Hughes comes into this fight in great shape, focussed, and with a game plan, GSP is in for a long night. Hughes is better on the ground for sure, and I am not convinced that GSP’s takedown defense is enough to stuff Hughes. We will see.

There have to be a few more excuses you can think of, kind of a short list, don’t you think?

i read his post and i didnt seem like excuses, it seemed like his reasons for believing hughes will win.
 but i guess since its hughes winning he shouldnt post it

I know that it is now popular to bash Hughes, but if you look at his record, you will see that he is not someone to take lightly. Other than losses to Penn and GSP (On Seven weeks rest after a fight), Hughes has dominated the division for the past several years.
Hughes dominated Sherk, he tko’d Penn, he beat Trigg twice. GSP also won against these fighters, but he was not as decisive against Sherk (Only three rounds as well) and he barely beat Penn. I have a great deal of respect for GSP as a fighter, but I think it is a mistake to write off Hughes.
As for the bit about Rashad, “Don’t believe the hype.” If Hughes comes into this fight in great shape, focussed, and with a game plan, GSP is in for a long night. Hughes is better on the ground for sure, and I am not convinced that GSP’s takedown defense is enough to stuff Hughes. We will see.

  I agree with true believe to a point, hughes isn’t one to take lightly and this should be a good fight. But disagree with the comment “gsp also won against these fighters, but he was not as decisive against Sherk”?? Gsp is the only fighter to finish sherk, he dominated him and tko’ed him in the second round. I personally think gsp will win and I’m a hughes fan, gsp is more well rounded than hughes and I agree with big johns assessment that there a bad match up style wise. I guess we’ll find out who’s right come dec 29th but I predict a fight similar to there last fight.

I have a feeling Matt is going to surprise us this time around.

I don’t think anyone is taking hughes lightly, but GSP totally dominated him in their last fight. GSP also dominated Sherk, another “great” wrestler, and Koscheck simply could not take GSP down. Thus GSP is the best wrestler in the UFC—without a doubt. Since we all can agree that GSP is a better striker than hughes, that just leaves the ground game. Can hughes catch GSP in another fluke submission? Fool GSP twice??